PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Serge Ibaka (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Tyrion Lannister (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Lannister has chosen Justin by Korn as his entrance music. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Ibaka
vs
Lannister

170 cm
36
143 lbs
32 - 8 - 0

166 cm
39
135 lbs
30 - 19 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Dangerous knees
Heavy handed

King of Clothes
Aspire Clothing

Amped Performance

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 32 - 8 - 0, fighting out of London, Serge Ibaka!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 30 - 19 - 0, fighting out of New York, Tyrion Lannister!
The judges for this bout are Eddie Farnsworth, Columbo Gatti and Anthony Taglia.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Lannister closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Lannister can't find room to land a body shot as Ibaka controls the action.
Ibaka lands a right hand that snaps the head of Lannister backwards.
We've been informed that Lannister has been sparring a lot of Muay Thai in the buildup to this fight so let's see if that has an impact on the result.
Ibaka is pressed up against the cage. Lannister has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Ibaka down to the mat. Ibaka avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Lannister goes for a double leg but Ibaka avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Ibaka continues to drive forward.
Ibaka is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from Lannister.
Ibaka blocks the body kick.
Ibaka swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
letting Lannister counter with a right hand.
Ibaka takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Lannister tries to clinch up.
Ibaka misses with a looping left.
Lannister doesn't manage to clinch there - Ibaka circles away.
Lannister connects with a body shot.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Lannister moves in looking to clinch but Ibaka pushes him off.
Ibaka loads up on a big right hand but Lannister slips the punch.
Despite the aggression on Lannister's face he doesn't fully commit to the counter.

Lannister clinches with his opponent.
Ibaka misses with some punches.
Lannister working aggressively here.
A right hook to the body lands for Ibaka.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lannister tries to throw a body punch but Ibaka avoids it by throwing Lannister back against the cage.
Ibaka with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Ibaka has a couple of punches blocked by Lannister.
Lannister struggles to land a body shot inside as Ibaka controls his hands.
Lannister is pushing Ibaka up against the cage, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.

Ibaka's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.

Ibaka moves into the clinch.
Lannister blocks an uppercut.

Ibaka breaks from the clinch.
Ibaka feints a jab promting Lannister to slip. Ibaka then demonstrates his capabilities by jabbing again. Lannister slips again and ducks right into an uppercut.
Lannister moves to clinch but Ibaka breaks away
and Ibaka counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Lannister tries to clinch but Ibaka moves out of range.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Left hook, right uppercut from Lannister.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Lannister throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Lannister throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Ibaka sees it coming and avoids it easily.

Lannister changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Ibaka looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.

Lannister wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Ibaka, who protects the arm well.

Lannister looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.

Lannister is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Ibaka is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
Ibaka on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Ibaka tries to get out of the position.
Lannister trying to control the action but Ibaka is working from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lannister looks up at the clock and then as Ibaka takes his cue and looks up at the clock too, Lannister smacks him right in the chops with a big elbow! How rude!
Lannister wants to lay and pray for a moment but Ibaka keeps working.
Ibaka is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Lannister's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.
Ibaka blocking the ground and pound attempt from Lannister.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Lannister is nestled in close to Ibaka, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.

Lannister is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Ibaka sees it coming and defends easily.
Lannister throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Lannister prevents Ibaka from improving his position.
Lannister trying to advance position but Ibaka counters by regaining guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ibaka pulls Lannister in close to his closed guard and prevents Lannister from doing any damage or advancing position.
Lannister throws a big right hand that misses.
Lannister preventing the sweep.
Lannister trying to control the position from guard on top but Ibaka is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Ibaka is in a tricky position. We've heard reports from his gym mates at England Fight Club MMA that he's been drilling escapes, so let's see if he can get back to his feet.
Lannister throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Ibaka works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Ibaka looking to hit a scissor sweep but Lannister is one step ahead there.
Lannister scoring with punches to the head and body.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Tyrion Lannister will probably get the nod.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Ibaka tries to clinch there but Lannister circles away.
Tyrion Lannister is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Ibaka ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Lannister swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Lannister throws a looping overhand right but Ibaka ducks down to avoid it.
Lannister tries to clinch
and Ibaka counters with a right hand to the body.

