PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Kip Aragus (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Manu Tuilagi (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Aragus comes to the cage accompanied by Kill of the Night - Gin Wigmore. Both fighters really staring each other down here, as Manu Tuilagi enters the cage!

Aragus
vs
Tuilagi

180 cm
23
180 lbs
7 - 1 - 0

174 cm
23
175 lbs
9 - 3 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Good elbows
Good gas tank

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 7 - 1 - 0, fighting out of New York, Kip Aragus!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 9 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Manu Tuilagi!
The judges for this bout are Alyssa Summers, Reed Andrews and Jorge Garcia.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Tuilagi darts in looking for a takedown but Aragus gets double underhooks and turns Tuilagi into the cage.

Aragus works for the underhooks and manages to get a trip takedown into guard.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
Aragus throws a big right hand that misses.
Tuilagi looking to hit a scissor sweep but Aragus is one step ahead there.
Aragus trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Aragus scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Aragus throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Tuilagi works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Aragus with a nice head shot there.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Aragus trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Aragus missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Tuilagi is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Aragus working some strikes from top position.
Our spies down at at Brown House inform us that Tuilagi has really been working on his submissions in the buildup to this fight. Will it pay off?
Tuilagi controlling the position.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Aragus postures up.
Aragus has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Aragus preventing the sweep.
Tuilagi is still trying to improve position.
Aragus wants to control from the top but Tuilagi keeps moving.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tuilagi is pulling down on Aragus's head. It's preventing any offense from Aragus, at least for the moment.

The ref calls for a clean break and stands the fighters back up. Manu Tuilagi wasn't active enough on the ground.
Tuilagi defending well as Aragus loads up on a big left hand.
Aragus connects with the punch.
Aragus darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Aragus lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Aragus scores with a nice strike.

Aragus drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Tuilagi tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Aragus working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Aragus throwing strikes from guard but Tuilagi blocks nicely.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tuilagi avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Tuilagi wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Aragus in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Aragus working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Tuilagi's head.
Tuilagi controls Aragus momentarily but Aragus frees himself.
Tuilagi is in a good position here but he's just trying to control... And he's not even managing to do that successfully.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.
Aragus working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Tuilagi is on top in guard.
Tuilagi looking to pass the guard.
Aragus looking for a sweep. Not yet Aragus, not yet.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Tuilagi scoring with punches to the head and body.
Tuilagi wants to control from the top but Aragus keeps moving.
Aragus 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.
We've been hearing good reports from Aragus's training camp. Apparently he has been rolling around with some good quality BJJ practitioners and has been sharpening his skills. Let's see if that has an impact on the fight today.
Tuilagi trying to control the position from guard on top but Aragus is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Aragus not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
The fighters circling - Aragus throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Aragus shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Tuilagi sprawls well. Tuilagi wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Aragus gets slowly back to his feet.
Aragus missing with a left hand there. Tuilagi was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tuilagi avoids the body shot from Aragus.
Aragus scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Tuilagi doesn't seem bothered though.
Aragus scores with a nice right hand.
Jab by Aragus.
Tuilagi avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Aragus thows a left - swing and a miss!
Kip Aragus seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Tuilagi turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Aragus tries for a takedown but Tuilagi sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Aragus throws a hook but Tuilagi avoids it easily.
Tuilagi staying out of range there.
Aragus misses with an uppercut. Tuilagi saw that one coming.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Kip Aragus dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Aragus stuffs the takedown.
Aragus swings for the body but Tuilagi moves out of range.
Aragus connects with the punch.
Tuilagi walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Aragus looks to land a right hand but Tuilagi moved out of range.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Tuilagi is defended easily by Aragus.
Aragus misses with a body shot

and Tuilagi counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Aragus!
Aragus manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.
Aragus avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Tuilagi.
Aragus has hold of Tuilagi's hands but Tuilagi slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Aragus is not content to let Tuilagi control the position.
Tuilagi sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Aragus defending well though.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tuilagi thows a huge punch but Aragus dodges it nicely.
Aragus is looking to improve his position.
Tuilagi throws a big elbow that misses, also allowing Aragus to regain full guard.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Tuilagi's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Tuilagi with a nice head shot there.
Aragus preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Aragus looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Tuilagi trying to control the position from guard on top but Aragus is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Manu Tuilagi has got the better of the ground game so far.
Aragus 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.
Tuilagi throwing strikes from guard but Aragus blocks nicely.

