PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Sly Randolph (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Li Xiaolong (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both these guys have really solid chins. Will we see a standup war or will they both decide that a knockout is unlikely and try to win the fight elsewhere?

Randolph
vs
Xiaolong

170 cm
27
142 lbs
19 - 7 - 1

173 cm
27
146 lbs
16 - 5 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
World class boxer
Granite chin

Fightworld Formula
Down Under - Supplements.160Q Video Proof

Brute
Black Hand Fight Gear & Laundry

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the bantamweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 19 - 7 - 1, fighting out of Hilo, Sly Randolph!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 16 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Li Xiaolong!
The judges for this bout are Kenichi Hosakawa, Tatsuya Matsuyama and Shigeki Sano.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Randolph is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Xiaolong's half guard.
Xiaolong is trying to escape back to his feet but Randolph uses the scramble to pass into side control.
Randolph tries to move to mount but Xiaolong blocks the move with his legs.
Randolph throwing strikes but missing, from side control.
The ground and pound from Randolph seems to be hitting the mat more than his opponent.
Randolph controlling the position.
Randolph tries to move to mount but Xiaolong blocks the move with his legs.
Randolph postures up a little and throws a couple of hammerfists but they don't connect properly.
Randolph scores with a couple of short elbows.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Randolph throws a knee to the body but it doesn't do much damage.
Randolph throws a knee to the body but it doesn't do much damage.
Randolph looking to punish the body of his opponent here but Xiaolong is avoiding damage well.
Randolph wants to control but Xiaolong is keeping him busy.
Randolph looking to punish the body of his opponent here but Xiaolong is avoiding damage well.
Xiaolong tries to wriggle free to get back to his feet but he's given up his back! Oops.
Randolph has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Randolph missing with strikes.
Xiaolong is taking damage to the body and head.
Xiaolong has the hand control, trying to stop the rear naked choke.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Randolph missing with strikes.
Randolph biding his time, looking for the opening.
Randolph throwing strikes from the back - he gets a warning from the referee for striking the back of the head but all these shots are hurting Xiaolong!
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Randolph throws a big right hand but he misses and hits the mat. Ouch.

Randolph is looking to finish the fight by rear naked choke. Xiaolong knows exactly what he's got planned though, so he's defending well. Maybe a few strikes would soften Xiaolong for a finish.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Randolph throwing sloppy strikes.
Xiaolong trying to get back to his feet but Randolph is in full control for now.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Randolph is landing with strikes from the back.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Xiaolong is trying to get back to his feet but Randolph has full control of the position and if anything, Xiaolong has just worked his way into a worse spot.

Randolph is looking to finish the fight by rear naked choke. Xiaolong knows exactly what he's got planned though, so he's defending well. Maybe a few strikes would soften Xiaolong for a finish.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Randolph lands with a big left hand that may well have hurt his opponent. Can Xiaolong hold on?!
Randolph trying to control.
Randolph just keeping the dominant position. He can't wait too long though, otherwise the referee will stand them back up.
Xiaolong controlling the position well but he knows he's in a bad position.
Randolph scores with a nice shot to the head of his opponent. Xiaolong is looking for a way out.
Xiaolong has the hand control, trying to stop the rear naked choke.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Randolph missing with strikes.
Xiaolong looking very determined here, making life difficult for Randolph.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Xiaolong is trying to get back to his feet but he's not managed it yet.
Xiaolong covering up well under a series of strikes from Randolph.

Randolph is looking to finish the fight by rear naked choke. Xiaolong knows exactly what he's got planned though, so he's defending well. Maybe a few strikes would soften Xiaolong for a finish.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Xiaolong is trying to get back to his feet but Randolph has full control of the position and if anything, Xiaolong has just worked his way into a worse spot.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Sly Randolph dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Xiaolong takes a jab right on the kisser.
Randolph takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Randolph fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Xiaolong is out of range.
Xiaolong is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Xiaolong with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Randolph to score with a decent uppercut.
Xiaolong throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Randolph counters with a nice low kick that buckles Xiaolong's knee momentarily.
Randolph slips a straight right by Xiaolong.
Randolph throws a right and a left that Xiaolong avoids nicely.
Xiaolong throws a body kick, spinning off balance
and Randolph counters with a right hand to the body.
Xiaolong jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Randolph is trying hard to land a takedown here. Xiaolong sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Xiaolong fails to land with a series of punches.
Xiaolong tries to land a leg kick but Randolph saw it coming and moves away.
Randolph tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Xiaolong is able to avoid easily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Randolph looks to land a left hand but Xiaolong moved out of range nicely.
A chopping leg kick lands by Randolph.
Xiaolong goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Xiaolong is looking to clinch but Randolph is avoiding it.
Xiaolong wants to land a leg kick but Randolph is out of range.
A head kick by Xiaolong misses
and Randolph counters with a leg kick.
Xiaolong swings for the body but Randolph moves out of range.
Xiaolong misses with a low kick.
A jab from Randolph misses.
Xiaolong moves away from the strike by Randolph.
Xiaolong swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Randolph thumps Xiaolong with a low kick.
Randolph takes one to the side of the head.
Randolph changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Randolph throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Xiaolong.
Xiaolong takes a swing at Randolph's ribcage but misses.
Xiaolong looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Xiaolong moves out of range as Randolph throws a body kick.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Xiaolong throws a nice outside leg kick.
Randolph scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Xiaolong throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Randolph on the side of the head.
Randolph shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Xiaolong sprawls well. Xiaolong wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Randolph gets slowly back to his feet.
Li Xiaolong seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Randolph misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Sly Randolph. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Randolph keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Xiaolong.
Li Xiaolong is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Randolph blocks the body kick.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Xiaolong moves into the clinch.
Randolph looking to slow down the pace here.
Randolph has a couple of punches blocked by Xiaolong.
Randolph tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Xiaolong's elbow.
Randolph dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.
Xiaolong pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the cage.
Xiaolong misses with some punches.
Randolph fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Randolph content to slow the pace in the clinch.
Xiaolong tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Randolph's elbow.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Xiaolong pushes off an throws an elbow but Randolph leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
Xiaolong throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Xiaolong fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Randolph misses with a hook to the ribs.
Xiaolong lands a right hand.
Randolph blocks a body shot from Xiaolong.
A head punch on the inside from Randolph fails to land.
Randolph blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Randolph is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Xiaolong gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Randolph.
Good body shot from Xiaolong.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Randolph.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Li Xiaolong will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

