PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between The Islander (ranked 3360 p4p, 3680 weight class) and Marco Rodrigues (ranked 338 p4p, 366 weight class). Marco Rodrigues has the power to score a knockout today if he connects clean with The Islander's chin.

Islander
vs
Rodrigues

165 cm
25
143
4 - 3 - 0

178 cm
25
155
1 - 0 - 0

Good wrestling
Brawler
Experienced

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent MT
Granite chin

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 4 - 3 - 0, fighting out of The Island, The Islander!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Marco Rodrigues!
The judges for this bout are David Hoff, Bart Greer and Daniel Franklin.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Rodrigues.
Sloppy strikes from Islander. Those never looked like landing.
Rodrigues takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Rodrigues throws a series of punches but Islander avoids them all with ease.
Islander throws a right and a left that Rodrigues avoids nicely.
Islander throws a series of punches but Rodrigues moves out of range.
Islander connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Rodrigues tries to score a power double leg takedown but Islander sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Rodrigues somewhat.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Islander swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Rodrigues keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Islander lands with a right hand.
Islander misses with a wild body shot.
Rodrigues fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Islander avoids it really well and circles away.
The Islander has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Marco Rodrigues.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Islander looks to land a right hand but Rodrigues moved out of range.
Rodrigues drops his hands momentarily and Islander takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Islander swinging wildly here.
Islander misses with a double jab.

Rodrigues shoots in and bounces Islander off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
Rodrigues trying to control the position from guard on top but Islander is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Islander is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Rodrigues trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Islander on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Islander tries to get out of the position.
Islander is pulling down on Rodrigues's head. It's preventing any offense from Rodrigues, at least for the moment.
Rodrigues preventing the sweep.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
The Islander seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Rodrigues closes this distance looking for a takedown but Islander circles away.
Islander swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Islander sets himself, and Rodrigues steps forward looking for the clinch! Islander avoids it this time.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Islander throws out a powerful jab.
Rodrigues shoots in for a double leg but Islander sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Islander was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Islander looks to be in better condition than last time we saw him fight. Obviously he's been working hard on his cardio.
Rodrigues rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Islander moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Rodrigues misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Islander.
As Rodrigues looks to move away, Islander throws a big counter combo but Rodrigues just gets out of the way.
Islander rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Rodrigues moves out of range and avoids them all easily.

Islander tries to sprawl but Rodrigues drives through with a takedown into half guard.
Islander is staying active underneath Rodrigues, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Islander is doing well to control the position and prevent Rodrigues from advancing to side control.
Rodrigues wants to control but Islander is keeping him busy.
Rodrigues sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Islander defending well though.
Islander is refusing to be controlled, as Rodrigues sits in half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rodrigues is pressing down on Islander's thigh, looking to free his foot. Islander is holding on for now.
Rodrigues is looking to take a break and control but Islander is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
No joy there for Islander, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Islander bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Rodrigues's head.
Rodrigues lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Rodrigues throws a sloppy head kick
and Islander counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Islander misses with a body shot.
Rodrigues throws out a counter right but Islander avoids it with no problem.
Islander misses with a wild combination.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

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

Rodrigues darts in trying to clinch
and Islander counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Islander throws a right and a left that Rodrigues avoids nicely.
Islander throws a series of punches but Rodrigues avoids them all with ease.
Islander stalks Rodrigues and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Rodrigues's face. Rodrigues staggers backwards, shaken.
Islander scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Islander misses with the combination.
Islander comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rodrigues slips a jab and a cross from Islander.
Rodrigues fails in his attempt to clinch.
Rodrigues slips a jab and a cross from Islander.

Rodrigues drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Rodrigues wants to control but Islander is keeping him busy.

That's one minute gone in the round.
The strikes coming from Rodrigues are missing the target in this wave of attacks.
Islander parries the strikes from Rodrigues easily there. Rodrigues is wary of posturing up too much because it might enable Islander to escape.
Rodrigues trying to control the action but Islander is working from the bottom.

