PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Ryan Fitzmagic (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Vittorino Merlino (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Buckle up people - heeeeeeeeeere we go!

Fitzmagic
vs
Merlino

170 cm
23
190 lbs
7 - 3 - 0

180 cm
25
195 lbs
6 - 0 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Brawler
Cardio machine

BJJ Purple Belt
Basic striking
Solid chin

Ducksfoot Clothing - SALE!! All Items $10

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 7 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Ryan Fitzmagic!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Vittorino Merlino!
The judges for this bout are Jeff Smith, Roger Salmon and Colin Fray.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Fitzmagic tries to clinch but Merlino moves out of range.

Fitzmagic closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Merlino quickly recovers to half guard.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.
Fitzmagic looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.
Merlino trying to control here.
Fitzmagic is trying to control. Merlino wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Fitzmagic missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Merlino tries to roll over but Fitzmagic keeps him under control.
Fitzmagic is thwarting Merlino's attempts to control the position.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Merlino fails with a takedown attempt.
A punch combination from Fitzmagic misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Merlino shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Fitzmagic as he avoids it easily.
Fitzmagic fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Merlino shoots in looking for a takedown but Fitzmagic manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Merlino's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Ryan Fitzmagic has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Vittorino Merlino.

Merlino shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.

Merlino is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Fitzmagic desperately trying to maintain half guard.
Fitzmagic is looking to escape.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Merlino is looking for a kimura but Fitzmagic is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Merlino to get the leverage.

Fitzmagic is defending against the submission attempts here by Merlino.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Merlino is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Merlino is looking to pass Fitzmagic's guard but actually Fitzmagic recovers to full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Fitzmagic wants to sweep here but Merlino controlling him for the moment.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Merlino wants to pass the guard but Fitzmagic is keeping the position.
Merlino throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Fitzmagic works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Merlino pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Fitzmagic is keeping the position for now.
Merlino postures up in Fitzmagic's guard and throws a big left but Fitzmagic blocks it.
Merlino won't allow Fitzmagic to get back to his feet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Fitzmagic is trying to keep Merlino in close.
Fitzmagic pulls Merlino in to control the position.
Merlino looking to pass the guard.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up, due to lack of activity on the part of Ryan Fitzmagic.
Fitzmagic displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Merlino.

Fitzmagic moves into the clinch.

Merlino has double underhooks and is working for a body lock takedown. He's got it. The fighters land in half guard but Fitzmagic regains guard immediately.

Merlino has gone for a leg lock! Fitzmagic slips out almost immediately though and dives into Merlino's guard.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Fitzmagic lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Vittorino Merlino will probably get the nod.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Merlino shoots for a double leg takedown but Fitzmagic sprawls well. He's pushed Merlino's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Ryan Fitzmagic is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Fitzmagic.
Fitzmagic shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Merlino sprawls well. Merlino wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Fitzmagic gets slowly back to his feet.
A right-left combo lands from Fitzmagic.

It looks like Vittorino Merlino has been cut.
Fitzmagic fails with an attempt to clinch.
Fitzmagic shoots in looking for a takedown. Merlino tries to sprawl out of it but Fitzmagic keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Merlino manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ryan Fitzmagic. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Fitzmagic drives through with a takedown into guard.

Merlino throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Merlino is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Fitzmagic forces his way into half guard.
Ryan Fitzmagic overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

Fitzmagic is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.

Fitzmagic is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Merlino defends it well.
Fitzmagic wants to take a breather but Merlino is having none of it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Merlino is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Fitzmagic scores with a couple of nice shots.
Merlino has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Fitzmagic is working away from the top position though.
Merlino has his hands clasped together around Fitzmagic's back. He's all about the action.
Fitzmagic moves nicely into side control.
Fitzmagic wants to lay and pray for a moment but Merlino keeps working.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Merlino regains half guard.

Fitzmagic is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Merlino defends it well.
Merlino is trying to maintain the position but Fitzmagic is very close to passing his half guard.
Fitzmagic wants to control but Merlino is keeping him busy.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Merlino is trying to maintain the position but Fitzmagic is very close to passing his half guard.
Fitzmagic keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.
Fitzmagic is looking to stall here but Merlino recovers full guard.
Fitzmagic pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Merlino is keeping the position for now.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Merlino preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Fitzmagic trying to control the position from guard on top but Merlino is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ryan Fitzmagic dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Vittorino Merlino'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.

Merlino defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Fitzmagic.
Fitzmagic is looking to clinch.

Fitzmagic closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Fitzmagic lands in his opponent's guard.
Merlino controlling the position.
Fitzmagic trying to control the position from guard on top but Merlino is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's one minute gone in the round.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.

