PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Klahan Virote (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Thomas Benjamin Jr (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Virote's ring entrance music is that housewives' favourite, Victory. Benjamin Jr has chosen Sans Pression - Numéro 1 as his entrance music. Well, I have no idea who's going to take this one!

Virote
vs
Benjamin Jr

191 cm
23
178 lbs
8 - 1 - 0

180 cm
23
185 lbs
9 - 3 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
World class MT
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
World class boxer
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the welterweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 8 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Klahan Virote!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 9 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Thomas Benjamin Jr!
The judges for this bout are Bruno Hogan, Winston Howard and Donatello Bradman.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Virote misses with a body shot
and Benjamin Jr counters with a left to the body.
Nice sprawl there from Virote as Benjamin Jr shoots in.
Virote swings away with a body shot that misses

and Benjamin Jr counters with a takedown into side control.
Virote manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.
Virote is looking to escape.
Virote is looking to control Benjamin Jr's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Virote avoid being mounted?
Virote is trying to stand.
Virote wants to improve his position but Benjamin Jr is controlling well.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Virote moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Virote manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
Virote controlling the position easily from mount.
Benjamin Jr gets back to half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Benjamin Jr is looking to get full guard. It looks like he might be successful but at the last minute Virote jumps into side control!
Virote advances to full mount.
Benjamin Jr tries to hold on but Virote pushes him away.
Virote content just to control the position here.
Benjamin Jr is looking to improve his position but Virote isn't that keen on the idea.
Virote takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
Benjamin Jr can't escape the position.
Virote trying to control but he's not successful this time.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Virote tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Klahan Virote wasn't doing enough on the ground.
Benjamin Jr shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Virote as he jumps to the side.
Benjamin Jr loads up on a big right hand but Virote slips the punch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Benjamin Jr takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Virote ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Benjamin Jr moves away.
Virote dips to his left and cracks Benjamin Jr with an uppercut!
A low kick from Virote misses

so Benjamin Jr counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
Virote working a defensive guard here.
Virote has Benjamin Jr pulled in close to control his posture.
Benjamin Jr postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Thomas Benjamin Jr will probably get the nod.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Virote closes the distance looking to clinch

and Benjamin Jr counters with a nice double leg into side control. Virote won't be happy with that.
Benjamin Jr wants to lay and pray for a moment but Virote keeps working.
Benjamin Jr working away.
Benjamin Jr trying to control the position but Virote is working away.
Virote can't do much from the bottom here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Check out the look on Benjamin Jr's face as he threw that strike - that's one determined fighter!
Virote is not content to let Benjamin Jr control the position.
Virote tries to improve position but can't.
Virote manages to work his way to half guard, despite Benjamin Jr's best efforts.
Benjamin Jr trying to control from half guard but Virote is working away.
Virote controlling the leg, holding on to half guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

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.
Virote is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Benjamin Jr's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Benjamin Jr's back!
Virote is riding his opponent, not letting Benjamin Jr buck him off.
Benjamin Jr is trying to break free.
Benjamin Jr breaks Virote's hooks off and manages to turn into his guard.
Benjamin Jr stops Virote from standing up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Virote is pulling down on Benjamin Jr's head. It's preventing any offense from Benjamin Jr, at least for the moment.
Virote is looking to stand up but Benjamin Jr isn't so interested in that idea.
Benjamin Jr wants to control from the top but Virote keeps moving.
Virote has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.

That's four 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.
Benjamin Jr trying to control but Virote is working from the bottom.

We're going to have a standup here because Klahan Virote wasn't active enough for the referee's liking.
Virote throws a leg kick that is checked
and Benjamin Jr counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Virote thinking.
Virote darts in trying to clinch

and Benjamin Jr counters with a nice single leg takedown and he's in Virote's guard now.
Virote is pulling down on Benjamin Jr's head to control his posture.
Benjamin Jr trying to control but Virote is working from the bottom.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Thomas Benjamin Jr 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!

Virote throws a leg kick but Benjamin Jr sees it coming and moves out of range.
Virote scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
A low kick from Virote misses
and Benjamin Jr counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Benjamin Jr takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
A shot to the body from Virote misses
and Benjamin Jr counters with a right hand to the body.
Klahan Virote seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Benjamin Jr throws a lazy uppercut
and Virote counters with a flying knee. Nice.
Virote throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Benjamin Jr cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Virote lands a jab to Benjamin Jr's midsection.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Virote connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Virote fails in his attempt to clinch.
Virote thumps Benjamin Jr with a low kick.
Benjamin Jr checks a leg kick.
Benjamin Jr takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Virote misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Benjamin Jr tries for a takedown but Virote sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Virote lands an overhand right.
Good leg kick by Virote there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A shot to the liver by Benjamin Jr. Beautiful body shot.
Virote throws a head kick that Benjamin Jr semi-blocks.
Virote misses the shot to the body.
Virote moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Benjamin Jr moves away from the strike by Virote.
Virote throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Benjamin Jr.
Virote throws a sloppy head kick

and Benjamin Jr counters with a nice double leg into guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Virote keeping moving, preventing Benjamin Jr from controlling successfully.
Benjamin Jr postures up in Virote's guard and throws a big left but Virote blocks it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Virote not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Benjamin Jr stopping the sweep attempt from Virote.
Virote keeping moving, preventing Benjamin Jr from controlling successfully.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.
Virote has Benjamin Jr pulled in close to control his posture.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.

