PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Le Petit Criss (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Alexander Gustafsson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Criss comes to the cage accompanied by La danse des canards. Gustafsson has chosen Tinie Tempah - Written In The Stars as his entrance music. I'm sure you'll be fascinated to know that I was talking to some pointless Z list celebrity before the fight and he thought that Alexander Gustafsson was going to win. Let's see if he was right.

Petit Criss
vs
Gustafsson

164 cm
26
132 lbs
14 - 10 - 0

172 cm
22
147 lbs
6 - 3 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent boxer
Very strong

Good wrestler
Excellent MT
Granite chin

West Coast Apparel

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 14 - 10 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Le Petit Criss!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Alexander Gustafsson!
The judges for this bout are Yves DeLean, Trevor Gratis and Dillan Fox.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Gustafsson looks to score with a jab to the body but Criss is just out of range.
Gustafsson throws a hook but Criss blocks it.
Criss tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
Criss pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Criss ducks under a wild hook from Gustafsson.
Criss tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.

Criss fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Gustafsson sprawls well initially but Criss persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
Gustafsson is staying active underneath Criss, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Criss is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Gustafsson is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.
Gustafsson works his way to full guard. Good work.

Criss 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.
Criss postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Criss trying to control the position from guard on top but Gustafsson is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Gustafsson trying to keep a closed guard but Criss is proving a slippery customer.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Gustafsson is on top in guard.
Gustafsson with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gustafsson trying to control the position from guard on top but Criss is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Gustafsson throws a strike but Criss rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
Criss with a nice head shot there.
Gustafsson preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!

Criss gets to his feet. Gustafsson looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!
Gustafsson dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Criss tries to clinch but fails miserably

and Gustafsson counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Gustafsson.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Criss just misses with a elbow thrown towards Gustafsson's brow.
Criss goes for a takedown in the clinch but Gustafsson prevents it.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
Gustafsson lands a left hand.
Gustafsson lands with a left to the head.

Criss has double underhooks and is working for a body lock takedown. He's got it. The fighters land in half guard but Gustafsson regains guard immediately.
Criss preventing the sweep.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Criss wants to control from the top but Gustafsson keeps moving.
Gustafsson 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.
Criss throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Gustafsson works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Criss controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Criss trying to control the position from guard on top but Gustafsson is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Le Petit Criss wasn't doing enough on the ground.

Criss scores a takedown into full mount!
Gustafsson is in a horrible position here, under a barrage of strikes, he's managing to avoid any damage.
Gustafsson gets back to half guard.
Criss is looking to take a break and control but Gustafsson is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Criss sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Gustafsson defending well though.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gustafsson is trying to get back to full guard.
Gustafsson is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Gustafsson is not content to let Criss control the position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Gustafsson tries to roll over but Criss keeps him under control.
Gustafsson is pressing down on Criss's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Criss trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Criss has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Gustafsson preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Gustafsson preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Criss content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Criss won't allow Gustafsson to sweep him here.
Gustafsson manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Criss manages to get himself to full guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Criss not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Gustafsson passes Criss's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Criss wants to improve his position but Gustafsson is controlling well.
Gustafsson working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.

Criss looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Gustafsson wants to lay and pray for a moment but Criss keeps working.
Gustafsson wants to pass to mount but Criss is defending the position.
Criss has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Gustafsson is working away from the top position though.
Gustafsson passes to full mount!
Criss is wriggling around trying to escape.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Le Petit Criss will probably get the nod.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Gustafsson does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Nice takedown defense from Gustafsson. No joy for Criss on that attempt.
Gustafsson lands a jab.
Criss with a poor takedown
and Gustafsson counters with a right hand to the body.
Criss takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Criss avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Le Petit Criss is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Gustafsson connects with an inside leg kick.
Gustafsson misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Criss is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Criss shoots in for a takedown but Gustafsson shows good takedown defense.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Le Petit Criss. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Criss fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Gustafsson, pushing him back against the cage.
Criss wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Criss is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Criss tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Gustafsson smiles and moves away.
Criss closes the distance looking to clinch
and Gustafsson counters with a leg kick.
Criss closes the distance looking to clinch
and Gustafsson counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Gustafsson throws a good cross that connects.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Criss tries to clinch but Gustafsson moves away

