PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Steve Rock (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and All Standup (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Rock comes into the arena with Fever Dream blaring out of the sound system. We have two fighters making their debuts here, so let's see who comes out of this one with their first professional victory.

Rock
vs
Standup

173 cm
18
155 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

200 cm
22
155 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter striker
Cuts easily

BJJ White Belt
Good kicks
Determined

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 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Steve Rock!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, All Standup!
The judges for this bout are Bruno Lombardi, John Roberts and Alyssa Summers.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Standup throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
A head kick from Standup lands but Rock takes it in his stride.

Rock is rocked!

It looks like Steve Rock has been cut.

Rock changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Standup looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Standup is looking for a sweep.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!

Rock is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Standup is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
Rock postures up a little and throws a couple of hammerfists but they don't connect properly.
Standup is looking for a sweep.
Both fighters take a look at the clock.

Rock is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Standup is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
Standup is looking for a sweep.
Rock is pausing for a moment. What's he doing? It looks like he's clearing his nose. Oh dude! He's shot a load of snot all down Standup's shoulder. That is not cool.

Rock is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Standup knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.

Rock wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Standup, who protects the arm well.
Rock is breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Standup gets one leg under and gets the fight to half guard.
Standup makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Standup.

Rock drops back, looking for a kneebar! Standup looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Standup looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Standup!
Standup tries to move into full mount but can't pass Rock's legs.
Standup is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
Standup wants to lay and pray for a moment but Rock keeps working.
An elbow from Standup crashes against the mat.
Standup trying to control the position but Rock is working away.
Standup might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Rock kaven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Standup working the ground and pound but Rock is defending the strikes.

Standup tries for a kimura but Rock is defending well.
Rock can't do much from the bottom here.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fight is doing enough on the ground.
Standup avoids a punch combination nicely.
Standup throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.

Rock takes the fight into the clinch.
Rock lands an elbow that stopped Standup in his tracks for a moment.
Standup has had enough of the clinch but Rock keeps him there for the moment.
Rock wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Standup jumps guard but Rock stands there with Standup around his waist. Standup gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Standup tries to score a body lock takedown but Rock shows good agility there to stay on his feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rock misses with an elbow strike.
Standup goes for a takedown in the clinch but Rock prevents it.
Steve Rock has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of All Standup.
Standup prevents the takedown attempt.

Standup jumps guard and drags Rock to the mat. He's obviously going to be looking for submissions off his back.

Standup looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.

Standup has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Rock can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Standup manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Rock manages to get himself to full guard.
Standup must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Standup pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Rock is keeping the position for now.
Standup trying to control the position from guard on top but Rock is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Standup drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Standup jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Standup wants to control from the top but Rock keeps moving.

Standup thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Standup with a flurry of punches that miss.
Rock bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Standup's guard.
Rock pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Standup is keeping the position for now.
Rock wants to control from the top but Standup keeps moving.
Rock slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Rock is looking to take a break and control but Standup is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but All Standup will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Steve Rock's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Standup throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Rock shoots in and drives through. Standup sprawls well.
Rock takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.

Rock closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.

Rock successfully pulls guard.
Rock lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Standup!
A nice elbow there by Rock.
Rock trying to control but Standup is having none of it.

Rock is working on an americana here. Ooh, that looks pretty nasty! Nope, Standup has managed to escape the submission attempt.

Rock looking for an armbar but decides to keep the dominant position instead.

Rock looking for an armbar but decides to keep the dominant position instead.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Standup tries to hold on but Rock postures up.
Rock scoring with some good ground and pound from mount here. Will he manage to finish Standup?
Rock unloading with bombs!

Standup is rocked!
Standup is controlling an arm, preventing Rock from taking his back. Although keeping him in mount is no better to be honest.

Rock stands up from mount. Strange move.
Standup throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Standup avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Rock.
Standup tries a head kick but it misses.

Rock shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Standup's guard.

Standup has an active guard here but Rock has managed to pass into half guard.
Standup is looking to improve his position.
Rock is thwarting Standup's attempts to control the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Rock seems to be looking for submissions.
Standup is looking to control Rock's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Standup avoid being mounted?

Standup looking for submissions off his back.
Standup manages to get to full guard.

Rock is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.
Standup not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fight is doing enough on the ground.
Standup lands with an overhand left.
Standup lands a glancing blow to the side of Rock's head.
All Standup seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Rock swings and misses with a hook to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Standup scores to the head and body with a nice combination!
Standup misses with a few strikes there.
Standup tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.