Lannister moves into the clinch.
Ibaka blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Lannister misses with a punch on the inside.
Ibaka misses with a punch to the body.
Lannister lands an uppercut.
Ibaka lands a body shot in the clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Lannister presses Ibaka against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Ibaka tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Ibaka lands a right hand.
A shot in the inside from Ibaka.
Lannister throws a head punch that misses.
Serge Ibaka has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Lannister lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Ibaka pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Ibaka keeps the fight on the outside.
Lannister lands a body shot.
Ibaka paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Ibaka throws out a loose jab but Lannister uses good head movement to avoid it.
Lannister throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Ibaka connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Lannister swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Lannister gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
enabling Ibaka to counter with a crisp jab.
Lannister swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Lannister swings away with a body shot that misses
and Ibaka connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Ibaka throws a hook to the side of Lannister's head but Lannister sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Lannister moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Ibaka digs a good hook to Lannister's body.
Tyrion Lannister seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Lannister swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Ibaka counters with a nice uppercut.
Ibaka throws a right and a left that Lannister avoids nicely.
Ibaka throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Despite the aggression on Lannister's face he doesn't fully commit to the counter.
Lannister scores with a jab to the head.
Lannister uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Ibaka.
Lannister ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Ibaka moves away.
Ibaka throwing a counter right hand but Lannister manages to avoid it.
Lannister tries for a takedown but Ibaka circles away easily
and Ibaka counters with a straight right hand.
Lannister throws a lazy head kick
and Ibaka counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Lannister on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Ibaka is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.
Ibaka moves out of range of the body kick from Lannister.
Lannister walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Lannister throws a right and a left that Ibaka avoids nicely.
A slow jab from Ibaka misses its intended target.
Lannister looks like he wants to counter punch here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lannister looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Lannister wants to clinch.
Lannister is looking to clinch but Ibaka is avoiding it.
Lannister wants to clinch.
Lannister throws a leg kick that is checked
and Ibaka counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Lannister misses with a jab to the body
and Ibaka counters with a straight right hand.
Lannister with a lazy takedown attempt
and Ibaka counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Serge Ibaka has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Tyrion Lannister.
Lannister wants to clinch but Ibaka slips to the side
and Ibaka makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Lannister misses the shot to the body.
Lannister walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ibaka takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Ibaka fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Lannister on the side of the head.
Ibaka bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Lannister's head.
Serge Ibaka is winning the standup battle so far.
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!
Ibaka throws a series of punches but Lannister moves out of range.
Ibaka looks to land a combination. Lannister sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
Ibaka lands a nice shot that snaps Lannister's head back.
Lannister tries to clinch but Ibaka is having none of it.
Lannister shoots in looking for a takedown but Ibaka manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Lannister's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Ibaka is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Lannister can do to turn this around?
Lannister is looking to clinch.
Lannister misses with a hook. Ibaka ducked under it nicely.
Lannister tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Ibaka paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Ibaka appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
A cross from Ibaka lands.
Lannister swings widly with a right hand
and Ibaka counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Ibaka misses with a looping right.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Serge Ibaka dominated that second round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

A jab from Lannister misses.
Lannister goes for a double leg but Ibaka avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Ibaka continues to drive forward.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Lannister misses with a hook from the clinch.
Ibaka gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Lannister.
Lannister wants a takedown but no success here.
Serge Ibaka has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Tyrion Lannister.

Ibaka breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Lannister wants to clinch but Ibaka slips to the side
and Ibaka counters with a lovely straight right hand!
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ibaka throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Lannister throws a shot to the body.

Lannister drives through with a takedown into Ibaka's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
Ibaka pulls Lannister in close to prevent any damage.
Ibaka looking to hit a scissor sweep but Lannister is one step ahead there.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lannister looking to pass the guard.
Lannister with a flurry of punches that miss.
Lannister trying to control the position from guard on top but Ibaka is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Ibaka has control of Lannister's left arm, preventing Lannister from doing any damage.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.
Ibaka working a defensive guard here.
Tyrion Lannister has got the better of the ground game so far.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Lannister is looking to work some ground and pound but Ibaka has wrist control.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Lannister shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Ibaka lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
Lannister throws an off balance right hand
and Ibaka counters with a lovely straight right hand!
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Lannister.
Ibaka lands a jab to Lannister's midsection.
Lannister throws a hook but Ibaka blocks it.
Lannister moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.
Lannister rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Ibaka moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Lannister misses with a two punch combination.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lannister misses with a hook
and Ibaka counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Lannister throws a shot from downtown. Ibaka moves away and avoids it.
Ibaka falls off balance throwing a combination
and Lannister counters with a straight right hand.

Lannister closes the distance and pushes Ibaka back into the cage.
Ibaka blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Lannister pressing his opponent against the cage.
Lannister takes a shot to the head.
Ibaka scores with a hook to the body.

Lannister breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Ibaka misses with a series of wild punches.
Sloppy strikes from Lannister. Those never looked like landing.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Ibaka clinches up against the cage.
Nice body punch from Ibaka.
Lannister takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Ibaka throws a punch but it's blocked by Lannister.

Ibaka breaks the clinch.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Lannister misses with a wild body shot.
Nice cross by Ibaka.
Jab, jab by Ibaka - just one landing.
Ibaka scores with a nice head shot.
Ibaka throws a combination. Lannister tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
Ibaka throws a series of punches but Lannister moves out of range.
Lannister with a poor takedown
and Ibaka counters with a straight right hand.
Lannister misses with a shot to the body
and Ibaka counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Lannister wants to clinch up but Ibaka keeps it at a distance.
Ibaka is looking to counter punch.

