PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Conor Tiernan (ranked 1039 p4p, 120 weight class) and Elijah David (ranked 2230 p4p, 247 weight class). Tiernan comes to the cage accompanied by Tartanic - Unavoidable - 09 BAllZ/Ringworm. Elijah David told me before the fight that he's been watching a lot of DVDs so let's see if that helps him in this one! I can't wait to find out!

Tiernan
vs
David

175 cm
30
165 lbs
11 - 5 - 0

167 cm
29
165 lbs
8 - 7 - 0

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
World class MT
Powerful

Urban Fighter
Sin City Allstars

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 11 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Conor Tiernan!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 7 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Elijah David!
The judges for this bout are Patrick Alders, Saam Ante and Aafke Stam.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Tiernan misses with a straight right.
Tiernan misses with a right hand
and David counters with a good low kick that Tiernan was not able to check.
David throws a right hand that Tiernan ducks under and follows up with a left that Tiernan also avoids with ease.
Tiernan misses with a looping left.
A big left from Tiernan misses.
David is clearly trying to counter these attacks from Tiernan with a body shot.
We've been told by Tiernan's head coaches at Shark Tank MMA that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Tiernan throws an overhand right that lands on David's shoulder, as David tries to avoid the shot.
David flicks out a counter leg kick but Tiernan steps away.
Tiernan uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by David.
David lands a body shot.
The crowd cheers as David lands an impressive looking overhand right. Tiernan doesn't seem phased though.
David shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Tiernan throws a chopping leg kick but David manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Nice jab there from Tiernan.
Tiernan throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
David on the wrong end of a nice jab.

Tiernan fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with David, pushing him back against the cage.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Tiernan misses with the head strike.
Tiernan manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.
Tiernan tries to work over David's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Tiernan misses with a short punch on the inside.

That's one minute gone in the round.
David pushes off an throws an elbow but Tiernan leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
David fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
David has a couple of punches blocked by Tiernan.
Tiernan has a couple of punches blocked by David.
David lands a nice elbow from the clinch.

It looks like Conor Tiernan has been cut.
David throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Tiernan has a couple of punches blocked by David.
David looks to throw an elbow but misses.
David lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Tiernan tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Tiernan misses with the head strike.
Tiernan doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
David pushes Tiernan back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
David swings away with an uppercut that misses.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Tiernan creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
David throws a head punch that misses.
David looks to throw an elbow but misses.
David can't find room to land a body shot as Tiernan controls the action.
David throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
Tiernan lands with a left to the head.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Tiernan can't find room to land a body shot as David controls the action.
Tiernan takes an elbow to the forehead.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
David blocks a punch to the side of the head.
David blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
David lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
With the fighters up against the cage, David throws an elbow but misses.
We can't be sure of the tactics at this early stage but we have heard that David has been working on his takedowns a lot in the buildup to the fight and we can only assume he's going to look to take this to the mat.
Tiernan avoids a wild elbow strike from David.
Tiernan working aggressively here.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Tiernan.
David fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Tiernan misses with the head strike.
David is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Tiernan gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Tiernan blocks an elbow strike from David.
With the fighters up against the cage, David throws an elbow but misses.
Tiernan lands a shoulder strike.
Tiernan is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but David is keeping busy.
David tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Tiernan.
David blocking some punches.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for David.
David looking for a takedown.
Tiernan avoids the elbow strike from David, against the cage.
David blocks an uppercut.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
David prevents a body shot from Tiernan.
Tiernan swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Tiernan blocks the elbow strike.
David misses with the head strike.
Tiernan misses with the head strike.
David tries a body shot but Tiernan blocks it.
Tiernan digs a right hand underneath David's ribcage. David let out a lung full of air as it connected.
With the fighters up against the cage, David throws an elbow but misses.
David lands with a right to the head.
Tiernan misses with some punches.
Tiernan throws a punch but it's blocked by David.
Tiernan is trying to drag David to the mat but David just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
David working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Tiernan misses with some punches.
David working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Tiernan misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Tiernan swings wildly with an uppercut but David uses good head movement to avoid it.
Tiernan working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Tiernan looking to slow down the pace here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Good body shot from Tiernan.
Tiernan lands a hook to the side of the head.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Tiernan lands with a light punch inside.
Tiernan swings away with an uppercut that misses.
David throws an elbow but it's blocked.
David pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the cage.
Tiernan misses with a short punch on the inside.
Tiernan misses with a body punch.
Tiernan struggles to land a body shot inside as David controls his hands.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Tiernan takes an elbow to the temple.
Tiernan blocks an elbow strike.
David tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
David working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Tiernan blocks an elbow strike.
Tiernan digs a right hand into David's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on David's gas tank.
Tiernan tries a body shot but David blocks it.
David gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
David swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Tiernan misses with a body punch.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Elijah David will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Conor Tiernan's cut.
That's time! Back to the action!

