PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Gabriel Kiptanui (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Garrosh Hellscream (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Kiptanui comes to the cage accompanied by Asa Masa Iso Pete . Hellscream is bouncing up and down as he enters the arena, backed by War March. Gabriel Kiptanui could well score a knockout today. He has the power to get to Garrosh Hellscream's chin.

Kiptanui
vs
Hellscream

173 cm
28
177 lbs
14 - 10 - 1

225 cm
26
185 lbs
11 - 5 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Dangerous knees
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
World class boxer
Good gas tank

Steel Penn's Laundry 93%

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 14 - 10 - 1, fighting out of Hilo, Gabriel Kiptanui!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 11 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Garrosh Hellscream!
The judges for this bout are Jeff Smith, Josh West and Micheangelo Fripello.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kiptanui will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Kiptanui throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Kiptanui swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Hellscream counters with an inside leg kick.
Kiptanui sees a low kick coming and goes to check it, but it's actually a body kick and it thuds into his unprotected ribs.

Hellscream closes the distance and clinches.

Kiptanui lands a nice trip takedown into half guard.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
Kiptanui wants to lay and pray for a moment but Hellscream keeps working.

Kiptanui is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Hellscream doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Kiptanui.
Kiptanui controlling the pace.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hellscream is trying to stand up here but Kiptanui is controlling him well.
Hellscream is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.

Kiptanui is looking for a kimura. It's pretty deep but Hellscream still has the half guard so he's probably OK. Oh, Hellscream has exploded into a beautiful escape there and after a quick scramble, he's ended up in side control on top! Nice work!
Kiptanui gets one leg under and gets the fight to half guard.
Kiptanui is pressing down on Hellscream's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Hellscream is looking to stand up but Kiptanui won't let him.
Hellscream missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kiptanui keeping full guard, as Hellscream tries to pass.
Hellscream stopping the sweep attempt from Kiptanui.
Kiptanui is trying to keep Hellscream in close.
Hellscream sitting in guard here, content to control.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Kiptanui lands a nice looking kick to the body. Hellscream takes a step back to recover.
Kiptanui thows a body shot but no joy.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!

Kiptanui looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into mount! Oh, that's bad for Hellscream!
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Kiptanui unloads with some shots from mount but Hellscream bucks and avoids them well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hellscream has given up his back here. Will Kiptanui look for the submission or keep pounding away?
You know, I was talking to some of our celebrities at ringside tonight and they were split right down the middle on who was going to win this fight.

Hellscream defending nicely against the rear naked choke attempt.
Kiptanui trying to control momentarily.

Kiptanui working for the choke.
Kiptanui struggling to keep hold of the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Kiptanui is working hard for the rear naked choke here.
I really don't envy Hellscream right now.
Hellscream prevents Kiptanui from getting a body triangle.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Gabriel Kiptanui dominated that round.
That's time! Kiptanui's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Kiptanui uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Hellscream.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Kiptanui is defended easily by Hellscream.
Hellscream scores with a hook to the body. Kiptanui takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Jab from Kiptanui.
Hellscream connects with a single shot there.
A swing and a miss from Kiptanui.
Hellscream buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Thud! ouch! good body kick from Hellscream - that will leave a mark!
Kiptanui fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Hellscream has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Kiptanui fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Hellscream throws a right and a left that both miss.
Kiptanui attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Hellscream misses with a series of wild punches.
Kiptanui misses with a kick to the body.
Hellscream moves in looking to clinch but Kiptanui pushes him off.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kiptanui tries a head kick but it misses.
Kiptanui throws a shot to the body.
Hellscream defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Kiptanui.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Gabriel Kiptanui. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Kiptanui throws a solid leg kick but Hellscream takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Kiptanui.
Hellscream lands a nice leg kick that just misses Kiptanui's sensitive parts.
A left and a right from Hellscream both land. Nice combination.
Hellscream throws a leg kick which misses Kiptanui's front leg but catches the back leg as Kiptanui tries to avoid it.
Kiptanui slips under a jab.
Hellscream throws out a leg kick but Kiptanui moves out of range and Hellscream only half commits.
Kiptanui throws the kick towards the body but Hellscream avoids it.
Kiptanui steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Hellscream.
Hellscream lunges at Kiptanui with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Kiptanui's hand.
Kiptanui misses with a leg kick
and Hellscream counters with a stiff right hand.
Kiptanui lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Kiptanui attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Kiptanui throws a half hearted mid kick.
Garrosh Hellscream seems to be getting the better of the standup.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Hellscream tries to clinch there but Kiptanui circles away.
Hellscream scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kiptanui throws a jab when Hellscream was well out of range.
Hellscream doesn't manage to clinch there - Kiptanui circles away.
Hellscream plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
Hellscream lands a nice leg kick that just misses Kiptanui's sensitive parts.
Hellscream tries to clinch up but Kiptanui circles away and keeps his distance.
Nice cross by Hellscream.
Kiptanui throws a chopping leg kick but Hellscream manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Kiptanui throws a head kick that misses
and Hellscream counters with a lovely straight right hand!