Lannister clinches.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Serge Ibaka clearly takes that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

A big left from Lannister misses.
Ibaka moves out of range of the body kick.
Ibaka moves away from the strike by Lannister.
Lannister throws a leg kick but Ibaka sees it coming and checks it nicely.
A big left from Ibaka misses.
Lannister throws a right and a left that Ibaka avoids nicely.
Lannister swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Ibaka counters with a nice uppercut.
Ibaka changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Lannister drops his hands momentarily and Ibaka takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Lannister tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Ibaka counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Lannister fails in his attempt to clinch.
Lannister throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Ibaka counters with a lovely straight right hand!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ibaka misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Lannister lands with a nice combination. Ibaka backs away looking to recover.
Lannister throws a predictable looking body shot
and Lannister takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Lannister connects with a leg kick. Ibaka looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Lannister on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Lannister throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Lannister takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.

Lannister is rocked!
Ibaka lands with a straight right. Lannister didn't see that one coming.
Lannister is still on wobbly legs! Can Ibaka finish him?

Lannister fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Ibaka, pushing him back against the cage.
Ibaka leaning his opponent against the cage.
Ibaka can't find room to land a body shot as Lannister controls the action.

Ibaka escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Lannister seems to have recovered his senses.
Ibaka throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Lannister darts in looking for a takedown but Ibaka gets double underhooks and turns Lannister into the cage.
Lannister has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Lannister shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
enabling Ibaka to counter with a crisp jab.
Lannister is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Lannister misses with a low kick.
Ibaka uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Lannister has time to react.
Lannister avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Lannister dodges the punch combination from Ibaka.
Lannister looks for the body kick but Ibaka saw that one coming.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Ibaka.
A combination from Ibaka does no damage.
Lannister tries to close the distance and clinch but Ibaka swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Lannister showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Ibaka.
Lannister tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Ibaka manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lannister throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.

Ibaka gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Ibaka keeping moving, preventing Lannister from controlling successfully.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Lannister passes Ibaka's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Lannister thows a huge punch but Ibaka dodges it nicely.

Lannister is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Ibaka doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Lannister.
Ibaka trying to control from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Lannister prevents Ibaka from improving his position.
Lannister lands strikes from half guard.
Lannister working the head and body with strikes.
Ibaka tries to get to full guard but Lannister has control of the leg.
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. Lannister connects with a nice short shot to Ibaka's temple.

Lannister is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Ibaka sees it coming and defends easily.
Lannister lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Ibaka keeping hold of Lannister's head, controlling as best he can.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Serge Ibaka had his way with Tyrion Lannister in that round.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!

Lannister has Ibaka up against the cage in a clinch.
Lannister misses with some punches.

Lannister lands a takedown into guard.
Ibaka is pulling down on Lannister's head to control his posture.
Lannister trying to control the position from guard on top but Ibaka is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Lannister won't allow Ibaka to sweep him here.
Lannister pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Ibaka is keeping the position for now.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Lannister works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Lannister throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Ibaka is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Lannister is working for a submission of some sort.
Nice strikes from Lannister there.
Lannister is thwarting Ibaka's attempts to control the position.
Ibaka keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Lannister thows a huge punch but Ibaka dodges it nicely.
Ibaka taking some punishment here, with Lannister in his half guard.
Lannister tries to pass the half guard into mount. Ibaka knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Lannister not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.

Lannister is looking for submissions but instead, Ibaka has regained full guard.
Lannister distracts Ibaka with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Lannister stands up over Ibaka, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Lannister looking to pass the guard.
Ibaka lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lannister looking to control.
Lannister trying to punch from his back but it's not doing any damage.
Serge Ibaka is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Lannister looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Ibaka wants to pass the guard but Lannister is keeping the position.
Lannister has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.
Ibaka wants to stand but Lannister is controlling his posture from full guard.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Lannister looking to hit a scissor sweep but Ibaka is one step ahead there.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Tyrion Lannister has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Ibaka pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Good work by Ibaka as he checks the leg kick.
Lannister swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Lannister misses with an uppercut
enabling Ibaka to counter with a crisp jab.
Lannister fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Ibaka manages to avoid it.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Lannister scores with a nice head shot.
Ibaka takes a shot to the body in his stride.
A nice inside leg kick there by Ibaka. That's going to slow Lannister down.

And that's the end of the fight!
Tyrion Lannister comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Ibaka 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 Eddie Farnsworth scores the fight 48:47
Judge Columbo Gatti scores the fight 48:47
Judge Anthony Taglia scores the fight 48:47

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Serge Ibaka!
Serge Ibaka retains his bantamweight title!
Serge Ibaka took to the microphone after his victory and thanked his sponsors, Aspire Clothing for their support in the buildup to the fight.