PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Michak Ropuia (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Malcolm Master (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Ropuia comes to the cage accompanied by Here comes the pain - Slayer. Master has chosen Master of Puppets as his entrance music. 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?

Ropuia
vs
Master

176 cm
27
152 lbs
10 - 5 - 0

225 cm
30
150 lbs
9 - 10 - 0

Powerful takedowns
Brawler
Cardio machine

BJJ Brown Belt
Basic striking
Powerful

The Dark Side
Pirates Powder

The Dark Side

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 2 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 10 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Michak Ropuia!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 9 - 10 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Malcolm Master!
The judges for this bout are Roger Salmon, Ryoma Takatsuka and Micheangelo Fripello.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Ropuia looking to score a takedown here. Master is defending well but Ropuia drives through and ends up in Master's guard.
Master is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Ropuia is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Master pulls his head out easily.

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

Master is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Master is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.
The fighters are battling for position here. Ropuia manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Master wants to control from the top but Ropuia keeps moving.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Master pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Ropuia is keeping the position for now.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Master accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!

That's one minute gone in the round.

Ropuia has his foot on Master's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Master works his way back into a safe position though.
Ropuia looking to hit a scissor sweep but Master is one step ahead there.
Master wants to control from the top but Ropuia keeps moving.

Ropuia looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.

Ropuia had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Master defends it easily.
Master trying to control the position from guard on top but Ropuia is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Ropuia looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Master trying to control the position from guard on top but Ropuia is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Master keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Ropuia's head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Master trying to control but Ropuia is working from the bottom.
Master connects with a couple of short punches.
Master trying to control but Ropuia is working from the bottom.
Master stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Ropuia swivels though and keeps the full guard.

Ropuia working for a triangle but Master defends it easily.

Master avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Master throws a big right hand that misses.
Ropuia is looking to stand up but Master isn't so interested in that idea.
Master trying to control but Ropuia is working from the bottom.
Ropuia utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Ropuia working for a triangle but Master defends it easily.

Master decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Ropuia, up you get!

Ropuia shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Master's guard.
Master wants to get back to his feet but Ropuia is in a dominant position and won't allow it.

Master is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Master is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.

Master is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Ropuia defends well.

Ropuia is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.

Master is looking for a triangle but Ropuia pushes his legs off easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Master trying to punch from his back but it's not doing any damage.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Master is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Ropuia passes Master's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Ropuia trying to advance position but Master counters by regaining guard.
Ropuia passes Master's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Master is holding on to half guard well.

Ropuia is working for a kimura but Master is defending it quite comfortably.
Ropuia is thwarting Master's attempts to control the position.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Master wants to get back to full guard.

Master looking for submissions off his back.

Ropuia is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.

Master looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Master wants to get back to full guard.
Master makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Master.

Ropuia avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Master looks winded!

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Ropuia wants to pass the guard but Master is keeping the position.

Master is active off his back here, looking for submissions.

Ropuia drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Ropuia jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.

Ropuia drops back looking for a leg! Master is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Master manages to kick Ropuia off! Ropuia jumps back into Master's guard.

Master is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Ropuia defends well.

Ropuia thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Ropuia wants to get up but he can't break Master's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Ropuia tries to free his leg and advance position but Master is retaining full guard.

Master is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Ropuia has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Master is proving hard to escape from.
Ropuia might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Ropuia trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Master striking off his back but it's not causing Ropuia any problems.
Master trying to strike off his back.

Ropuia thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Ropuia won't allow Master to sweep him here.

Master is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Ropuia is aware though and is defending well.

Ropuia drops back looking for a leg! Master is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Master manages to kick Ropuia off! Ropuia jumps back into Master's guard.
Master tries to land a sweep but no joy.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Master tries to strike from the bottom.
Ropuia slips nicely into half guard.
Master is looking to improve his position.

Master is defending against the submission attempts here by Ropuia.
Master flails away from the bottom but he's not doing any damage.

Ropuia is looking for a kimura here.
This has been an exciting period of action!

Master is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Ropuia pulls his head out easily.

Ropuia is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Master defends it well.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.

Ropuia seems to be working for a kimura but Master defends the submission attempt.
Master is trying to control but can't.