The ref stands the fighters back up because Ryan Fitzmagic just wasn't active enough.
Fitzmagic tries to close the distance and clinch but Merlino swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Merlino closes the distance and clinches up with Fitzmagic, looking for a takedown. Merlino pushes Fitzmagic against the cage but Fitzmagic circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Fitzmagic is defended easily by Merlino.
Fitzmagic closes this distance looking for a takedown but Merlino circles away.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ryan Fitzmagic. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Fitzmagic wants to clinch but Merlino slips to the side

and Merlino counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Merlino.
Merlino pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Fitzmagic is keeping the position for now.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Merlino prevents Fitzmagic from getting back to his feet.
Merlino pushes down on Fitzmagic's leg and manages to get into half guard.

Merlino is working for a kimura but Fitzmagic is defending it quite comfortably.

Merlino is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Merlino trying to pass the guard but Fitzmagic defending well.
Merlino prevents Fitzmagic from improving his position.
Merlino is pressing down on Fitzmagic's thigh, looking to free his foot. Fitzmagic is holding on for now.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Merlino is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Fitzmagic is just riding it out for now. Merlino eventually gives up the hold.

Merlino is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Fitzmagic defends it well.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Merlino is trying to advance to mount but he's lost his balance and Fitzmagic reverses the position - he's now on top in Merlino's guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Vittorino Merlino really dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Vittorino Merlino's cut.
That's time! Back to the action!

Merlino shoots in for a takedown but Fitzmagic shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Fitzmagic shoots in looking for a takedown but Merlino manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Fitzmagic's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Fitzmagic changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Merlino tries to avoid it but Fitzmagic manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Merlino to the ground. Merlino escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.

Fitzmagic shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Merlino manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
Fitzmagic stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Merlino swivels though and keeps the full guard.

Fitzmagic avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Merlino manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!

That's one minute gone in the round.

Fitzmagic bucks up and throws Merlino to the side - he's got back to his feet. Great escape!
Fitzmagic moves in looking to clinch but Merlino pushes him off.

Fitzmagic has managed to clinch.
Merlino is trying to drag Fitzmagic to the mat but Fitzmagic just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Fitzmagic is looking for a takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ryan Fitzmagic. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Merlino drops down looking for an ankle pick but Fitzmagic pulls his leg out and moves away.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Fitzmagic stuffs the takedown.
Fitzmagic tries to clinch but Merlino is having none of it.
Merlino shoots for a takedown but Fitzmagic saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Fitzmagic moves in looking to clinch but Merlino pushes him off.
Merlino shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Fitzmagic defends it nicely.
Fitzmagic is trying hard to land a takedown here. Merlino sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.

Fitzmagic shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Fitzmagic wants to pass the guard but Merlino is keeping the position.
Fitzmagic trying to control the position from guard on top but Merlino is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Merlino tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Fitzmagic stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Merlino swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Fitzmagic is working hard here to advance position.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Ryan Fitzmagic wasn't doing enough on the ground.

Fitzmagic looking for a takedown here - he's got it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Fitzmagic trying to control but Merlino is working from the bottom.
Fitzmagic passes into half guard.
Merlino trying to control but Fitzmagic postures up.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.

Fitzmagic looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ryan Fitzmagic had his way with Vittorino Merlino in that round.
The cut man is working on Vittorino Merlino's cut.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!

Merlino scores with a takedown into Fitzmagic's guard.
Merlino throwing strikes but missing.
Merlino throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Merlino trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

Merlino drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but Fitzmagic manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Merlino has Fitzmagic in his guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Fitzmagic trying to control but Merlino is working from the bottom.
Merlino 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.
Fitzmagic trying to control the position from guard on top but Merlino is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Fitzmagic is really struggling to control Merlino but he's trying to hold on to the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

We're going to have a standup here because Ryan Fitzmagic wasn't active enough for the referee's liking.
Fitzmagic fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Merlino avoids it really well and circles away.
Merlino shoots in for a takedown but Fitzmagic shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Merlino displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Fitzmagic.
Fitzmagic uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.

Fitzmagic shoots in and gets a takedown into Merlino's guard.
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.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Fitzmagic wants to control from the top but Merlino keeps moving.
Fitzmagic is looking to work some ground and pound but Merlino has wrist control.
Merlino avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Fitzmagic throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Merlino works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Fitzmagic trying to control but Merlino is working from the bottom.
Fitzmagic trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Fitzmagic stands and throws Merlino's legs to the side, diving into side control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Merlino avoids any damage from the ground and pound of Fitzmagic.
Merlino defending against the ground and pound.
Fitzmagic in side control, trying to ground and pound but not landing this time.
Fitzmagic wants to lay and pray for a moment but Merlino keeps working.

Fitzmagic is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Merlino has escaped the position, nice work there.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Merlino regains half guard there - taking advantage of Fitzmagic's attempt to lay and pray for a moment.

And that's the end of the fight!
Ryan Fitzmagic showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Fitzmagic 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Jeff Smith scores the fight 49:47
Judge Roger Salmon scores the fight 49:46
Judge Colin Fray scores the fight 48:47

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Ryan Fitzmagic!