PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Derek Safo (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Abe Jefferson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Chooooooooon! I think Safo might be my favorite fighter, now he's come out to Up Your Speed by Sway DaSafo. Abe Jefferson looks lathargic as he enters the arena. Wake up son, you're about to have a fight!

Safo
vs
Jefferson

186 cm
33
179 lbs
25 - 20 - 0

171 cm
34
179 lbs
15 - 15 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
KO power

Good wrestler
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

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 25 - 20 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Derek Safo!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 15 - 15 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Abe Jefferson!
The judges for this bout are Yves DeLean, Robert Douchet and William Peck.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Jefferson closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Safo did well to prevent Jefferson getting side control.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.
Safo keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Safo wants to control but Jefferson is keeping busy.
Jefferson with the ground and pound but Safo uses the opportunity to regain guard.
Jefferson must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Jefferson wants to control from the top but Safo keeps moving.

Safo had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Jefferson defends it easily.
Safo controlling the position.
Jefferson trying to control but Safo is working from the bottom.
In the pre-fight buildup videos we saw Jefferson working his ground and pound in the gym. He isn't landing a great percentage of his ground strikes so far though.
Safo is pulling down on Jefferson's head to control his posture.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Safo goes for a double leg but Jefferson avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Jefferson continues to drive forward.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Safo breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Safo fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Jefferson shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Safo as he jumps to the side.
Jefferson tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Safo defends well and Jefferson ends up having to push Safo into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Jefferson looks winded!
Safo is working Jefferson over against the cage.
Safo wants a takedown but no success here.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Derek Safo. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Jefferson is pressed up against the cage. Safo has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Jefferson down to the mat. Jefferson avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Safo lands a jab-cross combination.

It looks like Abe Jefferson has been cut.
Jefferson shoots in looking for a takedown but Safo manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Jefferson's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Safo scores with a one two! Jefferson had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.
Jefferson stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Safo.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Jefferson is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Nice sprawl there from Jefferson as Safo shoots in.
Nice straight punches there by Safo. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Safo.
Safo wants to clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A looping hook to the body misses from Safo. Jefferson does a little dance to reset his feet.
Safo avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
A jab lands there for Safo.
Jefferson fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Jefferson tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Safo swivels and escapes.
Safo works over Jefferson's head and body with a nice combination.
Safo lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Jefferson at a distance.
Safo throws a right hand that Jefferson ducks under and follows up with a left that Jefferson also avoids with ease.
Safo fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Jefferson takes one on the button.
Safo cracks Jefferson with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Abe Jefferson seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Safo shoots in but no luck this time.
Safo connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Safo is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Safo lands with an uppercut that bounces Jefferson off the cage and back into range.
Safo is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Jefferson shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Safo sprawls well. Safo wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Jefferson gets slowly back to his feet.
Nice body punch from Safo.
Safo digs a good body shot into Jefferson's ribs.
Jefferson takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Jefferson fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Safo ducks down and throws a hook to the body.

Safo shoots in and bounces Jefferson off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Safo slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.

Safo stands up and we're back to a striking position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Sloppy strikes from Safo. Those never looked like landing.
Safo is really peppering his opponent's head with punches.
Safo scores with a one two! Jefferson had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.
Safo is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
Safo shoots in for a takedown but Jefferson shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Safo doesn't manage to clinch there - Jefferson circles away.
Jefferson takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.

Jefferson shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Safo is looking to control Jefferson's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Safo avoid being mounted?
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!

Safo manages to create a bit of space in order to work his way back to his feet. Jefferson keeps hold of his opponent and drives him back against the cage.

Safo escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Safo feints a jab promting Jefferson to slip. Safo then demonstrates his capabilities by jabbing again. Jefferson slips again and ducks right into an uppercut.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Derek Safo dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Abe Jefferson's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Jefferson uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Safo.
Jefferson shoots in but Safo avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Safo throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Jefferson.
No luck for Jefferson with that takedown attempt.
Safo punishes Jefferson's body with a nice straight punch.
Jefferson tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Safo defends well and Jefferson ends up having to push Safo into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Derek Safo has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Abe Jefferson.
Safo lands with a left to the head.
Jefferson has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Safo avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Safo lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Safo drops down looking for an ankle pick but Jefferson pulls his leg out and moves away.
Safo rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Jefferson moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Jefferson is breathing heavily.
Safo takes a swing at Jefferson's ribcage but misses.
Safo thuds a left hand into Jefferson's body.
Derek Safo is winning the standup battle so far.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Safo stuns Jefferson with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Derek Safo is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Jefferson avoids a punch combination nicely.
Safo takes a swing at Jefferson's ribcage but misses.
Safo fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Safo is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Safo is defended easily by Jefferson.
Jefferson gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Safo counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Safo throws a right and a left that Jefferson avoids nicely.
Nice uppercut lands for Safo. That snapped Jefferson's head back.
Safo doesn't manage to clinch there - Jefferson circles away.
Safo lands a jab-cross combination.