A kick lands to the mid section there for Xiaolong.
Xiaolong pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Xiaolong misses with a kick to the body.
Li Xiaolong seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Xiaolong takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Nice uppercut lands for Xiaolong. That snapped Randolph's head back.
Xiaolong throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Xiaolong swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Xiaolong throws a head kick but Randolph moves out of range.
Xiaolong fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Randolph has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Randolph shoots in and drives through. Xiaolong sprawls well.
Xiaolong misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Randolph.
Randolph rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Xiaolong connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.

Xiaolong drives through and clinches with Randolph against the cage.
Xiaolong misses with a punch on the inside.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Randolph working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Randolph swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Randolph blocks an uppercut.
Xiaolong misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Xiaolong has a couple of punches blocked by Randolph.
Randolph lands a left hand that snaps the head of Xiaolong backwards.
Xiaolong swings wildly with an uppercut but Randolph uses good head movement to avoid it.
Randolph scores with a shot to the side of Xiaolong's head.
Xiaolong tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Randolph's elbow.
Xiaolong misses with a punch to the body.
A short right from Randolph.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Randolph is working for takedown but Xiaolong is calmly controlling the position for now.

Randolph breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Xiaolong tries to clinch but Randolph is having none of it.
Randolph scores with a three punch combo!
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Xiaolong throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Randolph sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Xiaolong tries to land a front kick but Randolph steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Xiaolong misses with a kick to the body.
Xiaolong chopping away at his opponent's legs.
A telegraphed right hand from Randolph misses the target.
Xiaolong connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Randolph momentarily.
Xiaolong works the jab nicely.
A low kick from Xiaolong is predictable there
and Randolph counters with a nice leg kick.
Randolph uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Xiaolong.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Xiaolong fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Randolph.
Xiaolong is looking to clinch but Randolph is avoiding it.
Xiaolong bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Randolph's head backwards.
Xiaolong throws a leg kick but Randolph moved away.
Randolph pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Xiaolong blocks a head kick by Randolph.
Xiaolong misses with a hook
and Randolph counters with a one-two to the body.
Xiaolong throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Randolph sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Randolph tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Xiaolong is able to avoid easily.
Randolph scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Xiaolong misses with a straight left.
Randolph with a jab.
Decent striking displayed by Xiaolong there.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Xiaolong misses with an uppercut. Randolph saw that one coming.
Xiaolong throws a body kick that misses
and Randolph counters with a head kick.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Randolph checks a leg kick.
Randolph missing with a left hand there. Xiaolong was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Randolph jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Randolph dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Randolph lands an overhand right.
Xiaolong throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Randolph throws a sloppy head kick and Xiaolong moves out of range easily.
Randolph misses with a series of wild punches.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Randolph sees a low kick coming and goes to check it, but it's actually a body kick and it thuds into his unprotected ribs.
Xiaolong lands with a thumping leg kick.
Randolph avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close third round but Li Xiaolong just about did enough to take it.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Xiaolong throws a wild body kick that Randolph sees coming a mile off.
Randolph avoids the body shot from Xiaolong.
Randolph finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.

A momentary lapse in concentration from Xiaolong enables Randolph to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. Xiaolong manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.
Sly Randolph overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Randolph throwing strikes but missing.
Randolph trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Randolph stops Xiaolong from standing up.
Xiaolong keeping moving, preventing Randolph from controlling successfully.
Xiaolong preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Randolph showing good wrestling skills to control the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Randolph is looking to advance position but Xiaolong has hit a scissor sweep - now he's on top in mount!
Randolph keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
Xiaolong controlling his opponent.

