PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Leo Cristophe (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Cole Tessier (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Leo Cristophe had a look across the cage there at his opponent. He definitely means business

Cristophe
vs
Tessier

168 cm
18
143 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

164 cm
18
140 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
Cuts easily

BJJ Blue Belt
Decent boxing
Intelligent

Koffin Inc.

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 2 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Leo Cristophe!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Cole Tessier!
The judges for this bout are Ren Mimura, Hirohito Nitta and Taro Takaoka.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Cristophe lands a jab to the head.
Tessier changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Tessier throws a sloppy head kick and Cristophe moves out of range easily.
Cristophe ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
A decent looking body kick lands there for Cristophe.
Cole Tessier seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Cristophe rushes Tessier and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.

Tessier pulls Cristophe into guard.
Cristophe content to stall in guard here.

Tessier looking for a guillotine here but Cristophe defends easily.

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

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tessier is trying to control the position but Cristophe postures up.
Tessier looking to hit a scissor sweep but Cristophe is one step ahead there.

Tessier escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Cristophe gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.

Tessier is looking for a triangle but Cristophe pushes his legs off easily.

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

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.
Tessier is trying to control the position but Cristophe postures up.
Cristophe looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Tessier not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.

Cristophe avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Tessier 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.
Tessier keeping moving, preventing Cristophe from controlling successfully.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Tessier working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Cristophe doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Cristophe manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Cristophe passes easily into side control. Nice work.
Tessier tries to get back to half guard but can't.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Tessier sneaks out the side door and pushes Cristophe away - he's back to his feet. The crowd show their appreciation for the escape.
Tessier throws a leg kick that misses.
Cristophe is looking to slow Tessier down with leg kicks.
A jab from Cristophe does it's job there.
Tessier fails with a takedown attempt from distance.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Cristophe bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Tessier throws a hook but Cristophe avoids it easily.
Tessier looks to score with a jab to the body but Cristophe is just out of range.

Tessier scores a takedown into full mount!
Tessier looks gassed!
Cristophe tries to hold on but Tessier pushes him away.
Cristophe tries to reverse the position but Tessier maintains control.
Tessier sends his fist crashing into the mat - the crowd let out a collective ooooooh. Let's hope he's not broken it!
Cristophe holding onto his opponent's waist for dear life, as Tessier tries to land some strikes to get him to release his grip.
Tessier looking to finish with strikes here!
Tessier with shots to the head and body - Cristophe looks very uncomfortable down there.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Cristophe tries to hold on but Tessier pushes him away.
Cristophe is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
Tessier looking to finish with strikes here!
Cristophe knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Tessier on the ground.
Tessier scoring with some good ground and pound from mount here. Will he manage to finish Cristophe?
Tessier scoring with strikes but Cristophe is staying in there.
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, Tessier cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers!
Cristophe sneaks a leg back under and regains half guard and is working straight away to try and get back to guard. He hasn't managed just yet though.
Tessier thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Cristophe's head.
Tessier throwing shots but Cristophe is blocking nicely.
Cristophe is doing well to avoid being mounted. He's controlling the position at the moment.
Cristophe tries to roll over but Tessier keeps him under control.

That's six minutes gone in the round.

Tessier seems to be looking for submissions.
Tessier missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Tessier thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Tessier missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Tessier not landing any meaningful shots this time.

Tessier is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Cristophe is just riding it out for now. Tessier eventually gives up the hold.
Tessier throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Cristophe avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Tessier.
Cristophe on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Cristophe tries to get out of the position.
Tessier works his foot free and advances to mount.
A nice elbow there by Tessier.
Tessier lands a big shot there that rocks Cristophe but he's holding on and managing to survive for now.
Cristophe blocking the ground and pound.
Tessier unloading with bombs!
Cristophe avoids a series of strikes thrown by Tessier.
Tessier trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Tessier connects with a couple of good shots from mount.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Tessier can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Cristophe is looking to escape.
Tessier unloads with some shots from mount but Cristophe bucks and avoids them well.
Tessier putting on the heat here with some good ground and pound!

Tessier working for a submission but Cristophe is keeping him at bay.
Tessier throwing strikes here but Cristophe is writhing around nicely and avoiding any serious damage.
Tessier lands a big elbow.
Tessier throwing sloppy strikes here. Perhaps if he tightened up his striking from such a dominant position, he'd be able to finish easier.
Tessier misses with a series of strikes from mount. He'll no doubt be working on his ground and pound when he gets back to the gym.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Cristophe is in a horrible position here, under a barrage of strikes, he's managing to avoid any damage.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.

Tessier working for a submission but Cristophe is keeping him at bay.
Cristophe is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
Tessier throws some wild stikes that Cristophe manages to avoid easily.

Tessier moves into side control, trying to work for a kimura. That looks painful! Will he finish!!?? No, Cristophe has worked his arm free - good work by Cristophe!

Tessier decides to stand back up.
Tessier is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Cristophe.
Tessier shoots in but Cristophe avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Cristophe throws a head kick that looked like it stung.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Cole Tessier dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Tessier looks to throw the jab but Cristophe is out of range.
Cristophe lands a nice leg kick that just misses Tessier's sensitive parts.
Cristophe lands with a right hand.
Tessier tries to bum rush Cristophe with a series of wild strikes but Cristophe uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Cristophe connects with a jab.
Tessier misses with a hook.
Tessier shoots in but Cristophe avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Cristophe scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Tessier misses with a hook.
Cristophe scores with a jab to the head.
Tessier fails with the takedown.
Tessier is breathing heavily.
Cristophe ducks under a wild hook from Tessier.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tessier shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Cristophe but Cristophe pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Leo Cristophe has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Cole Tessier.
The crowd cheers as Cristophe lands an impressive looking overhand right. Tessier doesn't seem phased though.
Cristophe lands with a straight right. Tessier didn't see that one coming.
Nice takedown defense from Cristophe. No joy for Tessier on that attempt.

