PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Busta Rhymes (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Marco Bjurstrom (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The crowd seem to be enjoying Bjurstrom's choice of entrance music: Bullet for my Valentine - Hand of Blood. 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 Marco Bjurstrom was going to win. Let's see if he was right.

Rhymes
vs
Bjurstrom

176 cm
19
194 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

180 cm
22
180 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter striker
KO power

BJJ Blue Belt
Good kicks
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Busta Rhymes!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Marco Bjurstrom!
The judges for this bout are Frank Dennis, George Francis and Stewart Dunkirk.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
No joy there for Rhymes, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Bjurstrom throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Bjurstrom fails to land the takedown.
Rhymes could do with loosing a few pounds - he looks very soft around the mid section, to put it politely.
Rhymes lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Bjurstrom backs up against the cage.

It looks like Marco Bjurstrom has been cut.
Rhymes wants to clinch up but Bjurstrom keeps it at a distance.

Rhymes darts in and clinches Bjurstrom up against the cage.
Rhymes is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Rhymes tries to pull guard but Bjurstrom won't allow it.
Rhymes lands a body punch.

Rhymes breaks the clinch.
Rhymes tries to bum rush Bjurstrom with a series of wild strikes but Bjurstrom uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Rhymes misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.

Rhymes closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Bjurstrom to the mat! Bjurstrom manages to get full guard.
Bjurstrom wants to get back to his feet but Rhymes is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Rhymes trying to control the position from guard on top but Bjurstrom is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Bjurstrom really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Rhymes. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Bjurstrom wants to stand and escape but Rhymes is having none of it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bjurstrom thows some rabbit punches from the bottom but they don't do any damage.
Rhymes trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Rhymes trying to control the position from guard on top but Bjurstrom is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Rhymes stands up from guard. Let's bang!
Bjurstrom throws a right and a left that Rhymes avoids nicely.
Rhymes with a jab.
Rhymes pulls out of a head kick attempt.

Rhymes scores with a takedown into Bjurstrom's guard.
Bjurstrom looks gassed!
Bjurstrom doesn't do any damage with a couple of strikes from the bottom.
Rhymes trying to control the position from guard on top but Bjurstrom is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Bjurstrom keeping full guard, as Rhymes tries to pass.
Rhymes stands and throws Bjurstrom's legs to the side, diving into side control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rhymes is looking to take a break and control but Bjurstrom is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Bjurstrom pushes Rhymes away and creates a bit of space to escape. He's almost out here... but no, Rhymes gets a good hold of his legs and remains firmly in side control.
Rhymes is looking to take a break and control but Bjurstrom is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.

Rhymes forces Bjurstrom back against the cage and clinches.
Bjurstrom has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Rhymes avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Rhymes looking for a takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Busta Rhymes. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Bjurstrom breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Bjurstrom wants to slow Rhymes down by chopping away at his legs.
Rhymes looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Bjurstrom is fending him off so far but Rhymes persists. Nope, Bjurstrom circles away and we're back to standing.

Rhymes has Bjurstrom up against the cage in a clinch.

Bjurstrom breaks from the clinch.
Rhymes throws a solid leg kick but Bjurstrom takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Rhymes.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rhymes fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Bjurstrom checks it well.
Bjurstrom takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
A punch combination from Rhymes misses.
Rhymes tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Rhymes throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Bjurstrom's waist but Bjurstrom gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Rhymes off to one side.
Bjurstrom tries to clinch up
and Rhymes counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Bjurstrom thinking.
Rhymes circles away from the clinch attempt

and Rhymes counters with a single leg into guard. Bjurstrom didn't expect that.
Bjurstrom managing to control the position.
Rhymes won't allow Bjurstrom to sweep him here.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Rhymes forces his way into half guard.
Rhymes prevents Bjurstrom from standing back up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Bjurstrom wants to improve his position but Rhymes is controlling well.

Bjurstrom pushes Rhymes off and gets back to his feet.
Bjurstrom throws a nice looking combination but Rhymes bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Bjurstrom misses with a takedown attempt
and Rhymes counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Bjurstrom shoots in but doesn't get the takedown

and Rhymes moves into the clinch.
Bjurstrom is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
Bjurstrom lands an elbow that stopped Rhymes in his tracks for a moment.

