PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a super heavyweight MMA rules bout between Dave Saw (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Adrianus Rafter (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Dave Saw looks tired to me. Hopefully he has got enough gas left in the tank to put in a good performance.

Saw
vs
Rafter

200 cm
19
275 lbs
0 - 3 - 0

212 cm
22
293 lbs
0 - 2 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Good kicks
Granite chin

BJJ White Belt
Good kicks
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the super heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Dave Saw!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Adrianus Rafter!
The judges for this bout are Summer Carpenter, Steve Erwin and John Mangel.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A head kick misses from Saw.
Saw looks exhausted already! Oh dear, he should have come in in better shape than this!
Saw throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Rafter's waist but Rafter gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Saw off to one side.
A head kick misses from Rafter.
Saw shoots in and drives through. Rafter sprawls well.
Saw throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Rafter's waist but Rafter gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Saw off to one side.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Dave Saw. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Rafter connects with a high kick.
Saw tries to clinch up.
Rafter circles away from the clinch attempt.
Saw misses with a double jab.
Rafter tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Rafter throws the kick towards the body but Saw avoids it.
Both fighters circling a little - Rafter finishes the exchange with a kick to the body.
Saw closes this distance looking for a takedown but Rafter circles away.
Rafter cracks the inside of Saw's front leg.
Both fighters circling a little - Rafter finishes the exchange with a kick to the body.
Rafter misses with a head kick.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Saw changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Rafter fights it off and pushes away nicely.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Saw avoids the head kick by Rafter.
Saw misses with a body shot.
Rafter lands a head kick. Saw smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
Saw tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Saw is looking to clinch.
A nice combination there by Saw.
A head kick by Rafter misses

and Saw counters by moving into the clinch.
Rafter is trying to break free.
Rafter tries to land a knee to the head but Saw blocks with his arms.

Rafter breaks the clinch.
Rafter lands with a kick to the temple. Saw shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
Saw closes this distance looking for a takedown but Rafter circles away.
Rafter connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Saw gets through Rafter's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Rafter just misses with a elbow thrown towards Saw's brow.
Rafter wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Saw tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Saw keeps control of Rafter as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Rafter is trying to break free.
Rafter is trying to break the clinch but Saw has him pressed against the cage.
Rafter wants to get back to striking at distance but Saw won't allow it.
Saw wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Saw can't break the clinch.

Saw jumps into guard, dragging Rafter to the mat.
Saw trying to keep a closed guard but Rafter is proving a slippery customer.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Rafter is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Rafter wants to stand but Saw has a closed guard, so he can't escape.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Saw wants to stand up but Rafter is controlling him.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Saw not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Saw keeping full guard, as Rafter tries to pass.
Rafter postures up.
Rafter slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Rafter throws a nice head kick!
Rafter is on the wrong end of a nice combination from Saw.
Saw blocks a head kick by Rafter.

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.
Saw avoids the head kick by Rafter.
Saw shoots in for a double leg but Rafter sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Rafter dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Saw. That did some damage!
Rafter throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Saw shoots in and drives through. Rafter sprawls well.
Rafter pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Rafter tries a head kick but it misses.
Rafter throws a head kick that half lands.
Rafter lands a head kick. Saw smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
Rafter scores with a kick to the body.
Rafter tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
A head kick by Rafter misses

and Saw counters by clinching up.
Rafter gets underhooks to prevent Saw's takedown attempt.
Rafter wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Rafter wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Rafter wants to get back to striking at distance but Saw won't allow it.
Saw looking to stall.
Rafter wants to get back to striking at distance but Saw won't allow it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Adrianus Rafter dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Rafter throws a sloppy head kick and Saw moves out of range easily.
Saw blocks a head kick by Rafter.
Rafter throws a head kick that misses.
Rafter tries a head kick but it misses.
Rafter keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Saw.
Saw looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Rafter lands with a slapping head kick.
Rafter throws a sloppy head kick and Saw moves out of range easily.
A head kick misses from Rafter.
A head kick from Rafter lands but Saw takes it in his stride.
Rafter throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Saw's head.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rafter misses with a head kick.
Rafter thuds a mid kick into his opponent's body. That will wear on Saw if he has to take too many more of those.
Rafter misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Rafter throws a head kick that looked like it stung.
Rafter scores with a three punch combo!
Saw takes a kick to the side of the head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Saw takes a nasty kick to the mid section... That should keep him thinking. Does he try and block and risk a head kick landing?
Rafter throws a sloppy head kick and Saw moves out of range easily.
Saw shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Rafter but Rafter pushes him off and we're back to square one.
A solid leg kick lands there for Rafter.
Rafter pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Saw blocks a head kick by Rafter.
Saw takes a body kick right on the floating rib. Ouchie.
Rafter misses with a body kick.
Rafter looks for the body kick but Saw saw that one coming.
Saw ducks under a wild hook from Rafter.
Saw misses with a few strikes there.
Rafter tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Saw fails with a takedown attempt.
Rafter throws a quick inside leg kick.

