PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Tree Fortay (ranked 1367 p4p, 1335 weight class) and Charlie River (ranked 127 p4p, 124 weight class). Fortay comes into the arena with The Choice Is Yours blaring out of the sound system. River is bouncing up and down as he enters the arena, backed by Waylon Jennings - I've Always Been Crazy. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Fortay
vs
River

177 cm
39
146
28 - 17 - 1

170 cm
33
142
32 - 21 - 1

Abu Dhabi Champ
World class boxer
Granite chin

Good wrestler
World class MT
Granite chin

Urban Fighter

Bondi MMA 🏝️
Shadow Realm Apparel

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 28 - 17 - 1, fighting out of London, Tree Fortay!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 32 - 21 - 1, fighting out of New York, Charlie River!
The judges for this bout are James Glass, Paul Tew and Colin Fotheringham.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
River takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from River lands where it shouldn't have, right in the... well, you know what he did? He kicked him in the penis. He's injured, injured bad. The referee sends both fighters to their corners and Fortay has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Fortay and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Fortay swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.
Nice uppercut there from River.
Fortay blocks a leg kick.
Fortay swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Fortay digs a good hook to River's body.
A big left from River misses.
River swinging wildly here.
Fortay just misses with a punch to the body.
A telegraphed right hand from River misses the target.
River throws a leg kick but Fortay moved away.
Fortay moves forwards but River connects with a nice, crisp jab.
River uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Fortay.
Fortay takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
River scores with a jab to the jaw.
River takes a shot right to the bread basket.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
River with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Fortay takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Fortay throws a lazy right hand but River sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Fortay uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Fortay dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on River. That did some damage!
Fortay closes the distance and clinches up with River, looking for a takedown. Fortay pushes River against the cage but River circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Fortay cracks River with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Fortay misses with a hook.
Fortay punishes River's body with a nice straight punch.
River scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Fortay scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Fortay pivots, looking for a leg kick but River is out of range and Fortay settles back down.
River blocks a leg kick.
River scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Fortay throws the left hand but River avoids the punch easily.
River ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
River uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Fortay.
A kick lands to the mid section there for River.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
River looks to throw the jab but Fortay is out of range.
Fortay misses with a looping right.
A clash of legs there as River blocks the low kick.
River turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Fortay misses with an uppercut.
Fortay throws a shot to the body.
River changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
River lands with a kick to the ribs.
We've been informed that River 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.
Fortay is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
A slapping leg kick lands for River.
Fortay scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
River lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
River's corner calls for a 1-2. River obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
River with the inside leg kick.
Fortay keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
River lands with a cross.
Fortay connects with a nice looking jab.
River getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
River paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Nice cross by River.
Fortay moves out of range of the body kick from River.
Fortay misses with a hook.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Fortay throws a right hand that misses
enabling River to counter with a crisp jab.
River moves away from the strike by Fortay.
Fortay misses with a body shot.
Fortay throws a lazy uppercut
and River counters with a series of strikes. Fortay will be more careful next time no doubt.
Fortay misses the shot to the body.
River jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Good shot there by River.
A nice inside leg kick there by River. That's going to slow Fortay down.
River dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
River ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
A shot to the liver by River. Beautiful body shot.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
River uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Fortay.
Nice defenses there by River.
River is landing a lot of head punches in this opening round! Fortay had better start moving his head a bit unless he wants his face to turn into mush.
Fortay takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Nice defenses there by River.
Fortay is breathing heavily.
Fortay ducks right into an uppercut from River.
River lands a jab to the head.
A nice leg kick lands there from River.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
River works Fortay's body with a nice hook.
Fortay takes a swing at River's ribcage but misses.
River throws a jab but it's blocked by Fortay.
River keeps Fortay at a distance using the push kick.
River scores with a decent looking hook.
River throws a quick inside leg kick.
Fortay on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by River. River obviously looking to wear him down.
River connects with a jab.
Fortay throws a sloppy head kick and River moves out of range easily.
Fortay fails to land with a series of punches.
Fortay walks into a straight right hand from River.
River throws a nice inside leg kick.
River misses with a hook. Fortay ducked under it nicely.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Fortay misses with a hook.
River tries to land a front kick but Fortay steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
River takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Fortay looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
A telegraphed right hand from River misses the target.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Charlie River dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

River tries to clinch there but Fortay circles away.
Fortay swings for the body but River moves out of range.
A lazy left from River finds it's target.
River connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
River moves into range and connects with a jab.
Fortay thows a left - swing and a miss!
Fortay throws a big shot that misses.
River throws a nice inside leg kick.

River darts in and clinches Fortay up against the cage.
This entire fight has taken place on the feet so far and you wonder whether Fortay might be better served trying to take this one to the ground because he's losing the standup battle so far.
River misses with a body punch.
River working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
River goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
River misses with a shot to the kidneys.
A left hand lands to the body for Fortay.
Fortay fails to pull guard.
River fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Fortay misses with a short punch on the inside.
River working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Fortay escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.