Bjurstrom breaks from the clinch.
Bjurstrom throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Bjurstrom tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Rhymes paws at him with a jab and circles away.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Bjurstrom looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Rhymes lands a right hook to the body.
Rhymes throws a head kick but Bjurstrom moves out of range.
Bjurstrom digs a good hook to Rhymes's body.
Horrible takedown by Bjurstrom or perhaps it was just good defense by Rhymes which made him look bad.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Busta Rhymes dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Marco Bjurstrom's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Rhymes gets a clinch.

Bjurstrom gets a trip takedown into half guard.
Rhymes trying to control from the bottom.

Bjurstrom escapes and gets back to his feet.

Bjurstrom clinches.

Rhymes pulls Bjurstrom into guard.
Bjurstrom throws a big right hand that misses.
Bjurstrom pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Rhymes is keeping the position for now.

Bjurstrom decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Rhymes, up you get!
Bjurstrom misses with a series of wild punches.
Bjurstrom clinches but Rhymes breaks the clinch
and Rhymes connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Nice jab there from Rhymes.
Bjurstrom misses with a few strikes there.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Bjurstrom lands a nice leg kick that just misses Rhymes's sensitive parts.
Rhymes takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Bjurstrom tries to clinch but Rhymes moves away
and Rhymes counters with a left to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bjurstrom shoots in looking for a takedown. Rhymes tries to sprawl out of it but Bjurstrom keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Rhymes manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Bjurstrom takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Good work by Bjurstrom as he checks the leg kick.
Bjurstrom tries to clinch up but Rhymes circles away and keeps his distance.
A low kick from Bjurstrom is predictable there
and Rhymes counters with an inside leg kick.

Rhymes shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Oh and he's advanced to full mount straight away.

Rhymes jumps to side control looking for an arm triangle but Bjurstrom manages to avoid the submission attempt.

Rhymes working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.

Rhymes tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Bjurstrom is putting a lot of effort into getting back to his feet here.
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.
Rhymes wants to control but Bjurstrom is keeping him busy.
Bjurstrom is trying to control Rhymes's posture but Rhymes avoids it.
Bjurstrom is looking to reverse the position.
Bjurstrom wants to get back to his feet.
Bjurstrom is trying to improve his position.
Bjurstrom wants to get back to his feet but Rhymes drags him back down.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.

Bjurstrom closes the distance and clinches.
Rhymes takes an elbow to the temple.

Bjurstrom escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bjurstrom clinches but Rhymes breaks the clinch
and Rhymes counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Rhymes stuffs the takedown.
Rhymes moves away from the strike by Bjurstrom.
Busta Rhymes is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Bjurstrom takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Bjurstrom throws a combination that misses
enabling Rhymes to counter with a crisp jab.
Rhymes shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Bjurstrom as he jumps to the side.

Bjurstrom moves into the clinch.

Rhymes breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.

Rhymes rushes Bjurstrom and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Bjurstrom keeps control of Rhymes as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Rhymes is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.

Bjurstrom breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Bjurstrom tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Rhymes paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Rhymes looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
The fight stays on the outside here - Bjurstrom looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
The fight stays on the outside here - Bjurstrom looks like he's thinking about clinching though.

Bjurstrom tries to keep at a distance but Rhymes has taken the fight into the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rhymes is looking to break free of the clinch but Bjurstrom has double underhooks.

Bjurstrom breaks the clinch.
A cross from Rhymes lands.
Rhymes ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Bjurstrom moves away.
Marco Bjurstrom seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Rhymes scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.

Rhymes is trying to work for a kimura. He's got his hands clasped together - this could be trouble! No, Bjurstrom has managed to free his arm - good work.

Bjurstrom makes some distance and scrambles quickly back to his feet. Nice work!
Rhymes lands a nice looking body shot.

Rhymes shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Bjurstrom's guard.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Bjurstrom wriggles free and stands up.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Bjurstrom tries to clinch but fails miserably
and Rhymes counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Bjurstrom thinking.
Bjurstrom tries to clinch but Rhymes moves away
and Rhymes counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Bjurstrom gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily

and Rhymes holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Busta Rhymes has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Marco Bjurstrom.
Bjurstrom is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Rhymes pulls him back up using the underhooks.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Busta Rhymes dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Marco Bjurstrom's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Rhymes lands a jab to the nose.
Bjurstrom has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Rhymes finds it's way round the side to connect with Bjurstrom's head.
Busta Rhymes is winning the standup battle so far.
Rhymes shoots for a takedown but Bjurstrom saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Rhymes digs a good body shot into Bjurstrom's ribs.
Bjurstrom on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.