Tiernan lands a high kick!
David scores with a shot to the body.
David loads up on a big right hand but Tiernan slips the punch.
Tiernan throws a right hand that misses
and David counters with a right hand to the body.
David fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Tiernan looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
David has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Tiernan finds it's way round the side to connect with David's head.
Tiernan scores with a punch to the head.

Tiernan closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Tiernan misses with a short punch on the inside.
Tiernan scores with a shot to the side of David's head.
A head punch blocked on the inside by David.
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!
Tiernan lands a hook that snaps the head of David backwards.
Conor Tiernan has scored more points in the clinch so far.
A short right hand to the side of the head by David.
David blocks a body shot from Tiernan.
Tiernan throws a punch but it's blocked by David.
David wants to take the fight to the mat but Tiernan manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Tiernan lands a shot to the body.
A head punch on the inside from Tiernan fails to land.
David misses with some punches.
Tiernan dodges an elbow strike from David.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tiernan throws a punch but it's blocked by David.
David wants to take the fight to the mat but Tiernan manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
A head punch blocked on the inside by David.
Tiernan presses David against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Tiernan pushes David back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Tiernan.
Tiernan swings wildly with an uppercut but David uses good head movement to avoid it.
Tiernan is leaning against David and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Tiernan fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Tiernan lands with a light punch inside.
Tiernan avoids the elbow strike from David, against the cage.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Tiernan.
David tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Tiernan swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Tiernan has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. David is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Tiernan.
David misses with a hook from the clinch.
David throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
Tiernan misses with a body punch.
Tiernan avoids a wild elbow strike from David.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tiernan is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Tiernan is trying to stall.
David blocking some punches.
Tiernan misses with a short punch on the inside.
Tiernan goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Tiernan blocks an elbow strike from David.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
David pushes off an throws an elbow but Tiernan leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
Tiernan is looking for a takedown up against the cage. David gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Tiernan.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, David just misses with a elbow thrown towards Tiernan's brow.
Tiernan has a couple of punches blocked by David.
Tiernan blocks the elbow strike.
Nice elbow from David.
David lands a nice elbow.
Tiernan misses with some punches.
David misses with an elbow strike.
Tiernan slows down the pace here.
David throws an elbow but it misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A head punch on the inside from David fails to land.
Tiernan blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Nice body punch from David - that landed with a thud.
Tiernan doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
David working aggressively here.
David blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Tiernan misses with a body punch.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Tiernan.
David misses with some punches.
David's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Tiernan throws a punch but it's blocked by David.
Tiernan lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
David blocks an uppercut.
Tiernan throws a punch but it's blocked by David.
David lands with a short shot to the head.
A head punch on the inside from David fails to land.
David scores with a shot to the side of Tiernan's head.
David lands a damaging elbow.
David blocks an uppercut.
Tiernan misses with some punches.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
David blocks a body shot from Tiernan.
David creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
David blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Tiernan dodges an elbow strike from David.
Tiernan can't find room to land a body shot as David controls the action.
David misses with a punch to the body.
Tiernan stalls.
A head punch on the inside from Tiernan fails to land.
David misses with an elbow strike.
A short right from David.
A short uppercut from Tiernan.
David is trying to drag Tiernan to the mat but Tiernan just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Conor Tiernan has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Elijah David.
Nice elbow from David.
Tiernan tried to land a shot to the body but connects with David's elbow.
David misses with a shot to the kidneys.
David lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Tiernan tries a body shot but David blocks it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Conor Tiernan will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Conor Tiernan's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