That's one minute gone in the round.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Fortay wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
River has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Fortay doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Fortay scores with a shoulder strike.
A shot in the inside from River.
Fortay is trying to break the clinch but River has him pressed against the cage.
River doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
River tries to throw a body punch but Fortay avoids it by throwing River back against the cage.
Fortay is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
River working some nice short punches in the clinch.
River doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
A nice left hand lands by River.
A right handed body shot lands from Fortay.
A right hook to the body lands for River.
River lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Fortay backwards.
The fighters are starting to get sweaty, which will make takedowns a bit more tricky.
Fortay scores with a shot to the side of River's head.
River swings wildly with an uppercut but Fortay uses good head movement to avoid it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
River lands a nice shot to the body.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted 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!
A short body shot lands from River as the two fighters clinch.
River misses with a hook to the ribs.
Fortay tries to break the clinch but River is controlling the position.
Fortay gets through River's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Fortay lands a nice uppercut.
Fortay taking a breather.

River breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Fortay throws a jab when River was well out of range.
Fortay has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from River.
Fortay uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by River.
River with a nice cross.
Fortay takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Fortay walks into a jab.
Fortay fakes high and swings low for a body shot but River manages to avoid it.
Charlie River seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Fortay looks to land a right hand but River moved out of range.
Fortay misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from River.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
River tries to clinch up.
River misses with a head kick.
Fortay avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Fortay feinted there with a counter leg kick.
Fortay is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by River.
Fortay walks forward, straight into a front kick from River.
River lets loose with a powerful body kick. Fortay will feel that in the morning.
River throws a nice inside leg kick.
River scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
River displaying good standup as he scores with a three punch combination.
Fortay swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
River steps in looking to counter with the mid kick but it doesn't connect.
Fortay misses the shot to the body.
Fortay moves out of range of the body kick.
Fortay drops his hands momentarily and River takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Fortay ducks right into an uppercut from River.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Fortay looks to land a left hand but River moved out of range nicely.
A nice leg kick lands there from River.
River throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Fortay throws a jab when River was well out of range.
River connects with a body shot.
Nice uppercut lands for River. That snapped Fortay's head back.
Fortay on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by River. River obviously looking to wear him down.
Fortay swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by River.
A big left from River misses.
Fortay takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
River uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Fortay.
River looks like he wanted to counter with a high kick but didn't throw it.
Fortay stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from River.
River lands a slapping body shot.
River throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Fortay.
Fortay is looking to counter punch.
River swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Fortay.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
A looping hook to the body misses from River. Fortay does a little dance to reset his feet.
River steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Fortay.
River uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Fortay.
River throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Fortay stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Charlie River showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Back to the action! Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Fortay swats away the attempt to clinch by River.
River misses with a body shot.
A big left from River misses.
Fortay misses the shot to the body.
River throws the left hand but Fortay avoids the punch easily.
Fortay was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
River uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Fortay.
Good leg kick by River.
River pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Fortay is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
An inside leg kick lands from Fortay.
Fortay takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Fortay missing with a left hand there. River was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Fortay fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but River is out of range.
Charlie River seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Good exchange - River coming out on top.
River scores with a jab to the body.
Fortay throws a predictable looking body shot
letting River counter with a right hand.
Fortay throws a lazy right hand but River sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
River bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

The fight moves into the clinch position.

River's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Fortay looks to throw the jab but River is out of range.
Fortay backing away here, and River unleashes a leg kick that just misses.
Fortay misses the jab.
Fortay throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
A low kick lands for River.
Fortay is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
River lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
River connects with a leg kick.
River fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Fortay on the side of the head.
Fortay throws a body punch but River moves out of range.
River cracks Fortay with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Fortay misses with a hook.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by River.
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!
River misses the body punch
and Fortay counters with a nice uppercut.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Fortay on the wrong end of a kick to the body.
A jab from Fortay misses.
River lands a nice leg kick that just misses Fortay's sensitive parts.
Fortay throws a body shot but no joy.
River feints and then cracks Fortay's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Fortay down.
Fortay needs to keep his hands up - River had a free shot at his head there.
River connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
River slips a straight right by Fortay.
River feints and then cracks Fortay's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Fortay down.
Fortay swings for the body but River moves out of range.
River lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Fortay misses with a right hand
and River connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
River thuds his right hand into Fortay's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
River throws a head kick but Fortay moves out of range.
River scores with a jab. Fortay acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Fortay misses with a hook.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
River is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Fortay misses the jab.
The fighters circling - Fortay throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Fortay will be looking to protect his midsection after taking some solid kicks to the body.
Fortay walks forward, straight into a front kick from River.
River connects with a body shot.
River dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
River throws a nice outside leg kick.
A chopping leg kick lands by River.
Fortay takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Fortay avoids the head kick by River.
River connects with a nice looking jab.
Fortay throws an overhand right that lands on River's shoulder, as River tries to avoid the shot.
River jabs at Fortay's body.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
River lands a leg kick that knocks Fortay off balance momentarily.
River's jab looks to have found its range, popping Fortay under the eye.
Fortay doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Tree Fortay has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
River scores with a kick to the body.
River pulls out of a head kick attempt.
River throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Fortay makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Nice body punch from River.
Fortay tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
River wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
River lands with a nice body kick.
A punch lands to the side of Fortay 's head but he takes it in his stride.
River lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
The fight stays on the outside here - River looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
River ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
River scores with a crisp jab that stopped Fortay in his tracks.
River scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Fortay on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.

And that's the end of the fight!
Charlie River comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well River has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 James Glass scores the fight 27:30
Judge Paul Tew scores the fight 27:30
Judge Colin Fotheringham scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Charlie River!
After winning the bout, Charlie River thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.