PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Char Xiu (ranked 472 p4p, 1193 weight class) and Jason Arlington (ranked 62 p4p, 146 weight class). The crowd seem to be enjoying Arlington's choice of entrance music: Unchained Melody. Man, I cannot wait for this one!

Xiu
vs
Arlington

170 cm
24
155
10 - 3 - 1

170 cm
25
145
9 - 4 - 2

Abu Dhabi Champ
World class MT
Insanely flexible

Excellent grappler
World class boxer
Good gas tank

Brooklyn Apothecary

Groove Gear

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 10 - 3 - 1, fighting out of New York, Char Xiu!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 9 - 4 - 2, fighting out of Los Angeles, Jason Arlington!
The judges for this bout are Paul Tew, James Atkins and James Ackerman.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Arlington shoots in for a takedown but Xiu shows good takedown defense.
A telegraphed right hand from Xiu misses the target.
Xiu fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Arlington is out of range.
Arlington throws a big shot that misses.
Arlington swings widly with a right hand
and Xiu counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Xiu swings for the body but Arlington moves out of range.
Arlington is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Xiu.
Xiu misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Arlington.
Arlington swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Arlington throws a leg kick that is checked
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
Arlington misses the body punch

and Xiu counters with a takedown into side control.
Arlington tries to improve position but can't.
Xiu working the ground and pound but Arlington is defending the strikes.
Xiu working away diligently from side control. Landing strikes effectively there - that will score him some points on the judges scorecards.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Xiu in side control, trying to ground and pound but not landing this time.
Sloppy strikes there by Xiu.
Arlington stops Xiu from passing to mount.
Check out the look on Xiu's face as he threw that strike - that's one determined fighter!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Arlington is looking for a sweep.
Xiu working away.
Xiu landing a few strikes.
The ground and pound from Xiu seems to be hitting the mat more than his opponent.
Arlington takes a big shot right to the temple there but he's taken it well.
Xiu cracks Arlington with an elbow. That is naaassty.
Arlington is looking to regain half guard here but Xiu keeps moving and retains side control.
Xiu working away.
Sloppy strikes there by Xiu.
Arlington is not in a great position here, taking some shots.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Arlington struggling a bit here.
Xiu working the ground and pound.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Arlington taking a bit of punishment here - Xiu scoring with strikes.
Xiu is working Arlington over with some ground and pound from side control.
Xiu tries to move into full mount but can't pass Arlington's legs.
Xiu working away diligently from side control. Landing strikes effectively there - that will score him some points on the judges scorecards.

Arlington is rocked!
This has been an exciting period of action!
Arlington taking punishment in the form of punches.
Arlington is still in real trouble! Can Xiu finish him?
Arlington tries to get back to half guard but can't.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
An elbow from Xiu crashes against the mat.
Arlington seems to have recovered his senses.
Arlington regains half guard.
Xiu is pressing down on Arlington's thigh, looking to free his foot. Arlington is holding on for now.

Xiu is trying to work for a kimura but Arlington is defending well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Arlington tries to roll over but Xiu keeps him under control.
Arlington gets back to full guard.
Xiu throws a big elbow that misses.
Arlington looking for a sweep. Not yet Arlington, not yet.
Arlington controls Xiu momentarily but Xiu frees himself.
Xiu working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Arlington's head.
Xiu stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Arlington swivels though and keeps the full guard.

Xiu has gone for a leg lock! Arlington slips out almost immediately though and dives into Xiu's guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Arlington wants to pass the guard but Xiu is keeping the position.
Arlington trying to control the position from guard on top but Xiu is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Arlington looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Arlington advances to half guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Arlington wants to pass the guard but Xiu is defending well.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Char Xiu dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Arlington throws a big shot that misses.
Xiu lands a really nice looking cross but Arlington seems unphased.
Arlington bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Xiu's head backwards.
Arlington with a hook.
Arlington looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Xiu is fending him off so far but Arlington persists. Nope, Xiu circles away and we're back to standing.
Xiu looked to counter that last move with a leg kick but didn't pull the trigger.
Arlington shoots in for a double leg but Xiu sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Arlington misses with a takedown
and Xiu counters with a head kick.
Char Xiu has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jason Arlington.
Nice shot by Arlington.
Xiu is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Arlington can do to turn this around?
Arlington scores with a jab.
Xiu fakes the leg kick and cracks Arlington in the body.
Arlington throws a body shot but no joy.
Arlington with a body punch. A glancing blow.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Xiu slips a jab from Arlington.
Xiu was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
Xiu slips under a jab from Arlington.
Xiu throws a good cross that connects.
Xiu throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Arlington chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Xiu takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Arlington lands with an overhand left.
Jason Arlington seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Arlington shoots in but no luck this time.
Xiu tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Xiu with the inside leg kick.
Xiu with a nice calf kick.
Arlington takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Xiu shoots in looking for a takedown. Arlington tries to sprawl out of it but Xiu keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Arlington manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Arlington tests Xiu's chin there with a solid looking shot.
A jab from Xiu misses.
A little jabbing left from Arlington on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Arlington throws a hook but Xiu avoids it easily.
Xiu fails to land the takedown.
Arlington looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Arlington looks to land a right hand but Xiu moved out of range.
Xiu throws an overhand right that lands on Arlington's shoulder, as Arlington tries to avoid the shot.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Arlington throws a hook but Xiu blocks it.
Xiu throws a body punch but Arlington moves out of range.
Xiu throws a head kick that Arlington semi-blocks.
Arlington throws an off balance right hand