Aragus looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tuilagi in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Tuilagi sitting in guard here, content to control.
Aragus not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Tuilagi connects with a couple of short punches.
Aragus trying to keep a closed guard but Tuilagi is proving a slippery customer.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Tuilagi working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Aragus's head.
Tuilagi content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Tuilagi's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Tuilagi preventing the sweep.
Aragus has momentary wrist control but Tuilagi slips an elbow through the middle.
Tuilagi stands up over Aragus, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Tuilagi has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tuilagi working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Tuilagi trying to control the position from guard on top but Aragus is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Tuilagi content to stall in guard here.
Tuilagi missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Tuilagi works over Aragus with some ground and pound from guard.
Tuilagi is working Aragus over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Tuilagi preventing the sweep.
Tuilagi looking to sit in guard and control but Aragus gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Tuilagi is trying to keep Aragus in close.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tuilagi is pulling down on Aragus's head. It's preventing any offense from Aragus, at least for the moment.
Tuilagi looking to hit a scissor sweep but Aragus is one step ahead there.
Aragus trying to control the position from guard on top but Tuilagi is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Tuilagi controls Aragus momentarily but Aragus frees himself.
Tuilagi lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Aragus!
This has been an exciting period of action!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Aragus wants to hold on but Tuilagi pushes him away.
Aragus tries to reverse the position but Tuilagi maintains control.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Manu Tuilagi showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! And we move into the final round!

Tuilagi lands a nice leg kick that just misses Aragus's sensitive parts.

Aragus looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
Aragus thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Tuilagi regains full guard. Nicely done.
Aragus throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Tuilagi works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Aragus with a flurry of punches that miss.

Tuilagi had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Aragus defends it easily.
Aragus working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Tuilagi's head.
Tuilagi seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
Aragus working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Tuilagi is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Tuilagi is nestled in close to Aragus, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Aragus avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Tuilagi.
Tuilagi trying to control the pace.
Tuilagi looks to land a strike but Aragus avoids it nicely and regains full guard.
Tuilagi wants to control from the top but Aragus keeps moving.
Tuilagi wants to pass the guard but Aragus is keeping the position.
Aragus wants to sweep here but Tuilagi controlling him for the moment.
Tuilagi throws a big elbow that misses.
Tuilagi controlling from the top position.
Tuilagi postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tuilagi with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Aragus not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Tuilagi makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Tuilagi with a flurry of punches that miss.
Aragus keeping moving, preventing Tuilagi from controlling successfully.
Aragus bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Tuilagi's guard.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Tuilagi utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Tuilagi looking to hit a scissor sweep but Aragus is one step ahead there.
Tuilagi seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
Aragus working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Tuilagi's head.
Aragus with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Tuilagi is trying to control the position but Aragus postures up.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Aragus's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Tuilagi is trying to control the position but Aragus postures up.
Tuilagi wants to sweep here but Aragus controlling him for the moment.
Aragus wants to pass the guard but Tuilagi is keeping the position.
Tuilagi is adopting a defensive guard.

Manu Tuilagi has forced the referee to step in and restart the fight on the feet.
Nice takedown defense from Aragus. No joy for Tuilagi on that attempt.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
No joy there for Aragus, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Tuilagi tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Aragus manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.

Aragus gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.

Aragus wants the takedown. Tuilagi is fighting it off but Aragus persists and manages to bring the fight to the ground, ending up in Tuilagi's guard against the cage.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Aragus throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Aragus is on the wrong end of a couple of strikes there.
Tuilagi 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.
Tuilagi is trying to keep Aragus in close.
Tuilagi 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.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Aragus throwing strikes from guard but Tuilagi blocks nicely.
Tuilagi working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Aragus.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Manu Tuilagi.
I think Tuilagi 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Alyssa Summers scores the fight 28:29
Judge Reed Andrews scores the fight 28:29
Judge Jorge Garcia scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Manu Tuilagi!
Manu Tuilagi really struggled to get his t-shirt on before his hand was raised. Making sure that Jazzify logo gets some air time is pretty tricky when you're all sweaty.