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.
Saw throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Rafter's waist but Rafter gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Saw off to one side.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Dave Saw. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Saw fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
No luck for Saw with that takedown attempt.
Rafter throws a head kick that misses

and Saw counters into the clinch. Nicely done.
Saw has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Rafter is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.

Saw has managed to pull guard. Let's see whether he can work an aggressive guard. It will also be interesting to see what tactics Rafter uses from the top position.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Saw tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Saw is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Rafter sitting in guard here, content to control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Saw working a defensive guard here.
Rafter is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Rafter feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Saw's calf.
Rafter throws a head kick that half lands.
Rafter misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Rafter tries to land a front kick but Saw steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Rafter scores with a head kick.

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.
Rafter tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Saw takes a head kick and keeps coming.
Saw avoids the head kick by Rafter.
Adrianus Rafter is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Saw blocks a head kick by Rafter.

Saw closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Saw lands in his opponent's guard.
Saw trying to control the position from guard on top but Rafter is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Saw advances position into side control!
Saw fails to land a wild elbow strike.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Adrianus Rafter showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. This is the final round!

Saw is looking to clinch.
Saw tries to clinch there but Rafter circles away.
Rafter explodes with a nice body kick and back out of range. Nice work.
Rafter throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Saw shoots for a takedown but Rafter saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Dave Saw is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Rafter, right into the meat.
Rafter is looking to slow Saw down with leg kicks.
A head kick misses from Rafter.
Saw will be looking to protect his midsection after taking some solid kicks to the body.
Saw misses with a takedown attempt - Rafter sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Rafter throws a sloppy head kick and Saw moves out of range easily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Saw tries to clinch but Rafter is having none of it.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

Saw moves into the clinch successfully.
Rafter looking to throw knees to the head but Saw is blocking nicely.
Saw keeps control of Rafter as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Rafter wants to break the clinch but can't.
Rafter wants to break free but Saw has control.
Rafter looking to throw knees to the head but Saw is blocking nicely.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rafter is trying to break the clinch but Saw has him pressed against the cage.
Rafter tries to break the clinch but Saw is controlling the position.
Rafter wants to break free but Saw has control.
Rafter wants to get back to striking at distance but Saw won't allow it.
Saw tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Rafter just stands there and leans against the cage.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Dave Saw. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Rafter with an attempt at a knee that misses.

Saw breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Saw tries to clinch up but Rafter circles away and keeps his distance.
A head kick misses from Rafter.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Saw.
Rafter feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Saw's calf.
Rafter lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
Saw is looking to clinch but Rafter is avoiding it.
Rafter has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.
Saw tries to clinch but Rafter is having none of it.
Saw shoots for a takedown but Rafter saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Rafter throws a sloppy head kick and Saw moves out of range easily.
A head kick misses from Rafter.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Saw pushes Rafter away with a front kick.
Saw throws a head kick that misses.
Adrianus Rafter seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Saw tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Rafter swivels and escapes.
Rafter keeps the fight on the outside.
Rafter throws a head kick that misses

and Saw moves into the clinch.

Saw decides to pull guard.
Rafter is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Saw looking to control.
Saw looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Saw trying to keep a closed guard but Rafter is proving a slippery customer.
Rafter really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Saw. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Saw wants to sweep but no luck.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Saw wants to stand and escape but Rafter is having none of it.
Rafter trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Rafter is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Rafter throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.
Saw is looking to clinch.
Rafter throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Saw.
Rafter throws a head kick that looked like it stung.
Rafter keeps the fight on the outside.
The fight stays on the outside here - Saw looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
A head kick by Rafter misses

and Saw moves into the clinch.
Saw fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Saw prevents Rafter from breaking the clinch.
Rafter throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
Saw wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rafter is looking to break free of the clinch but Saw has double underhooks.
Saw keeps control of Rafter as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Rafter tries to break the clinch but Saw is controlling the position.
Saw is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Saw tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Rafter smiles and moves away.
Rafter throws a sloppy head kick and Saw moves out of range easily.
Saw lands with a kick to the ribs.
Horrible takedown by Saw or perhaps it was just good defense by Rafter which made him look bad.
Rafter tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Nice sprawl there from Rafter as Saw shoots in.
Rafter throws a body kick despite being completely out of range

and Saw counters into the clinch. Nicely done.
Saw keeps control of Rafter as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Rafter can't break the clinch.
Rafter wants to get back to striking at distance but Saw won't allow it.
Saw will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Rafter up against the cage.
Saw is trying to break free.

And that's the end of the fight!
Dave Saw showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Rafter 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 Summer Carpenter scores the fight 28:29
Judge Steve Erwin scores the fight 28:29
Judge John Mangel scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Adrianus Rafter!