and Gustafsson counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Gustafsson.
Criss drops down looking for an ankle pick but Gustafsson pulls his leg out and moves away.
Criss looks to clinch
and Criss takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Criss takes one to the side of the head.
Criss tries to clinch but Gustafsson moves away
and Gustafsson counters with a nice uppercut.
Gustafsson bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Criss's head backwards.
Gustafsson lands a nice leg kick that just misses Criss's sensitive parts.
A head kick by Criss misses

and Gustafsson counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Gustafsson.
Criss has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Gustafsson avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Nice elbow from Criss.
Gustafsson lands a good knee to the midsection. Criss won't want to take too many of those.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Still in the clinch, Gustafsson scores with a nice short uppercut.
Criss throws an elbow but it misses.
With the fighters up against the cage, Criss throws an elbow but misses.
Criss tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Gustafsson avoids it.
Gustafsson blocks an elbow strike from Criss.
Gustafsson cracks Criss with a nice body shot.
Gustafsson lands a knee to the body.
A right handed body shot lands from Gustafsson.
A short right from Gustafsson.
Gustafsson lands with a right to the head.
A short left from Gustafsson.
Gustafsson scores with a shoulder strike.
Gustafsson avoiding damage.
Gustafsson softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gustafsson lands an elbow just above Criss 's eye.
Knees to the body from Gustafsson.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
A hook to the body from Gustafsson.
Knees in the clinch landing for Gustafsson.
Criss being controlled against the cage.
Gustafsson working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Criss drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Criss takes a shot to the head.
Gustafsson scores with a nice hook to the head.
A left hand lands to the body for Gustafsson.
Gustafsson makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Gustafsson lands a knee to the head.
Gustafsson cracks Criss with a nice body shot.
Gustafsson has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Criss looking for a takedown.
Gustafsson lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Criss backwards.
A short right from Gustafsson on the inside.
Criss's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Gustafsson throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Criss blocks it with crossed arms.
Gustafsson lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
A right handed body shot lands from Gustafsson.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gustafsson lands with a light punch inside.

Criss tightens his grip and picks Gustafsson up, before dumping him to the ground. Gustafsson manages to land in guard.
Gustafsson is trying to control the position but Criss postures up.
Gustafsson pulls Criss in close to prevent any damage.
Gustafsson bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Criss's guard.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Criss is on top in guard.
Gustafsson wants to sweep here but Criss controlling him for the moment.

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

Gustafsson is looking for a triangle but Criss pushes his legs off easily.
Gustafsson keeping moving, preventing Criss from controlling successfully.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Criss loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Gustafsson is on top in guard.
Criss working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Gustafsson.
Criss is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Criss lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Gustafsson!
Gustafsson flailing away with punches but nothing is landing.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Criss wants to control the pace but Gustafsson is squirming around nicely.
Gustafsson tries to hold on but Criss postures up.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Alexander Gustafsson showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

Gustafsson takes a swing at Criss's ribcage but misses.
Criss throws a head kick but Gustafsson moves out of range.
Gustafsson circles away from the clinch attempt.
Criss throws a head kick that misses

and Gustafsson counters by clinching up.
Criss fails to pull guard.
Criss is trying to drag Gustafsson to the mat but Gustafsson just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Criss drops down looking for an ankle pick but Gustafsson pulls his leg out and moves away.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Le Petit Criss. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Criss throws a head kick that misses
and Gustafsson counters with a nice uppercut.

Gustafsson has Criss up against the cage in a clinch.
Gustafsson lands a body shot.
Gustafsson lands an elbow just above Criss 's eye.
Gustafsson lands with a light punch inside.
Criss jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Gustafsson walks away with a smile on his face. Criss gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Criss avoids the head kick by Gustafsson.
Criss changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Gustafsson tries to avoid it but Criss manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Gustafsson to the ground. Gustafsson escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Criss throws a lazy head kick
and Gustafsson counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Nice takedown defense from Gustafsson. No joy for Criss on that attempt.