Ropuia is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Master trying to hold on to Ropuia's head to control him but Ropuia postures up.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Master gets full guard.
Ropuia wants to get up but he can't break Master's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.

Master is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Michak Ropuia 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!

Master looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into side control! Oh, that's bad for Ropuia!
Master staying calm.
Malcolm Master has got the better of the ground game so far.
Ropuia wants to escape from the position here - easier said than done!
Ropuia manages to work his way to half guard, despite Master's best efforts.
Master trying to control from half guard but Ropuia is working away.
Ropuia tries to roll over but Master keeps him under control.
Master wants to control but Ropuia is keeping him busy.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.

Ropuia looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Master winds up and cracks Ropuia with a swinging punch to the side of the head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Master trying to control from half guard but Ropuia is working away.
Ropuia makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Ropuia.
Master wants to control from the top but Ropuia keeps moving.

Ropuia looking for a guillotine here but Master defends easily.
Master preventing the sweep.
Ropuia keeping moving, preventing Master from controlling successfully.
Master is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.

Ropuia throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Master 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.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Master lands a couple of elbows.
Ropuia has momentary wrist control but Master slips an elbow through the middle.
Ropuia keeping moving, preventing Master from controlling successfully.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Ropuia throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Master is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.

Ropuia working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Master doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Master manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Master stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Ropuia swivels though and keeps the full guard.

Ropuia looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Master throwing strikes from guard but Ropuia blocks nicely.

Ropuia has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Master can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Master connects with a couple of short punches.
Master's corner is telling him to maintain position.

Ropuia escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Master gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.

Ropuia throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Master landing with the ground and pound.
Master scores with a decent looking elbow strike.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Master showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Ropuia wants to stand but Master is controlling the position.

Master got a little sloppy there for a moment and Ropuia has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Master has managed to get both his arms back between Ropuia's legs - danger averted.
Master prevents Ropuia from getting back to his feet.
Master slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.

The ref calls for a clean break and stands the fighters back up. Malcolm Master wasn't active enough on the ground.
Ropuia displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Master.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Master closes this distance looking for a takedown but Ropuia circles away.

Ropuia scores with a takedown into Master's guard.

Ropuia is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.
Master lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Ropuia!
Ropuia is looking to get to half guard.
Master tries to control but Ropuia wriggling away.
Ropuia is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
Ropuia slips a leg in and gets back to half guard.

That's six minutes gone in the round.

Master is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Ropuia doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Master.
Master trying to control from half guard but Ropuia is working away.
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!
Master is in a good position here but he's just trying to control... And he's not even managing to do that successfully.

Ropuia actively working from the bottom here.
Ropuia manages to get to full guard.

Ropuia has his foot on Master's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Master works his way back into a safe position though.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.

Ropuia looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.

Ropuia is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Master is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.

Ropuia had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Master defends it easily.

Ropuia is looking for a triangle but Master pushes his legs off easily.
Master is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Master stands up over Ropuia, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Master trying to control the position from guard on top but Ropuia is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Ropuia is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Master is aware though and is defending well.

Ropuia is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Master defends well.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.

Master decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Ropuia, up you get!

Excellent takedown into side control there by Master.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Ropuia wants to escape from the position here - easier said than done!
Ropuia gives up the full mount - oops, sloppy defensive grappling there!
Master trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Ropuia tries to reverse the position but Master maintains control.
Ropuia sneaks a leg back under and regains half guard and is working straight away to try and get back to guard. He hasn't managed just yet though.
Master wants to control but Ropuia is keeping him busy.

Master decides to stand up and try his luck on the feet.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Master fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Michak Ropuia has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Malcolm Master.

Ropuia shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Master's guard.
Ropuia pushes down on Master's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Ropuia prevents Master from improving his position.

Ropuia is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Master trying to control here.
Master is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Ropuia is working for a kimura but Master is defending it quite comfortably.
Master is looking to improve his position.

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 Michak Ropuia.
Well Ropuia 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 2 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Roger Salmon scores the fight for Michak Ropuia!
Judge Ryoma Takatsuka scores the fight for Malcolm Master!
Judge Micheangelo Fripello scores the fight for Michak Ropuia!

Michak Ropuia wins by split decision!
A victorious Michak Ropuia thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.