Rock instigates a clinch.
The is referee keeping an eye on Rock - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.

Rock is trying to trip Standup. He has hold of a leg but Standup is hopping around, keeping his balance for the moment. Rock persists though and gets the takedown into guard.
Rock slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
Standup takes a couple of big shots there - the referee warns him that he has to defend himself better.

Rock stands up and we're back to a striking position.
Rock misses with a wild combination.

A big head kick from Standup and Rock is sent sprawling to the canvas!
Oh Rock is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!
Standup trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.

Rock has his foot on Standup's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Standup works his way back into a safe position though.
Rock seems to have got his legs back now.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Standup wants to control from the top but Rock keeps moving.
Standup wants to pass the guard but Rock is keeping the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Standup postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Standup stopping the sweep attempt from Rock.

Standup is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.
Standup trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Standup misses with a wild combination.
Rock takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Standup lands a head shot.
Rock on the wrong end of a nice hook.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Standup scores with a nice one two combo and darts back out of range to avoid anything coming in the opposite direction.
Rock shoots in but no luck this time.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Steve Rock. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Standup changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Rock closes this distance looking for a takedown but Standup circles away.
Standup swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Steve Rock dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Steve Rock's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

Standup looks to land a combination but Rock avoids it well.
Rock tries to clinch but Standup is having none of it.
Rock has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.
Standup misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Standup lands with an uppercut that bounces Rock off the cage and back into rage.
A head kick misses from Standup.
Standup throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Rock misses with a two punch combination.
Standup lands a head kick. Rock smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
Standup is using his reach advantage to land shots from outside his opponent's range.
Standup misses with a head kick.
Steve Rock is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Standup tries a head kick but it misses.
Standup throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Rock misses with a body shot.
Standup looks to land a combination but Rock avoids it well.
Standup tries a head kick but it misses.
Rock ducks right into an uppercut from Standup.
Standup tries a head kick but it misses.
Rock scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.

Rock shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Rock showed some decent athleticism there.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Rock sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Standup defending well though.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rock working to pass to mount. He's got his hand pressing down on Standup's thigh. Standup counters though and makes it back to full guard.
Standup keeping moving, preventing Rock from controlling successfully.
Standup bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Rock's guard.
Rock manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Standup manages to get himself to full guard.

Rock drops back looking for a leg! Standup is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Standup manages to kick Rock off! Rock jumps back into Standup's guard.
Rock wants to control from the top but Standup keeps moving.
Rock looking to pass the guard.

Rock thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rock looking to pass the guard.

Standup looking for a guillotine here but Rock defends easily.
Rock landing with the ground and pound.
Rock looking to pass the guard.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Standup goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.

Rock scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
Rock tries to move into full mount but can't pass Standup's legs.
Rock is putting a hurting on Standup here, landing some big shots from side control.
Standup is trying to improve his position.
Rock is looking to take a break and control but Standup is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rock is really struggling to control Standup but he's trying to hold on to the position.
Standup wants to control but Rock postures up.
Rock content to control the pace. The referee will try and keep them active though.
Standup tries to get back to half guard but can't.

Rock is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Standup has escaped the position, nice work there.
Standup is trying to get back to his feet.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Rock takes a kick to the side of the head.
Standup throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Rock's head.
Standup slips under a jab from Rock.
Standup tests Rock's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Nice sprawl there from Standup as Rock shoots in.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Standup closes the distance and clinches up with Rock, looking for a takedown. Standup pushes Rock against the cage but Rock circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Rock shoots in and drives through. Standup sprawls well.
Standup pulls out of a head kick attempt.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Rock crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Standup - the referee stops the clock and Rock gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Standup. Rock manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.
Rock takes one to the chin there.
Rock wants to clinch.
Rock fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Standup lands with a slapping head kick.
Standup lands with an overhand left.
Standup throws a nice head kick!
Standup lets loose with a powerful body kick. Rock will feel that in the morning.
No joy there for Standup, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Standup shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Rock pinned against the cage. Rock gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Rock doesn't manage to clinch there - Standup circles away.
Standup tries a head kick but it misses.

And that's the end of the fight!
All Standup comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Standup has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Bruno Lombardi scores the fight 28:29
Judge John Roberts scores the fight 28:29
Judge Alyssa Summers scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... All Standup!