Cristophe instigates a clinch.

Cristophe breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Cristophe lands with a thumping leg kick.
Cristophe pushes Tessier away with a front kick.
Cristophe connects with a nice looking jab.

Cristophe moves into the clinch successfully.
Cristophe lands a left hand.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tessier jumps guard but Cristophe stands there with Tessier around his waist. Tessier gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.

Cristophe breaks from the clinch.
Tessier takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Cristophe cracks a nice hook into Tessier's ribs.
Tessier thows a left - swing and a miss!
Tessier shoots in looking for a takedown. Cristophe tries to sprawl out of it but Tessier keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Cristophe manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Tessier takes a body kick right on the floating rib. Ouchie.

The fight moves into the clinch position.

Cristophe's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Cristophe throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Leo Cristophe is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tessier misses with an uppercut. Cristophe saw that one coming.
Tessier shoots in for a takedown but Cristophe shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Tessier shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Cristophe as he avoids it easily.
Cristophe moves into range and lands a nice body kick.
Crunch! Cristophe slams his shin into Tessier's torso.
Cristophe fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.

Cristophe moves into the clinch successfully.

Cristophe breaks from the clinch.
A slapping body kick lands there for Cristophe.
Cristophe is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Tessier throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Nice cross by Cristophe.
Tessier walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Cristophe forces Tessier back against the cage and clinches.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Cristophe.

Cristophe pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
A head kick by Tessier misses
enabling Cristophe to counter with a crisp jab.
Leo Cristophe is winning the standup battle so far.
Tessier misses with a combination
and Cristophe counters with a nice low kick that buckles Tessier's knee momentarily.
Cristophe's corner calls for a 1,2 combination and Cristophe duly obliges.
Tessier misses with a hook to the body
and Cristophe counters with a straight right hand.
Cristophe lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Tessier throws a left and a right that both miss
and Cristophe counters with a straight right hand.
Cristophe connects with an inside leg kick.
Tessier has developed a nice purple lump on his ribcage, as a result of some heavy body kicks from Cristophe.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Cristophe connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Cristophe scores with a leg kick.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Tessier throws a left and a right that both miss
and Cristophe counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.

Cristophe gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Cristophe lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Tessier tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Cristophe smiles and moves away.
Cristophe connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Tessier momentarily.
Tessier takes a kick to the body and keeps moving.
Tessier tries to clinch but Cristophe moves away
and Cristophe counters with an inside leg kick.
Tessier shoots in looking for a takedown. Cristophe tries to sprawl out of it but Tessier keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Cristophe manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Cristophe connects with a looping right hand.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Tessier takes one on the chin but keeps coming.

Cristophe fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Tessier, pushing him back against the cage.

Cristophe breaks the clinch.
Tessier stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Cristophe.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Cristophe.
Cristophe slaps away a takedown attempt from Tessier, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Cristophe lands a leg kick that knocks Tessier off balance momentarily.
Tessier has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Cristophe connects with a solid leg kick.
Tessier on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
Cristophe defending well as Tessier loads up on a big left hand.
Tessier moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Cristophe cracks Tessier with a right hand to the side of the head.
Cristophe stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
A solid leg kick lands there for Cristophe.
Tessier loads up on a big right hand but Cristophe slips the punch.
Tessier tries to check the leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Cristophe feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Tessier's calf.
Tessier chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Cristophe can pounce on him.
Cristophe thuds his right hand into Tessier's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
A solid leg kick lands there for Cristophe.
Cristophe throws a good cross that connects.
Tessier will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Nice body kick there by Cristophe.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Good exchange - Cristophe coming out on top.
A low kick from Tessier misses
and Cristophe counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Cristophe throws a nice inside leg kick.
Tessier's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Nice uppercut lands for Cristophe. That snapped Tessier's head back.
Nice shot by Cristophe.
Tessier stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Cristophe.
Cristophe scores with a jab. Tessier acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Cristophe works over Tessier's head and body with a nice combination.
Cristophe fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Tessier.
Tessier throws a leg kick that is checked
letting Cristophe counter with a right hand.
Tessier throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Cristophe's waist but Cristophe gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Tessier off to one side.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Tessier on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Cristophe. Cristophe obviously looking to wear him down.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Cristophe fakes the leg kick and cracks Tessier in the body.
Cristophe lands a high kick!
Cristophe dips to his left and cracks Tessier with an uppercut!
Tessier chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Cristophe can pounce on him.
Cristophe lands with a kick to the temple. Tessier shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
Cristophe dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Tessier. That did some damage!
Cole Tessier has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
A nice leg kick lands there from Cristophe.
Cristophe thuds a mid kick into his opponent's body. That will wear on Tessier if he has to take too many more of those.
Cristophe lands a right hook to the body.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Tessier doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Cristophe bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Tessier's head.

Cristophe clinches with his opponent.

And that's the end of the fight!
Leo Cristophe showed his dominance in that final round.
I have no idea who won that fight. Let's wait and see whether the judges are as confused as me! Time for a split decision perhaps?!. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Ren Mimura scores the fight for Leo Cristophe!
Judge Hirohito Nitta scores the fight for Leo Cristophe!
Judge Taro Takaoka scores the fight for Leo Cristophe!

Leo Cristophe wins by unanimous decision!