PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Chris River (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Gunner State (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). River comes to the cage accompanied by A Country Boy Can Survive. The crowd seem to be enjoying State's choice of entrance music: Blaze Of Glory by Bon Jovi. These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

River
vs
State

172 cm
24
155 lbs
9 - 5 - 0

172 cm
24
159 lbs
12 - 9 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

Powerful takedowns
Excellent boxer
Powerful

Rivers Edge Nutrition

Rivers Edge Nutrition
•‡• LION Clothing •‡• [CBK]

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the featherweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 9 - 5 - 0, fighting out of New York, Chris River!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 12 - 9 - 0, fighting out of New York, Gunner State!
The judges for this bout are Dean Styles, Bruno Lombardi and Lou da Vinci.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
State catches River with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
A decent looking body kick lands there for River.
State throws a hook to the side of River's head but River sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Chris River seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
River attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
River lands with a kick to the temple. State shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
A head kick from River lands but State takes it in his stride.
A jab from State misses.
State fakes high and swings low for a body shot but River manages to avoid it.
River throws a looping overhand right but State ducks down to avoid it.
River bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
A shot to the liver by River. Beautiful body shot.
River punishes State's body with a nice straight punch.
State misses with an uppercut. River saw that one coming.
That kick from River tenderised State's leg. State is trying to keep his angry face on.
River throws a quick head kick that skims the top of State's head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
State chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before River can pounce on him.
State ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
River throws a quick inside leg kick.
River throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
State cracks River with a right hand to the side of the head.

River gets a clinch.
A right hook to the body lands for State.
State takes an elbow to the temple.
River lands an elbow just above State 's eye.

It looks like Gunner State has been cut.
River stops a takedown attempt from State.
River lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
The referee calls for River to work.
State is working for takedown but River is calmly controlling the position for now.

State breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
State looks gassed!
River throws a leg kick but State sees it coming and moves out of range.
Nice sprawl there from River as State shoots in.
Chris River has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Gunner State.
River throws out a loose jab but State uses good head movement to avoid it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
State throws a right hand that River ducks under and follows up with a left that River also avoids with ease.
River tries to clinch up.
River wants to clinch.
A looping hook to the body misses from State. River does a little dance to reset his feet.
River keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from State.
River looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
River lands with a thumping leg kick.
River wants to clinch.
River tries to clinch but State is having none of it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
State on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
River scores with a head kick.
River misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
River throws a head kick that misses.
River fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt State.
State takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
River walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. State checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
State checks a leg kick.
State avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
River bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
State ducks down and throws a hook to the body but River moves away.
River missing with a left hand there. State was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
River walks into a jab.
State on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
River tries to clinch but State moves out of range.
State throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
River throws a low kick but State avoids it.
River lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
State slips a straight right by River.

River rushes State and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
State can't find room to land a body shot as River controls the action.
State goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
State has a couple of punches blocked by River.
River tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and State avoids it.
River prevents a body shot from State.
State blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
State swings away with an uppercut that misses.
State wants to break the clinch but can't.
State has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Chris River dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Gunner State's cut.
That's time! River's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

State ducks down and throws a hook to the body but River moves away.
River throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
State displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as River throws out the jab.
State stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from River.
River throws a wild body kick that State sees coming a mile off.
River misses with a wild body shot.
River scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
A solid leg kick lands there for River.
River tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
State throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
River is looking to land body kicks.
A solid body kick from River.
River pivots, looking for a leg kick but State is out of range and River settles back down.

That's one minute gone in the round.
River is looking to chop away at State's legs.
State is looking to score with low kicks.
A head kick misses from River.

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

River throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
River is trying to keep State in close.
State is fighting to break River's control of his arms but River is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.

State got a little sloppy there for a moment and River has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, State has managed to get both his arms back between River's legs - danger averted.
River keeping moving, preventing State from controlling successfully.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
State distracts River with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.

River looking for a guillotine here but State defends easily.
State chips away with some ground and pound.

River has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but State can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
State throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
State postures up.
State passes into half guard.
State is looking to pass River's guard but actually River recovers to full guard.
River is trying to control the position but State postures up.
State wants to pass the guard but River is keeping the position.

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

River is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and State defends well.

River is looking for a triangle but State pushes his legs off easily.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
State working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.

River is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and State defends well.
State trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
State throwing strikes from guard but River blocks nicely.
State throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as River works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
River avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
River thows some rabbit punches from the bottom but they don't do any damage.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
State connects with a couple of short punches.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Chris River dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Gunner State's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

River moves into range and clinches up with State.
State lands a body punch in the clinch.
A head punch blocked on the inside by River.

State breaks the clinch.
State throws a combination but it was largely blocked by River.
River throws a sloppy head kick and State moves out of range easily.
State fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
River throws a low kick but it's checked well by State.
State takes a swing at River's ribcage but misses.
State misses with a body shot.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
State feints and then cracks River's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow River down.
A low kick from River is predictable there
and State counters with a lovely straight right hand!
State chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before River can pounce on him.
Gunner State is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
River chopping away at his opponent's legs.

That's one minute gone in the round.
State looks to land a left hand but River moved out of range nicely.
River dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on State. That did some damage!
State throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
River waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract State.
State slips a jab from River.
State's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
State fails to land the takedown.
State avoids the head kick by River.
River tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but State paws at him with a jab and circles away.
State circles away from the clinch attempt.
River looks to land a body kick but State moved away.

