PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Diego Batungbakal (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Fox Lao (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Batungbakal kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genius that is The Only. Lao has chosen Terminator T-800 Song as his entrance music. Fox Lao has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Batungbakal
vs
Lao

194 cm
27
249 lbs
2 - 6 - 0

198 cm
29
262 lbs
7 - 14 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Dangerous knees
Experienced

BJJ Purple Belt
Brawler
Heavy handed

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Diego Batungbakal!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 14 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Fox Lao!
The judges for this bout are Wesley Smith, Gwen Towbar and Daniel Franklin.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Lao misses with a body punch
and Batungbakal counters with a head kick.
Lao misses with a series of wild punches.
Lao avoids the head kick by Batungbakal.
Batungbakal tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Batungbakal fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Lao misses with an uppercut.
Lao lands with a good body shot.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Lao on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Batungbakal. Batungbakal obviously looking to wear him down.
Lao stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Batungbakal.
Batungbakal is trying hard to land a takedown here. Lao sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Lao shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Batungbakal sprawls well. Batungbakal wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Lao gets slowly back to his feet.
Lao looks gassed!
Batungbakal tries a head kick but it misses.
Batungbakal looks for a takedown but Lao sprawls well.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Diego Batungbakal. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Batungbakal darts in trying to clinch
and Batungbakal takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.

It looks like Diego Batungbakal has been cut.
Batungbakal fails to land the takedown.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A big left from Lao misses.
Diego Batungbakal seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Batungbakal misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Lao looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Batungbakal tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Lao paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Lao pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Batungbakal shoots in looking for a takedown. Lao tries to sprawl out of it but Batungbakal keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Lao manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Lao takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Batungbakal tries to clinch but fails miserably
and Lao counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Lao fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Batungbakal on the side of the head.
A head kick by Lao misses
and Batungbakal counters with a two punch combo.
Batungbakal fails with the takedown.
Batungbakal is looking to clinch but Lao is avoiding it.
Batungbakal shoots in and drives through. Lao sprawls well.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Batungbakal takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Lao throws a sloppy head kick
and Batungbakal counters with a flying knee. Nice.
Batungbakal misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Lao fails with the takedown.
Batungbakal pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Sloppy strikes from Batungbakal. Those never looked like landing.
Batungbakal avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Batungbakal scores with a kick to the body.
Batungbakal shoots for a double leg takedown but Lao sprawls well. He's pushed Batungbakal's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
A leg kick checked by Batungbakal.
Batungbakal tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Lao paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Batungbakal keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Lao.
Batungbakal throws a sloppy head kick and Lao moves out of range easily.
Batungbakal throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Lao defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Batungbakal.
A head kick from Batungbakal lands but Lao takes it in his stride.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lao shuffles to his left behind two crisp jabs. Batungbakal eats them both and turns towards Lao to reposition himself and eats a stinging right hand-left hook combo.
Batungbakal fails with a takedown attempt.
Batungbakal shoots in and drives through. Lao sprawls well.
Lao throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Batungbakal throws a front kick that sends Lao stumbling back into the cage.
Batungbakal shoots in looking for a takedown but Lao manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Batungbakal's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Batungbakal shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Lao sprawls well. Lao wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Batungbakal gets slowly back to his feet.
Batungbakal throws a head kick but Lao moves out of range.
Batungbakal on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Batungbakal fails to land the takedown.
Lao scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Batungbakal doesn't seem bothered though.
Nice sprawl there from Lao as Batungbakal shoots in.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Batungbakal throws a series of punches but Lao avoids them all with ease.
Batungbakal shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Lao but Lao pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Batungbakal tries a head kick but it misses.
Lao throws a head kick that misses.
Batungbakal is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Batungbakal throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Batungbakal shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Lao defends it nicely.
Lao dips to his left and cracks Batungbakal with an uppercut!
Batungbakal throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Batungbakal looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Lao slaps away a takedown attempt from Batungbakal, before circling back to the center of the mat.
A head kick misses from Lao.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Diego Batungbakal dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Diego Batungbakal's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Batungbakal throws a mid kick that lands with a slap.
Batungbakal fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Batungbakal lands a nice leg kick that just misses Lao's sensitive parts.
Sloppy strikes from Batungbakal. Those never looked like landing.
Lao throws a hook but Batungbakal avoids it easily.
Batungbakal shoots in but Lao avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Lao throws an overhand right that lands on Batungbakal's shoulder, as Batungbakal tries to avoid the shot.
Lao throws a head kick that misses
and Batungbakal counters with a head kick. That will keep Lao thinking before he tries any more sloppy attacks!
Batungbakal showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Lao.
Batungbakal throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Lao.
Diego Batungbakal is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Batungbakal tries to close the distance and clinch up but Lao swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Batungbakal shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Lao but Lao pushes him off and we're back to square one.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Diego Batungbakal. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Batungbakal looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Batungbakal throws a sloppy head kick and Lao moves out of range easily.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A slow jab from Lao misses its intended target.
Lao misses with a looping right.
Lao displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Batungbakal.
Nice straight punches there by Lao. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Lao.
Batungbakal shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Lao defends it nicely.
Lao throws a shot from downtown. Batungbakal moves away and avoids it.
Nice uppercut there from Lao.
Batungbakal scores with a hook.
Diego Batungbakal is winning the standup battle so far.
Batungbakal tries a head kick but it misses.
Batungbakal shoots in for a takedown but Lao shows good takedown defense.
A head kick misses from Lao.
Batungbakal shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Lao as he avoids it easily.
Lao showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Batungbakal.
Batungbakal shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Lao defends it nicely.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Lao scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Batungbakal looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Batungbakal tries to clinch but Lao is having none of it.
Batungbakal is trying hard to land a takedown here. Lao sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Lao leaves Batungbakal with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Lao scores with a three punch combo!
Batungbakal moves out of range as Lao strikes.