Rodrigues decides to stand back up.
Islander lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
Rodrigues wants to clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rodrigues takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Islander checks a leg kick.
Rodrigues looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Islander went nuts there looking for a big combo counter but none of the flurry connected.
Rodrigues misses the shot to the body.
Islander lands a two punch combo.
Islander lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Islander.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Rodrigues slips a jab and a cross from Islander.
Rodrigues is trying to counter with his kicks.
The Islander is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Rodrigues shoots in looking for a takedown. Islander tries to sprawl out of it but Rodrigues keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Islander manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Rodrigues tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Islander swivels and escapes.
The Islander has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Marco Rodrigues.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rodrigues tries a head kick but it misses.
The Islander is winning the standup battle so far.
Islander scores with a nice looking left hook and follows it up with an uppercut!
Rodrigues throws a head kick but Islander moves out of range.
Islander misses with a jab, cross combination.
Rodrigues shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Islander counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Rodrigues fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Rodrigues is breathing heavily.
Islander throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Rodrigues.
Rodrigues takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Islander lands with a straight right. Rodrigues didn't see that one coming.
Islander connects with a body shot that sends Rodrigues's belly button to the back.
Islander swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Islander stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rodrigues gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Islander.
Rodrigues tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Islander fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Rodrigues manages to avoid it.
Islander lands a jab to Rodrigues's midsection.
Rodrigues drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Islander lands with a straight right. Rodrigues didn't see that one coming.
Islander defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Rodrigues.
Rodrigues throws a low kick but it's checked well by Islander.
An attempted straight right counter from Islander misses the target.
Rodrigues doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Islander counters with a stiff right hand.
The Islander is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Rodrigues closes the distance and clinches up with Islander, looking for a takedown. Rodrigues pushes Islander against the cage but Islander circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Islander, as that shot connected.
Islander pushes forward with a 1-2 combination that forces Rodrigues back to the cage. Islander follows up with a solid lead hook to the liver.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

The Islander dominated that second round.
That's time! Islander's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!

Rodrigues fails with the takedown
and Islander counters with a left and a right that stings Rodrigues.
Islander throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Rodrigues.
The fight stays on the outside here - Rodrigues looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Islander connects with a looping right hand.
Rodrigues has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Islander swats away the attempt to clinch by Rodrigues.
Left hook, right uppercut from Islander.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Islander throws an overhand right that lands on Rodrigues's shoulder, as Rodrigues tries to avoid the shot.
Rodrigues with a lazy takedown attempt
and Islander counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Islander cracks Rodrigues with an open hand slap.
Rodrigues shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Islander bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Rodrigues shoots in but Islander avoids the takedown attempt easily.
The Islander has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Marco Rodrigues.
Islander throws a nice looking combination but Rodrigues bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Rodrigues throws a lazy head kick
and Islander counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Rodrigues thinking.
Islander scores with a jab to the body.
Islander listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Islander fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Islander leaves Rodrigues with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Rodrigues takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Rodrigues has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Rodrigues there as he acknowledges the shot.
Islander throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Rodrigues on the side of the head.
Rodrigues doesn't manage to clinch there - Islander circles away.
Islander was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Rodrigues.
Islander throws a good cross that connects.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Rodrigues shoots in looking for a takedown but Islander manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Rodrigues's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Rodrigues is looking to clinch.
Rodrigues dives in and grabs Islander's left leg, looking for a takedown. Islander pushes down on Rodrigues's head and hops out.
Islander misses the shot to the body.
Islander scores with a sloppy right hand. Rodrigues should have avoided that one.
Islander shuffles to his left behind two crisp jabs. Rodrigues eats them both and turns towards Islander to reposition himself and eats a stinging right hand-left hook combo.
Rodrigues tries to bum rush Islander with a series of wild strikes but Islander uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Islander is looking to counter punch.
Islander scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Rodrigues doesn't seem bothered though.
Islander scores with the left hand. Rodrigues knows he should have avoided that one.
Rodrigues walks into a straight right hand from Islander.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rodrigues takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Rodrigues shoots for a takedown but Islander saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Islander scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Rodrigues doesn't seem bothered though.
Rodrigues takes one to the side of the head.
Rodrigues takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
Islander fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Rodrigues looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Islander stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Islander looks to land a combination. Rodrigues sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.

Rodrigues is rocked!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Rodrigues shoots in for a takedown but Islander shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Rodrigues is still on wobbly legs! Can Islander finish him?
Rodrigues throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Islander's waist but Islander gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Rodrigues off to one side.
Rodrigues seems to have recovered his senses.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Rodrigues.
Islander lands with a straight right. Rodrigues didn't see that one coming.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Islander connects with a crisp jab.
Islander throws a right and a left that Rodrigues avoids nicely.
Islander throws a one two combo.
Islander misses with a wild combination.
Left hook, right uppercut from Islander.
Rodrigues drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Rodrigues tries to clinch but Islander is having none of it.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Islander swings away with a body shot that misses

and Rodrigues counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
Marco Rodrigues has got the better of the ground game so far.
Rodrigues trying to control from half guard but Islander is working away.
Marco Rodrigues has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Islander is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.

And that's the end of the fight!
The Islander showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Islander, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 David Hoff scores the fight 30:26
Judge Bart Greer scores the fight 30:26
Judge Daniel Franklin scores the fight 30:26

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... The Islander!