David fails to land with a series of punches.
Tiernan avoids the body shot from David.
Tiernan waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract David.
David steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Tiernan.
David is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Tiernan rather than just go for the knockout.
Tiernan attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
A head kick misses from David.
Tiernan defends well against a solid takedown attempt from David.
A right-left combo lands from David.
Tiernan lands with a kick to the ribs.
David shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Tiernan as he jumps to the side.
Tiernan lands a head shot.
Tiernan shoots for a takedown but David saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Tiernan walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. David checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
A left lands for Tiernan.
Tiernan throws a jab but it's blocked by David.
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!
David throws a hook but Tiernan blocks it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tiernan misses with a jab, cross combination.
Tiernan misses with an uppercut.
Tiernan's hands are dropping dangerously low here and David connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Tiernan scrambles back to his feet.
Tiernan moves forwards but David connects with a nice, crisp jab.
A punch combination from David misses.
A counter left hand to the body from Tiernan misses its target.
David misses with an uppercut

and Tiernan counters by moving into the clinch.
Tiernan working aggressively here.
A head punch on the inside from David fails to land.
David tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Tiernan avoids the elbow strike from David, against the cage.
Tiernan lands a left hand that snaps the head of David backwards.
David throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
Good body shot from Tiernan.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Tiernan creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
David comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Tiernan working aggressively here.
Tiernan tries to work over David's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Tiernan blocking some punches.
Tiernan blocks an elbow strike.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
David has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Tiernan is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Conor Tiernan has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Elijah David.
Tiernan fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Tiernan tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
David misses with an elbow strike.
David misses with some punches.
Tiernan lands with a short shot to the head.
Tiernan blocks a punch to the side of the head.
David lands a left hand.
David misses with a punch on the inside.
David throws an elbow that misses.
Tiernan swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Tiernan tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
A short right from Tiernan on the inside.
David gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Tiernan misses with the head strike.
David blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
A quick uppercut on the inside from David.
Tiernan scores with an uppercut up the middle.
A short right from Tiernan on the inside.
David blocking some punches.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
With the fighters up against the cage, David throws an elbow but misses.
A shot in the inside from Tiernan.
Tiernan lands a body punch in the clinch.
David swings away with an uppercut that misses.
David misses with a hook from the clinch.
Tiernan cracks David with a nice body shot.
David takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Tiernan misses with the head strike.
Tiernan lands a hook to the side of the head.
A short uppercut from Tiernan.
David misses with an elbow over the top.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, David just misses with a elbow thrown towards Tiernan's brow.
Tiernan lands a left hand.
David misses with a punch on the inside.
Tiernan gets through David's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Tiernan.
David lands an elbow that stopped Tiernan in his tracks for a moment.
Tiernan working aggressively here.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Tiernan swings wildly with an uppercut but David uses good head movement to avoid it.
Tiernan blocking some punches.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tiernan prevents a takedown attempt there.
A head punch on the inside from Tiernan fails to land.
David throws an elbow but it misses.
Tiernan lands with a right to the head.
David creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
David misses with the head strike.
Tiernan lands a left hand.
Tiernan avoids the elbow strike from David, against the cage.
Tiernan misses with the head strike.
Tiernan misses with some punches.

Tiernan has moved round to his opponent's back and is looking for a suplex! Oh snap! He's tossed David clear over his head and slammed him to the mat!
Tiernan controls the position.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.

