PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Alex Ribero (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Scipio Africanus (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). This should be a great matchup!

Ribero
vs
Africanus

180 cm
19
170 lbs
1 - 2 - 0

180 cm
23
175 lbs
4 - 3 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Basic striking
Very strong

Decent wrestler
Decent boxing
Heavy handed

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Alex Ribero!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Scipio Africanus!
The judges for this bout are Daniel Franklin, Chris Downing and Stewart Dunkirk.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Africanus checks a leg kick.
Africanus jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Ribero moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.

Africanus shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Ribero manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.

Ribero had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Africanus defends it easily.

Ribero has an active guard here but Africanus has managed to pass into half guard.
Africanus wants to stand up but Ribero is controlling the position.
Ribero wants to improve his position but Africanus is controlling well.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ribero has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Africanus is working away from the top position though.
Africanus controlling the action here.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.
Ribero gets back to full guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Africanus looking to control the position here, rather than advance.

Ribero looking for subs off his back but Africanus has passed one foot through into half guard.
Africanus seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Africanus blocks the strikes from Ribero.

Ribero looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Africanus content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.

Ribero looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Ribero wants to improve his position but Africanus is controlling well.
Ribero is trying to control but can't.
Ribero looks like he's trying to stand up.
Africanus is figuring out what he wants to do next.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Ribero trying to hold on to Africanus's head to control him but Africanus postures up.
Africanus controlling the pace.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Scipio Africanus dominated that round.
That's time! Ribero's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Nice jab there from Africanus.
Africanus tries to land a front kick but Ribero steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Ribero throws out a loose jab but Africanus uses good head movement to avoid it.
Ribero tries to clinch up.
Ribero doesn't succeed with the takedown

and Africanus counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
Ribero is looking for a sweep. Africanus is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Africanus is figuring out what he wants to do next.
Ribero gets full guard.

Africanus decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Ribero, up you get!
Ribero takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Africanus shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Ribero is trying to defend but Africanus finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
Ribero gets back to full guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ribero manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Africanus manages to get himself to full guard.
Ribero in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Africanus pulls Ribero in close to his closed guard and prevents Ribero from doing any damage or advancing position.

Ribero drops back, looking for a kneebar! Africanus looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Africanus looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Africanus!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ribero can't do much from the bottom here.

Africanus decides to stand back up. Africanus steps back and let's Ribero get back to his feet.
Ribero wants to clinch but Africanus slips to the side

and Africanus counters with a takedown into full mount! That could mean trouble for Ribero!
Ribero bucks up and manages to get a nice reversal! He's in guard on the top - nicely done!
Ribero wants to control from the top but Africanus keeps moving.
Ribero is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Africanus is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ribero stopping the sweep attempt from Africanus.
Ribero thows a big elbow that misses.
Africanus utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.

Ribero postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Africanus is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Ribero, into his guard.

Ribero working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Africanus doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Africanus manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.

Ribero throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.

Africanus avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Ribero is trying to control the position but Africanus postures up.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Scipio Africanus showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Africanus will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
A punch lands to the side of Africanus 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Africanus shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Ribero as he jumps to the side.
A jab from Ribero finds it's way through Africanus's defenses.
Nice sprawl there from Africanus as Ribero shoots in.
Ribero fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Africanus has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Ribero lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Ribero lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
Ribero fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Africanus.
Ribero lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Ribero fails with an attempt to clinch.
Africanus takes a jab right on the kisser.
Africanus swings for the body but Ribero moves out of range.
Africanus lands a jab to the head.
Ribero scores with a leg kick.
Africanus throws a combination that misses
and Ribero counters with a straight right hand.
No luck for Africanus with that takedown attempt.
Alex Ribero has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Scipio Africanus.
Africanus takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Ribero displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Africanus.
Ribero fails with an attempt to clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Africanus is trying hard to land a takedown here. Ribero sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.

Ribero has taken the fight to the clinch.
Ribero drops down looking for an ankle pick but Africanus pulls his leg out and moves away.
A shot to the body from Ribero misses
and Africanus counters with a nice uppercut.
Africanus takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Ribero fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Africanus.
Scipio Africanus is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Ribero connects with a nice looking jab.
Ribero fails to land the takedown.
Africanus is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Ribero keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Ribero comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Africanus takes a jab right on the kisser.
Ribero thumps Africanus with a low kick.
Africanus takes a body kick right on the floating rib. Ouchie.
Danga de danga de dang - Ribero scores with a four punch combination!
Ribero connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Africanus takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ribero misses with a hook. Africanus ducked under it nicely.
Africanus avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Ribero lands a jab to Africanus's midsection.
Alex Ribero seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Donk. Ribero catches Africanus right on the button with a cross.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Ribero is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Ribero scores with a nice right hand.
Africanus moves out of range as Ribero strikes.
Africanus takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Ribero scores with a jab.
Ribero connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Africanus misses with a hook.
Ribero wants to clinch up but Africanus keeps it at a distance.
A combination from Ribero does no damage.
A telegraphed right hand from Africanus misses the target.
A nice leg kick lands there from Ribero.
Ribero wants to clinch up but Africanus keeps it at a distance.
Good shot there by Africanus.
No luck for Africanus with that takedown attempt.
A head kick misses from Ribero.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ribero wants to clinch.
Ribero tries to clinch but Africanus moves out of range.
Africanus takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Ribero tries to clinch but Africanus moves out of range.
Ribero connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Ribero cracks Africanus with an open hand slap.
Africanus misses with an uppercut. Ribero saw that one coming.
Good leg kick by Ribero there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Ribero moves into range and connects with a jab.
Ribero throws a shot from downtown. Africanus moves away and avoids it.
Ribero misses with an uppercut.
Ribero lands a jab.
Ribero shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Africanus pinned against the cage. Africanus gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Some wild striking there from Africanus.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ribero throws a leg kick which misses Africanus's front leg but catches the back leg as Africanus tries to avoid it.
Africanus avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
A punch combination from Africanus misses.
Ribero throws a quick inside leg kick.
Africanus fails with a takedown attempt.
Ribero slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Africanus has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Ribero wants to clinch.
A punch lands to the side of Africanus 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Alex Ribero has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

Ribero clinches up against the cage.
Ribero is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Africanus pulls him back up using the underhooks.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Africanus is pressed up against the cage. Ribero has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Africanus down to the mat. Africanus avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Ribero misses with a combination
and Africanus counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Ribero fails in his attempt to clinch.
Ribero lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.

And that's the end of the fight!
Alex Ribero showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Africanus 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 Daniel Franklin scores the fight 28:29
Judge Chris Downing scores the fight 28:29
Judge Stewart Dunkirk scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Scipio Africanus!