Xiaolong is standing up out of mount! Strange tactic there - he must really want this one on the feet!
Xiaolong lands a jab-cross combination.
Randolph changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Xiaolong tries to avoid it but Randolph manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Xiaolong to the ground. Xiaolong escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Randolph throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Xiaolong was covering up waiting for the punch and Randolph finishes the takedown easily into guard.
Xiaolong wants to get back to his feet but Randolph is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Randolph is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Randolph pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Xiaolong is keeping the position for now.
Randolph trying to control the position from guard on top but Xiaolong is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Xiaolong is edging up against the cage. He's using the cage to get back to his feet. Nice work there - the fighters are clinched.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Xiaolong tries to land knees in the clinch but Randolph avoids the damage to the body.
Xiaolong goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Randolph blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Xiaolong throws an elbow that misses.
A short left from Xiaolong.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Xiaolong.
Xiaolong tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Randolph avoids it.
Randolph has a couple of punches blocked by Xiaolong.
Randolph fails to land with a short punch on the inside.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Randolph is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Xiaolong is keeping busy.
Randolph blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Randolph avoids a wild elbow strike from Xiaolong.
Xiaolong has a couple of punches blocked by Randolph.
Randolph avoids the elbow strike from Xiaolong, against the cage.
Xiaolong throws a punch but it's blocked by Randolph.
Xiaolong can't find room to land a body shot as Randolph controls the action.
Xiaolong pushes off an throws an elbow but Randolph leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Xiaolong swings wildly with an uppercut but Randolph uses good head movement to avoid it.
Randolph has a couple of punches blocked by Xiaolong.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close fourth round but I would say that Sly Randolph will probably get the nod.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

Xiaolong with a nice cross.
Randolph shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Xiaolong as he avoids it easily.
Xiaolong looks to land a right hand but Randolph moved out of range.
Randolph takes one to the chin there.
Randolph looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Xiaolong misses with a jab to the body
and Xiaolong takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Xiaolong sizes up Randolph with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Xiaolong throws the kick towards the body but Randolph avoids it.
Xiaolong tries to close the distance and clinch up but Randolph swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Xiaolong feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Randolph's calf.
Xiaolong looks to land a left hand but Randolph moved out of range nicely.
Randolph throws a body punch but Xiaolong moves out of range.
Randolph throws a right hand that Xiaolong ducks under and follows up with a left that Xiaolong also avoids with ease.
Xiaolong jabbing away but nothing is landing.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Randolph ducks under a wild hook from Xiaolong.
Xiaolong throws a body punch but Randolph moves out of range.
Xiaolong takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Randolph misses with an uppercut.
Xiaolong lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
Xiaolong misses with a left hand
and Randolph connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Randolph with a jab.
Randolph throws a leg kick but Xiaolong sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Randolph throws a quick inside leg kick.
Xiaolong looks to throw the jab but Randolph is out of range.
Randolph throws a body kick that misses
and Xiaolong counters with a nice body kick.
Randolph takes a nasty kick to the mid section... That should keep him thinking. Does he try and block and risk a head kick landing?

That's two minutes gone in the round.
No luck for Randolph with that takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Sly Randolph. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Randolph throws a head kick that misses
and Xiaolong counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - an gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
Randolph scoring well with a low kick there.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Randolph trying to stall but Xiaolong improves his position.
Randolph on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Randolph blocks the elbow strike.
Xiaolong blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Randolph on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Randolph tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Xiaolong's elbow.
Xiaolong struggles to land a body shot inside as Randolph controls his hands.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Randolph throws a punch but it's blocked by Xiaolong.
Xiaolong fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Randolph misses with a hook to the ribs.
Randolph lands a right hand.
Randolph struggles to land a body shot inside as Xiaolong controls his hands.
Randolph tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Xiaolong's elbow.
Xiaolong misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Randolph is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Xiaolong misses with a punch to the body.
Xiaolong has a couple of punches blocked by Randolph.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Randolph misses with a punch on the inside.
Randolph taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
Randolph blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
A short left from Xiaolong.
Xiaolong throws a head punch that misses.
Randolph tries to throw a body punch but Xiaolong avoids it by throwing Randolph back against the cage.
Xiaolong misses with a hook to the ribs.
Randolph lands an uppercut.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Randolph working aggressively here.
Randolph misses with a hook from the clinch.
Xiaolong swings wildly with an uppercut but Randolph uses good head movement to avoid it.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Li Xiaolong.
I think Xiaolong 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 Kenichi Hosakawa scores the fight 46:49
Judge Tatsuya Matsuyama scores the fight 47:48
Judge Shigeki Sano scores the fight 47:48

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Li Xiaolong!
Li Xiaolong is the new bantamweight champion!
A less than humble Li Xiaolong misjudged his post fight interview somewhat and came across a little too arrogant whilst trying to hype up his own abilities.