and Xiu counters with a nice double leg into side control. Arlington won't be happy with that.
Arlington takes a nasty elbow to the side of the head.
Xiu in side control lands a nice looking series of punches and elbows.
Xiu lands some shots froms side control.
Xiu tries to move to mount but Arlington blocks the move with his legs.
Xiu working away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Arlington avoids any damage from the ground and pound of Xiu.
Xiu creates a bit of distance and throws down some hard shots.
Xiu lands a few punches from side control.
Arlington is trying to get back to half guard.
Arlington sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.
Xiu sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Arlington defending well though.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Xiu lands a nice short elbow.
Arlington is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Char Xiu overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Xiu tries to pass the half guard into mount. Arlington knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Xiu with the ground and pound but Arlington uses the opportunity to regain guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Arlington is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Xiu scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Arlington is on top in guard.

Arlington stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Xiu swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Arlington trying to control the position from guard on top but Xiu is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Arlington works over Xiu with some ground and pound from guard.

Xiu is looking for a triangle but Arlington pushes his legs off easily.
Arlington won't allow Xiu to sweep him here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Char Xiu dominated that second round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Arlington has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Xiu.
Arlington missing with a left hand there. Xiu was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Arlington throws a hook to the side of Xiu's head but Xiu sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Xiu connects with a leg kick.
Arlington is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Xiu.
Xiu throws a sloppy head kick
enabling Arlington to counter with a crisp jab.
Arlington throws an overhand right that lands on Xiu's shoulder, as Xiu tries to avoid the shot.
Xiu blocks a jab.
Xiu takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Arlington jabs Xiu right on the nose. Xiu blinks but takes it well.
Arlington throws a right hand that misses
and Xiu counters with a nice leg kick.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Arlington lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Jason Arlington seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Arlington uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Xiu has time to react.
Xiu motions for Arlington to come forward. Xiu throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Arlington tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Xiu was well out of range. Poor timing from Arlington.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Arlington checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Arlington throws a jab but it's blocked by Xiu.
Xiu takes one to the chin there.
Xiu takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Xiu swings widly with a right hand
and Arlington counters with a stiff right hand.
Arlington misses with a looping right.
Xiu throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Xiu shoots and misses
and Arlington counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Xiu throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Arlington's head.
Xiu slips under a jab.
Xiu slips a straight right by Arlington.
Xiu swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Xiu steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Arlington.
Xiu just misses with a punch to the body.
Arlington slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
A cross from Arlington lands.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Xiu throws a low kick, looking for Arlington's leg but Arlington calmly moves out of range.
Arlington misses with a looping right.
Xiu uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Arlington.
Xiu uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Arlington.
Arlington just misses with a punch to the body.
Xiu half committed to a counter leg kick.
Xiu looks to land a left hand but Arlington moved out of range nicely.
Xiu scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Xiu bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Arlington's head backwards.
Arlington stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Xiu dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Arlington misses with a hook. Xiu ducked under it nicely.
Arlington avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Xiu takes a swing at Arlington's ribcage but misses.
Xiu throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Xiu takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Xiu slips under a jab from Arlington.
Xiu tried to counter with a leg kick but Arlington avoided it.
Arlington throws the left hand but Xiu avoids the punch easily.
Xiu slips under a jab from Arlington.
Xiu feinted with a counter takedown.
Xiu takes one on the button.
Arlington misses with a wild body shot.
Xiu is looking to land body kicks.
Arlington motions for Xiu to come forward. Arlington throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Arlington fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Arlington throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Xiu wants to slow Arlington down by chopping away at his legs.
Xiu avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Xiu stuns Arlington with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Xiu gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Xiu throws a low kick but it's checked well by Arlington.
Arlington throws a front kick aimed at Xiu's knee but Xiu avoids it well.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Xiu tries to land a leg kick but Arlington saw it coming and moves away.
Arlington throws a jab when Xiu was well out of range.
Xiu ducks under a wild hook from Arlington.
Arlington misses with a jab to the body

and Xiu counters with a single leg into guard. Arlington didn't expect that.
Jason Arlington has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
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!
Arlington preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.

Arlington is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Xiu defends well.
Xiu distracts Arlington with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Xiu loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Xiu looking to pass the guard.
We've been hearing good reports from Xiu's training camp. Apparently he has been rolling around with some good quality BJJ practitioners and has been sharpening his skills. Let's see if that has an impact on the fight today.

Arlington looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.

And that's the end of the fight!
Jason Arlington comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Xiu 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Paul Tew scores the fight 29:28
Judge James Atkins scores the fight 29:28
Judge James Ackerman scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Char Xiu!
Our winner, Char Xiu, made sure he spent some time buttering up the crowd during his post fight interview, which will no doubt bring him a few more fans.