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.
Nice shot by River.
River throws a sloppy head kick and State moves out of range easily.
River throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
State is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
River throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
River throws a head kick that misses
and State cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
State takes a push kick to the midsection and stumbles backwards.
River throws a head kick but State moves out of range.
River walks into a jab.
State throws a series of punches but River avoids them all with ease.
River throws a leg kick
and State counters with a lovely shot to the body.
River tries to clinch but State moves out of range.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
State pulls out of a head kick attempt.
River misses with a head kick.
River misses with a head kick.
River keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from State.
State shoots in for a takedown but River shows good takedown defense.
State misses with a series of wild punches.
State takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
State takes a head kick and keeps coming.
River scores with a head kick.
River throws a head kick that misses.
River scores with a kick to the midsection.
River tries to close the distance and clinch up but State swats him away and circles back towards the center.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
River moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
River connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
River throws a leg kick that is checked
and State counters with a right hand to the body.
River feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to State's calf.
River plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
River lands with an uppercut that bounces State off the cage and back into rage.
State lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but River circles away quickly and effectively.
A telegraphed right hand from River misses the target.
That kick from River tenderised State's leg. State is trying to keep his angry face on.
River is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
State takes a kick to the body and keeps moving.
River darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Chris River clearly takes that round.
The cut man is working on Gunner State's cut.
That's time! Back to the action!

River wants to land a leg kick but State is out of range.
River throws a leg kick but State sees it coming and moves out of range.
Chris River is winning the standup battle so far.
State walks into a left hand.
State blocks a head kick by River.
River bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
State stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from River.
River throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
State throws a right and a left that River avoids nicely.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A chopping leg kick lands by River.
State ducks down and throws a hook to the body but River moves away.
River throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
State scores with a nice strike.

That's one minute gone in the round.
River throws a leg kick but State sees it coming and moves out of range.
State avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
River lands a leg kick that knocks State off balance momentarily.
State takes a head kick and shrugs it off.
State swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
River throws a head kick but State moves out of range.
River looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
River lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
River throws a nice outside leg kick.
River leaves State with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
State is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
State has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by River.
Chris River is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
River tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and State is able to avoid easily.
State keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
River throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
River scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
River shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
River throws a quick head kick that skims the top of State's head.
River scores with a leg kick.
River moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
State connects with a nice looking jab.
River misses with a body shot.
River throws a head kick that misses
and State counters with a straight right hand.
State has developed a nice purple lump on his ribcage, as a result of some heavy body kicks from River.
State checks the leg kick nicely there.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
State swats away the attempt to clinch by River.
River explodes with a nice body kick and back out of range. Nice work.
River moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Good standup being displayed there by River as he connects with a hook.
A jab from State misses.
River throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck State on the side of the head.
State 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.
River sizes up State with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from River, right into the meat.
River scores with a head kick.
State takes a push kick to the midsection and stumbles backwards.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
River scores with a shot to the body.
River misses with an attempted mid kick.
State is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by River.
River misses with the body kick

and State counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
This has been an exciting period of action!

River looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
River is trying to get back to full guard.
State is trying to control the action in half guard but River is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
River is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
State is working hard to pass the guard. He's done it - he's now in full mount! Trouble for River!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Chris River had his way with Gunner State in that round.
The cut man is working on Gunner State's cut.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action. This is the final round!

State takes a kick to the side of the head.
River throws a low kick but State avoids it.
River throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
A low kick from River is predictable there
and State counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
River throws a low kick but it's checked well by State.
River throws a sloppy head kick and State moves out of range easily.
State tries to score with a low kick but River moves his leg out of the way.
State throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
River throws an uppercut from half a mile away. State sees it coming and avoids it easily.
State fakes high and swings low for a body shot but River manages to avoid it.
River lands a nice leg kick that just misses State's sensitive parts.
River throws a leg kick
letting State counter with a right hand.

That's one minute gone in the round.
River throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
State avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
State changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
State swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
River dodges the punch combination from State.
State is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
River looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
River tries a head kick but it misses.
River wants to land a leg kick but State is out of range.
River throws a head kick that misses.
River closes the distance but State moves to the side
and State counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
State throws out a loose jab but River uses good head movement to avoid it.
River missing with a left hand there. State was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
River fakes the leg kick and cracks State in the body.
River misses with a low kick.
State is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.

River rushes State and presses him up against the cage.
State drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
State can't find room to land a body shot as River controls the action.
River lands an uppercut.
State lands a body shot in the clinch.
State has a couple of punches blocked by River.
The referee calls for River to work.
State lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt River or not.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
State misses with a punch on the inside.
River lands a good knee to the midsection. State won't want to take too many of those.
River is trying to maintain a safe position but State gets an underhook and turns River into the cage.
Good body shot from River.
State struggles to land a body shot inside as River controls his hands.
River blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
State tries to work over River's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
River lands a knee to the body.
River trying to land knees to the body.
River scores with an uppercut up the middle.
River tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and State avoids it.
Gunner State has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

River escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
River moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
River tries to close the distance and clinch up but State swats him away and circles back towards the center.
State blocks a head kick by River.
River misses the jab.
River throws a lazy body kick
and State counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
River tries to clinch up.
River throws a leg kick
and State counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
State misses with a body shot.
State throws a body punch but River moves out of range.
River fails with an attempt to clinch.
State throws a jab but it's blocked by River.
Chris River is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
State scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
River fakes the leg kick and cracks State in the body.
River misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
State looks to land a combination but River avoids it well.
A chopping leg kick lands by River.

And that's the end of the fight!
Chris River showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for River, 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Dean Styles scores the fight 50:45
Judge Bruno Lombardi scores the fight 50:45
Judge Lou da Vinci scores the fight 50:45

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Chris River!
Chris River retains his featherweight title!