The ref stands the fighters back up because Klahan Virote just wasn't active enough.
Virote misses with a left hand
and Benjamin Jr counters with a stiff right hand.
Virote throws a lazy uppercut

and Benjamin Jr counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Virote wants to get back to his feet but Benjamin Jr is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Virote trying to keep a closed guard but Benjamin Jr is proving a slippery customer.
Benjamin Jr would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.
Virote will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Virote seems keen to control Benjamin Jr's posture.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Klahan Virote clearly takes that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Benjamin Jr avoids the body shot from Virote.
Virote closes the distance but Benjamin Jr moves to the side
and Benjamin Jr counters with an outside leg kick.
Virote throws a leg kick
and Benjamin Jr counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
A shot to the body from Virote misses
and Benjamin Jr connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Virote lunges at Benjamin Jr with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Benjamin Jr's hand.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Virote 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 Benjamin Jr has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Benjamin Jr and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Virote throws a shot from downtown. Benjamin Jr moves away and avoids it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Virote throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
A low kick from Virote misses

and Benjamin Jr counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Thomas Benjamin Jr has got the better of the ground game so far.
Benjamin Jr wants to control from the top but Virote keeps moving.
Virote can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Benjamin Jr controls the pace.
Virote keeping moving, preventing Benjamin Jr from controlling successfully.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.
Benjamin Jr prevents Virote from getting back to his feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

The ref calls for a clean break and stands the fighters back up. Thomas Benjamin Jr wasn't active enough on the ground.
Benjamin Jr misses with a wild body shot.
Virote wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Virote is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Benjamin Jr fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Virote avoids it really well and circles away.
Benjamin Jr has a takedown stuffed.
Benjamin Jr is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Virote scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Benjamin Jr checks a leg kick nicely.
Virote pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Virote.
Virote misses with a head kick.
Klahan Virote is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Benjamin Jr showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Virote.
Benjamin Jr connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Virote looks to land a combination but Benjamin Jr avoids it well.
Virote tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
A lazy body kick from Virote

and Benjamin Jr counters with a nice double leg into side control. Virote won't be happy with that.
Virote is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Benjamin Jr off and has taken his back!
Virote just keeping the dominant position. He can't wait too long though, otherwise the referee will stand them back up.
Virote is looking to control Benjamin Jr but Benjamin Jr is wriggling around and keeping busy.
You can see the frustration on Benjamin Jr's face… He knows he is in trouble unless he improves his position sooner rather than later.
Virote biding his time, controlling Benjamin Jr.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close fourth round but Thomas Benjamin Jr will probably get the nod - 10:9.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Virote throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Virote throws a quick inside leg kick.
Virote throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Virote misses with a right hand

and Benjamin Jr counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Benjamin Jr.
Benjamin Jr stopping the sweep attempt from Virote.
Virote is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Benjamin Jr trying to control the position from guard on top but Virote is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Benjamin Jr postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Benjamin Jr trying to control the position from guard on top but Virote is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
Virote tries to land a sweep but no joy.

Thomas Benjamin Jr has forced the referee to step in and restart the fight on the feet.
Virote misses the body punch
and Benjamin Jr counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Klahan Virote is winning the standup battle so far.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Virote misses with a head kick.
Virote misses with a body punch
and Benjamin Jr counters with a right hand to the body.
Virote connects with a body shot that sends Benjamin Jr's belly button to the back.

Virote gets caught napping as Benjamin Jr dives in and scores a takedown. Virote manages to retain guard.
Virote pulls Benjamin Jr in close to prevent any damage.
Virote wants to sweep but no luck.
Klahan Virote has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.
Virote keeping full guard, as Benjamin Jr tries to pass.

Klahan Virote has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.
Virote goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Thomas Benjamin Jr is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

It looks like Thomas Benjamin Jr has been cut.
Virote pivots, looking for a leg kick but Benjamin Jr is out of range and Virote settles back down.
No luck for Benjamin Jr with that takedown attempt.
Virote throws a lazy head kick
and Benjamin Jr counters with a right hand to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Benjamin Jr keeps the fight on the outside.
Benjamin Jr uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Virote.

Benjamin Jr shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Virote napping and manages to drive through into side control!
Benjamin Jr working away.
Virote manages to work his way to half guard, despite Benjamin Jr's best efforts.
Benjamin Jr is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Virote tries to strike from the bottom but it doesn't land.
Benjamin Jr is trying to advance to mount but he's lost his balance and Virote reverses the position - he's now on top in Benjamin Jr's guard.
Benjamin Jr avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Thomas Benjamin Jr.
I think Benjamin Jr 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Bruno Hogan scores the fight 46:49
Judge Winston Howard scores the fight 46:49
Judge Donatello Bradman scores the fight 47:49

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Thomas Benjamin Jr!
Thomas Benjamin Jr is the new welterweight champion!