Bjurstrom has Rhymes up against the cage in a clinch.
Rhymes tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.

Rhymes breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Rhymes fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Busta Rhymes. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Rhymes tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Bjurstrom swivels and escapes.
Rhymes misses with a body shot
and Bjurstrom counters with a good low kick that Rhymes was not able to check.
Rhymes is looking to wear down Bjurstrom with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Bjurstrom fails in his attempt to clinch.
Bjurstrom tries for a takedown but Rhymes circles away easily

and Rhymes counters with a nice double leg into guard.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Rhymes stops Bjurstrom from standing up.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Bjurstrom is on top in guard.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for leaving it all in the cage!

Bjurstrom stands up from guard. Let's bang!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bjurstrom shoots in for a takedown but Rhymes shows good takedown defense.
Bjurstrom throws an ugly left hook that misses

and Rhymes counters with a nice single leg takedown and he's in Bjurstrom's guard now.
Rhymes trying to control but Bjurstrom is working from the bottom.
Rhymes stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Bjurstrom swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Rhymes has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Bjurstrom is proving hard to escape from.

Bjurstrom uses the cage to get back to his feet.
Rhymes scores with a three punch combo!
Bjurstrom throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.

Rhymes changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Bjurstrom looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Rhymes wants to lay and pray for a moment but Bjurstrom keeps working.

Bjurstrom throws his opponent off and manages to get back to his feet! Nicely done!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rhymes takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Bjurstrom pushes Rhymes up against the cage in a clinch.

Bjurstrom gets a nice trip takedown into half guard.

Bjurstrom stands up out of the half guard.

Bjurstrom rushes Rhymes and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Bjurstrom prevents Rhymes from breaking the clinch.

Bjurstrom breaks from the clinch.
Bjurstrom tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Rhymes counters with a thumping low kick.
Rhymes lands a body shot.
A nice inside leg kick there by Rhymes. That's going to slow Bjurstrom down.
Bjurstrom takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Bjurstrom doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Rhymes is looking to score with low kicks.
Bjurstrom tries to clinch but Rhymes moves away
and Rhymes counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Bjurstrom thinking.
Bjurstrom swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Nice body punch from Rhymes.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rhymes throws a head kick but Bjurstrom moves out of range.
Rhymes closes the distance and clinches up with Bjurstrom, looking for a takedown. Rhymes pushes Bjurstrom against the cage but Bjurstrom circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.

Rhymes rushes Bjurstrom and presses him up against the cage.
Bjurstrom manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.
Rhymes wants to get back to striking at distance but Bjurstrom won't allow it.
Bjurstrom has Rhymes pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Rhymes manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Knees in the clinch landing for Bjurstrom.
Bjurstrom content to slow the pace in the clinch.
Rhymes tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Marco Bjurstrom has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Rhymes lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Bjurstrom gets underhooks to prevent Rhymes's takedown attempt.
Rhymes is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.

Bjurstrom breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Bjurstrom looks to throw a body kick
and Rhymes counters with a lovely shot to the body.

Rhymes feints and as Bjurstrom raises his hands in defense, Rhymes changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
Rhymes trying to control but Bjurstrom is working from the bottom.
Rhymes stops Bjurstrom from standing up.
Rhymes passes Bjurstrom's left leg - he's now in half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rhymes is just content to waste time from the top position. Bjurstrom takes advantage of the situation and regains full guard.

Rhymes gets to his feet. Bjurstrom looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!
Rhymes shoots in for a double leg but Bjurstrom sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Rhymes just misses with a punch to the body.
Bjurstrom lands a head kick. Rhymes smiles back at him and beckons him forward.

It looks like Busta Rhymes has been cut.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Bjurstrom throws a combination that misses
and Rhymes counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Bjurstrom looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.

Rhymes shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Oh and he's advanced to full mount straight away.
Rhymes is in the full mount, landing strikes.
Bjurstrom taking shots to the head.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Bjurstrom is trying to stand.

Rhymes has control of Bjurstrom's right arm, working for a kimura. It's a bit of a token attempt though and Bjurstrom regains control of the situation pretty easily.
Rhymes blocks Bjurstrom's feeble attempts to strike from the bottom.

And that's the end of the fight!
Busta Rhymes showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Rhymes 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 Frank Dennis scores the fight 30:27
Judge George Francis scores the fight 30:27
Judge Stewart Dunkirk scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Busta Rhymes!