Safo closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Safo lands in his opponent's guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.

Safo gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Safo takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Safo fails to land with a series of punches.
Jefferson shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Safo but Safo pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Safo lands a body shot.
Safo lands a glancing blow to the side of Jefferson's head.
Safo lands a slapping body shot.
Jefferson takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.

Safo moves into the clinch successfully.

Safo manages to break the clinch.
Safo cracks a nice hook into Jefferson's ribs.
Safo tries to land a front kick but Jefferson steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Safo scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Jefferson fails with the takedown.
Jefferson takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nice cross by Safo.

Safo drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Safo wants to stand but Jefferson is controlling his posture from full guard.

Safo stands up from guard. Let's bang!
Safo scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Safo lands a nice shot that snaps Jefferson's head back.
Safo throws a combination. Jefferson tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
No joy there for Jefferson, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Safo shoots for a takedown but Jefferson saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Safo throws a nice inside leg kick.
Safo shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Jefferson defends it nicely.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Safo throws a leg kick which misses Jefferson's front leg but catches the back leg as Jefferson tries to avoid it.
Jefferson has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Jefferson shoots for a double leg takedown but Safo sprawls well. He's pushed Jefferson's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Jefferson takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Safo digs a good hook to Jefferson's body.
Safo is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Safo throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
Safo fails with a takedown attempt.
Jefferson shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Safo pinned against the cage. Safo gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Safo lands a nice looking kick to the body. Jefferson takes a step back to recover.
Jefferson shoots for a takedown but Safo saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Derek Safo dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Abe Jefferson's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Good shot there by Safo.
Safo misses with a double jab.
Safo is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Jefferson can do to turn this around?

Safo gets caught flat footed, as Jefferson shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Safo avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Jefferson missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Safo looking to control.
Safo keeping moving, preventing Jefferson from controlling successfully.
Safo is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Safo is working for a kimura but Jefferson is defending it quite comfortably.

Jefferson is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Safo pulls his head out easily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Safo works his way into side control.
Jefferson takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Jefferson struggling a bit here.
Safo wants to lay and pray for a moment but Jefferson keeps working.
Safo takes a little break here. Jefferson wants to take advantage but he is being controlled well.
Jefferson is trying to control Safo's posture but Safo avoids it.
Jefferson is being controlled here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Safo trying to control the action but Jefferson is working from the bottom.
Safo working away.
Derek Safo overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

The ref stands the fighters back up because Derek Safo just wasn't active enough.
Safo fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Safo lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Jefferson walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Jefferson slaps away a takedown attempt from Safo, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Jefferson throws a big shot that misses.
Abe Jefferson has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
A left and a right from Safo both land. Nice combination.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Jefferson throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Safo's waist but Safo gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Jefferson off to one side.
Safo with a body punch. A glancing blow.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Safo clobbers Jefferson with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Jefferson takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Jefferson closes the distance and clinches up with Safo, looking for a takedown. Jefferson pushes Safo against the cage but Safo circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Safo throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
Safo throws a series of punches but Jefferson moves out of range.
Safo lunges at Jefferson with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Jefferson's hand.
Jefferson avoids a punch combination nicely.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Safo is defended easily by Jefferson.
Safo uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Jefferson has time to react.
Jefferson looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Derek Safo has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Abe Jefferson.
Jefferson will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Jefferson has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Safo finds it's way round the side to connect with Jefferson's head.
Derek Safo is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Safo clinches with his opponent.
Jefferson fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Safo wants to take the fight to the mat but Jefferson manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Jefferson fails to land with a short punch on the inside.

Safo breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Safo connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Jefferson's hands.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Safo connects with a looping right hand.
Safo changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Jefferson tries to avoid it but Safo manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Jefferson to the ground. Jefferson escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Safo takes a swing at Jefferson's ribcage but misses.
Safo stuns Jefferson with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Jefferson with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Safo to score with a decent uppercut.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Safo stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Safo wants it to stay on the feet.

Safo shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Jefferson's guard.

Safo decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.
Safo dives in for a single leg takedown but Jefferson sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.

And that's the end of the fight!
Derek Safo showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Safo 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Yves DeLean scores the fight 30:27
Judge Robert Douchet scores the fight 30:27
Judge William Peck scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Derek Safo!
Derek Safo bigged himself up after the win. The crowd seemed to love it.