Batungbakal drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Lao manages to work his way to half guard, despite Batungbakal's best efforts.
Batungbakal working Lao over with strikes.
Batungbakal trying to pass the guard but Lao defending well.
Batungbakal knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Lao on the ground.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lao controlling the position for now.
Lao avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Batungbakal.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Batungbakal connects with a nice short shot to Lao's temple.
Lao is trying to get back to full guard.
Batungbakal missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Lao is looking for a sweep. Batungbakal is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Batungbakal throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Lao wants to control but Batungbakal is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Batungbakal tries to stand and escape but Lao is controlling the position.
Batungbakal throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.

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.
Batungbakal missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Batungbakal thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Lao manages to get to full guard.
Lao controlling Batungbakal's posture.
Lao utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Lao looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Lao avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Batungbakal advances position into side control!

Batungbakal is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Lao is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Lao is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Diego Batungbakal will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Diego Batungbakal's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!

Batungbakal tries to clinch up.
Batungbakal fails with the takedown.
Batungbakal shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Lao pinned against the cage. Lao gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Batungbakal blocks a jab.
Batungbakal is trying hard to land a takedown here. Lao sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Diego Batungbakal. That's going to take a lot out of him.
A head kick misses from Lao.
A head kick misses from Batungbakal.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Lao throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Batungbakal sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Lao keeps the fight on the outside.
Batungbakal throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Lao's waist but Lao gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Batungbakal off to one side.
Batungbakal looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Batungbakal misses with a series of wild punches.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Lao throws a hook but Batungbakal blocks it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A slow jab from Lao misses its intended target.
Batungbakal fails with a takedown attempt.
Good standup being displayed there by Lao as he connects with a hook.
Batungbakal avoids the head kick by Lao.
Batungbakal throws a combination. Lao tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
Batungbakal slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Batungbakal shoots in but no luck this time.
Batungbakal tries to close the distance and clinch up but Lao swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Lao will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Batungbakal throws a head kick that misses.
Batungbakal tries to clinch up but Lao circles away and keeps his distance.
Batungbakal connects with a body shot.
Lao takes a body kick right on the floating rib. Ouchie.
Batungbakal throws a head kick that misses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Batungbakal throws a head kick that Lao semi-blocks.
Lao misses with a jab, cross combination.
Lao throws a head kick but Batungbakal moves out of range.
Batungbakal pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Batungbakal misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Batungbakal fails with the takedown.
Lao jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Lao steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Batungbakal.
A punch combination from Lao misses.
Batungbakal wants to clinch up but Lao keeps it at a distance.
Batungbakal shoots for a takedown but Lao saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Lao stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Lao wants it to stay on the feet.
Batungbakal lands with a thumping leg kick.
Batungbakal lands a leg kick that knocks Lao off balance momentarily.
Lao displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Batungbakal throws out the jab.
Batungbakal shoots in looking for a takedown but Lao manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Batungbakal's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Batungbakal shoots for a double leg takedown but Lao sprawls well. He's pushed Batungbakal's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Batungbakal fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Lao pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Lao defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Batungbakal.
Batungbakal blocks a jab.
Batungbakal throws a head kick but Lao moves out of range.
Lao connects with a right hand. Batungbakal shakes it off.
Lao might want to mix his strikes up a bit more. He's just going for head shots at the moment and that can become a bit predictable.
Batungbakal slips a straight right by Lao.
Batungbakal lands a front kick.
Fox Lao has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Lao swats away the attempt to clinch by Batungbakal.
Batungbakal tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in the close the distance. Lao manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Lao circles away from the clinch attempt.
Batungbakal fails with a takedown attempt.
Batungbakal tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Lao paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Batungbakal throws a chopping leg kick but Lao manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Batungbakal throws a head kick but Lao moves out of range.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Batungbakal uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Lao.
Batungbakal misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Lao throws a lazy head kick
and Batungbakal makes the exchange count by landing a cracking kick to the body. Lao really felt that one!
Lao shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Batungbakal as he jumps to the side.
The fight stays on the outside here - Batungbakal looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Batungbakal misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Batungbakal tries to clinch up but Lao circles away and keeps his distance.
Lao misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Lao keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Batungbakal throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Diego Batungbakal is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Batungbakal moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Batungbakal moves in looking to clinch but Lao pushes him off.
Batungbakal scores with a kick to the midsection.

And that's the end of the fight!
Fox Lao comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Batungbakal has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... 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 Wesley Smith scores the fight 29:28
Judge Gwen Towbar scores the fight 29:28
Judge Daniel Franklin scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Diego Batungbakal!