Gustafsson clinches up against the cage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gustafsson prevents a takedown attempt there.
Gustafsson presses Criss against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Gustafsson lands with a light punch inside.
Gustafsson leaning against his opponent.
A right hook to the body lands for Gustafsson.
Gustafsson has Criss pushed against the cage.
Gustafsson working Criss over with knees to the body.
Gustafsson scores with a knee to the head.
Gustafsson lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Criss or not.
Gustafsson lands a knee to the body.
Gustafsson lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Gustafsson avoids the elbow strike from Criss, against the cage.
A knee to the head by Gustafsson.
Gustafsson lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Criss or not.
Gustafsson scores with a knee to the head.
Criss wants to break the clinch but can't.
Gustafsson lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Criss throws a head punch that misses.
Gustafsson lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Criss working hard to break the clinch.
Gustafsson blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Criss looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Criss goes for a takedown in the clinch but Gustafsson prevents it.
Gustafsson presses Criss against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gustafsson lands with a short punch from the clinch.
A nice left hand lands by Gustafsson.
Gustafsson tries to land a knee to the head but Criss blocks with his arms.
Gustafsson throws a punch but it's blocked by Criss.
Gustafsson tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Gustafsson stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Gustafsson is trying to stall.
Gustafsson is pressed up against the cage. Criss has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Gustafsson down to the mat. Gustafsson avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
No luck for Criss with that takedown attempt.
Criss blocks a head kick by Gustafsson.
Criss tries to clinch but fails miserably
letting Gustafsson counter with a right hand.
Gustafsson lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Gustafsson throws a leg kick which misses Criss's front leg but catches the back leg as Criss tries to avoid it.
Criss shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Gustafsson sprawls well. Gustafsson wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Criss gets slowly back to his feet.
Gustafsson throws a leg kick which misses Criss's front leg but catches the back leg as Criss tries to avoid it.
A slapping leg kick lands for Criss.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Gustafsson moves into the clinch successfully.
Nice body punch from Gustafsson - that landed with a thud.
Gustafsson with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Criss goes for a takedown in the clinch but Gustafsson prevents it.
Gustafsson lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Criss backwards.
Gustafsson lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Criss.
Criss trying to stall but Gustafsson improves his position.
Gustafsson lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Gustafsson makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Good body shot from Gustafsson.
Gustafsson lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Alexander Gustafsson seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Criss is trying to drag Gustafsson to the mat but Gustafsson just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Gustafsson creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
A short uppercut from Gustafsson.
Criss misses with an elbow strike.
Gustafsson dodges an elbow strike from Criss.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Gustafsson creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Gustafsson blocks an elbow strike.
Criss wants a takedown but no success here.
Gustafsson lands with a light punch inside.
Criss takes a shot to the head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Criss is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Gustafsson is defending well for now.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
Criss jumps guard but Gustafsson stands there with Criss around his waist. Criss gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Criss tries to pull guard but Gustafsson holds him up against the cage and eventually Criss drops back down to his feet.
Criss goes for a takedown attempt but Gustafsson pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Gustafsson slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.

Gustafsson gets a clinch.
Gustafsson tries a knee to the head but Criss blocks it.
Gustafsson prevents a takedown attempt there.
A bit of stalling here from Gustafsson.
Criss is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Gustafsson gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Gustafsson tries to land a knee to the head but Criss blocks with his arms.
Gustafsson lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Gustafsson leaning against his opponent.
A right hook to the body lands for Gustafsson.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Gustafsson dodges an elbow strike from Criss.

And that's the end of the fight!
Alexander Gustafsson comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Gustafsson 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 Yves DeLean scores the fight 27:29
Judge Trevor Gratis scores the fight 28:29
Judge Dillan Fox scores the fight 27:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Alexander Gustafsson!