Tiernan is working really hard to secure the rear naked choke. David defends successfully for a significant amount of time. Both fighters are looking very determined.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Conor Tiernan clearly takes that round.
The cut man is working on Conor Tiernan's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

David forces Tiernan back against the cage and clinches.
Tiernan misses with a hook from the clinch.
David pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the cage.
Tiernan swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Tiernan fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Tiernan blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Tiernan scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Tiernan misses with some punches.
David scores with a hook to the body.
David throws a head punch that misses.
Tiernan tries for a takedown but David manages to get underhooks.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
David lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
David tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, David just misses with a elbow thrown towards Tiernan's brow.
Tiernan taking a breather.
With the fighters up against the cage, David throws an elbow but misses.
Tiernan blocks a punch to the side of the head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
David tries to throw a body punch but Tiernan avoids it by throwing David back against the cage.
David is working Tiernan over against the cage.
Tiernan scores with a shot to the side of David's head.
With the fighters up against the cage, David throws an elbow but misses.
David lands an elbow that stopped Tiernan in his tracks for a moment.
David has a couple of punches blocked by Tiernan.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Tiernan.
David throws a head punch that misses.
Tiernan blocks an elbow strike.
David tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Tiernan's elbow.
Tiernan makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
A head punch blocked on the inside by David.
Tiernan blocks an elbow strike from David.
Tiernan dodges an elbow strike from David.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
David scores with a shot to the side of Tiernan's head.
David misses with the head strike.
A head punch on the inside from Tiernan fails to land.
A short right hand to the side of the head by David.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A shot in the inside from David.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Tiernan.
Tiernan avoids the elbow strike from David, against the cage.
Tiernan misses with a hook from the clinch.
Tiernan misses with a hook from the clinch.
David prevents a body shot from Tiernan.
Tiernan throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Davids head.
Tiernan misses with a short punch on the inside.
David lands a left hand.
Tiernan has a couple of punches blocked by David.
Tiernan fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
David blocking some punches.
Tiernan throws a head punch that misses.

Tiernan has David pressed up against the cage. He's trying to work for a single leg takedown. Tiernan pulls back from the cage and twists to the side, sending David tumbling to the mat - Tiernan dives into David's guard.
Tiernan wants to stand but David is controlling his posture from full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tiernan wants to control from the top but David keeps moving.
David tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Tiernan trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Tiernan is looking to stand up but David won't let him.
Tiernan slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.
Tiernan wants to get up but he can't break David's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
David shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Tiernan as he jumps to the side.
David digs a good hook to Tiernan's body.
Tiernan dives in for a single leg takedown but David sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Elijah David seems to be getting the better of the standup.
David darts in looking for a takedown but Tiernan gets double underhooks and turns David into the cage.

Tiernan shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.
David moves into full guard.
Tiernan trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close fourth round but I would say that Conor Tiernan will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Conor Tiernan's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. This is the final round!

David swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Tiernan lands with a nice combination. David backs away looking to recover.
David slips a jab from Tiernan.
Tiernan moves out of range as David strikes.
Tiernan connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
David has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Tiernan finds it's way round the side to connect with David's head.
Conor Tiernan seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
David keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Tiernan throws a hook but David blocks it.
David scores with a decent looking hook.
Elijah David is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Tiernan connects with a jab.
Tiernan throws a looping overhand right but David ducks down to avoid it.
David throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Tiernan misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from David.
Tiernan lands a really nice looking cross but David seems unphased.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
David misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Tiernan takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
David avoids a lazy jab quite easily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tiernan scores with a nice strike.
David takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
David throws a mid kick that lands with a slap.
Tiernan feints a jab promting David to slip. Tiernan then demonstrates his capabilities by jabbing again. David slips again and ducks right into an uppercut.

David is rocked!
Jab, jab by Tiernan - just one landing.
David is still on wobbly legs! Can Tiernan finish him?
David throws an overhand right that lands on Tiernan's shoulder, as Tiernan tries to avoid the shot.
Tiernan lands with a right hand.
Tiernan is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from David.
Tiernan lands a jab to the head.
David shoots in looking for a takedown. Tiernan tries to sprawl out of it but David keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Tiernan manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Tiernan is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
David is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
David gets caught by a big overhand right and goes down! Tiernan gets on top of him and starts throwing some serious punches until the ref intervenes and stops the fight!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:46 of round 5, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Conor Tiernan!
Conor Tiernan retains his lightweight title!
A victorious Conor Tiernan thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.