Kiptanui moves into the clinch.
Hellscream tries a body shot but Kiptanui blocks it.
Kiptanui blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Kiptanui scores with an uppercut up the middle.
A left hand lands to the body for Kiptanui.
Hellscream working aggressively here.
Kiptanui blocking some punches.
Hellscream swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Hellscream tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Kiptanui's elbow.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kiptanui misses with a hook to the ribs.
Kiptanui misses with a hook to the ribs.
Hellscream struggles to land a body shot inside as Kiptanui controls his hands.

Kiptanui pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Hellscream is using his reach advantage to land shots from outside his opponent's range.
Kiptanui blocks a head kick by Hellscream.
Kiptanui misses with a takedown attempt - Hellscream sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Hellscream takes a kick to the body and keeps moving.
Kiptanui blocks the body kick.
Kiptanui looks for a takedown but Hellscream sprawls well.
Hellscream has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Hellscream throws a head kick that Kiptanui semi-blocks.
Kiptanui swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Hellscream counters with a stiff right hand.
Kiptanui throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
No luck for Kiptanui with that takedown attempt.
Hellscream jabs Kiptanui to the body, keeping him at a distance.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kiptanui fails to land the takedown.
Kiptanui does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
Hellscream throws a shot to the body.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Kiptanui on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Hellscream. Hellscream obviously looking to wear him down.
Hellscream with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Hellscream connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Kiptanui throws a head kick that misses.
Hellscream swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Hellscream lands a jab to Kiptanui's midsection.
Hellscream displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Kiptanui.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Hellscream keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Hellscream fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Hellscream lands a front kick.
Kiptanui fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Hellscream manages to avoid it.

Kiptanui closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Garrosh Hellscream showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.

Hellscream moves into range and lands a nice body kick.
Hellscream digs a good hook to Kiptanui's body.
No joy there for Hellscream, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Nice uppercut lands for Hellscream. That snapped Kiptanui's head back.
Hellscream lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Kiptanui circles away quickly and effectively.
Hellscream tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Kiptanui paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Kiptanui tries to clinch there but Hellscream circles away.
Hellscream lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
Hellscream sizes up Kiptanui with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Donk. Hellscream catches Kiptanui right on the button with a cross.
Kiptanui throws a front kick aimed at Hellscream's knee but Hellscream avoids it well.
Kiptanui throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Kiptanui misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Hellscream lands a body shot.
Hellscream tests Kiptanui's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Hellscream takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Kiptanui looks to land a body kick but Hellscream moved away.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kiptanui throws a head kick but Hellscream moves out of range.
Kiptanui chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Hellscream can pounce on him.

Kiptanui scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

Kiptanui wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Hellscream, who protects the arm well.
Hellscream wants to control but Kiptanui postures up.
Gabriel Kiptanui overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Hellscream defending against the ground and pound.
Kiptanui prevents Hellscream from escaping the position.
You can see the frustration on Hellscream's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Hellscream manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Kiptanui is working for a submission of some sort.
Hellscream is trying to get back to full guard.
Kiptanui moves nicely into side control.

Kiptanui is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Hellscream is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kiptanui works to advance to full mount. Hellscream defends for a few seconds but eventually he succumbs.

Kiptanui looking for an armbar but decides to keep the dominant position instead.
Kiptanui thowing strikes but they're hitting the gloves, not doing any damage.
Kiptanui punching from mount but Hellscream doing a good job of avoiding damage.
Kiptanui cracks Hellscream with a nasty head shot there - the crowd let out an audible gasp there, as the noise reverberated around the arena.

Kiptanui is looking to secure an arm. He's managed it! He's pivoting for an armbar - that looks tight! But Hellscream has managed to get out of it and now he's in a dominant position. Nice work from Hellscream!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hellscream tries to free his leg and advance position but Kiptanui is retaining full guard.
Kiptanui is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Kiptanui is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Hellscream is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.
Hellscream tries to free his leg and advance position but Kiptanui is retaining full guard.
Kiptanui not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.
Kiptanui tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

The ref stands the fighters back up. Gabriel Kiptanui wasn't doing enough on the ground.
Kiptanui misses with a head kick.
Hellscream tests Kiptanui's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Kiptanui tests Hellscream's chin there with a solid looking shot.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Gabriel Kiptanui.
I think Kiptanui has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Jeff Smith scores the fight 29:28
Judge Josh West scores the fight 29:28
Judge Micheangelo Fripello scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Gabriel Kiptanui!
A relieved looking Gabriel Kiptanui thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.