PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Raje Malapitan (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Jess Liaudin (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Liaudin has chosen Jump Around as his entrance music. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Malapitan
vs
Liaudin

168 cm
34
130 lbs
9 - 21 - 0

175 cm
31
155 lbs
20 - 9 - 0

Good wrestling
Solid boxing
Very quick

Good wrestler
Decent boxing
Solid chin

Firebird Designs - 10% Laundry commission

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 9 - 21 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Raje Malapitan!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 20 - 9 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Jess Liaudin!
The judges for this bout are , Timothy Bukovac and Don Winkell.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Liaudin shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.
Malapitan avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Liaudin.
Malapitan is looking for a sweep. Liaudin is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

Liaudin wants to work for an arm triangle but Malapitan is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.

Liaudin seems to be working for a kimura but Malapitan defends the submission attempt.
Malapitan trying to control here.
Liaudin wants to lay and pray for a moment but Malapitan keeps working.
Malapitan slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Liaudin postures up in Malapitan's guard and throws a big left but Malapitan blocks it.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Malapitan keeping moving, preventing Liaudin from controlling successfully.
Malapitan is trying to control the position but Liaudin postures up.
Liaudin trying to control but Malapitan is working from the bottom.
Liaudin throws an elbow that misses. Malapitan uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Liaudin's guard. Nice move by Malapitan!
Liaudin is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Malapitan looking to pass the guard.
Malapitan won't allow Liaudin to sweep him here.
Liaudin throwing strikes off his back to little effect.
Malapitan pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Liaudin is keeping the position for now.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Liaudin is trying to keep Malapitan in close.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Liaudin looking for a sweep. Not yet Liaudin, not yet.
Liaudin throwing some rather feeble looking strikes off his back.
Malapitan trying to control but Liaudin is working from the bottom.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Liaudin shoots in for a double leg but Malapitan sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Liaudin misses with a takedown attempt
enabling Malapitan to counter with a crisp jab.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Liaudin has his takedown stuffed
and Malapitan counters with a straight right hand.
Raje Malapitan has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jess Liaudin.
Liaudin closes the distance and clinches up with Malapitan, looking for a takedown. Liaudin pushes Malapitan against the cage but Malapitan circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Malapitan throws a jab but it's blocked by Liaudin.
Liaudin throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Malapitan's waist but Malapitan gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Liaudin off to one side.
Liaudin tries for a takedown but Malapitan circles away easily
and Malapitan cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Jess Liaudin seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Malapitan looks to land a left hand but Liaudin moved out of range nicely.
Malapitan throws a hook but Liaudin blocks it.
Liaudin tries for a takedown but Malapitan circles away easily
and Malapitan counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Liaudin shoots for a takedown but Malapitan saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
A looping hook to the body misses from Malapitan. Liaudin does a little dance to reset his feet.
Liaudin fails with an attempt to clinch.
Malapitan avoids the clinch attempt nicely.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Malapitan slaps away a takedown attempt from Liaudin, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Malapitan looks to land a left hand but Liaudin moved out of range nicely.
Malapitan looks to throw the jab but Liaudin is out of range.
Liaudin doesn't succeed with the takedown
letting Malapitan counter with a right hand.
Liaudin needs to keep his hands up - Malapitan had a free shot at his head there.
Malapitan misses with a hook.
Liaudin looks for a takedown but Malapitan sprawls well.
Liaudin shoots in for a takedown but Malapitan shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Liaudin has his takedown stuffed
and Malapitan counters with a straight right hand.
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 Raje Malapitan will probably get the nod.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Malapitan digs a good body shot into Liaudin's ribs.
Liaudin pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Liaudin shoots in and drives through. Malapitan sprawls well.
Malapitan misses with a body shot

and Liaudin counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Liaudin.
Malapitan is pulling down on Liaudin's head. It's preventing any offense from Liaudin, at least for the moment.
Liaudin trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Liaudin won't allow Malapitan to sweep him here.
Liaudin trying to control the position from guard on top but Malapitan is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Malapitan has a closed guard, preventing Liaudin from standing up.
Liaudin throwing strikes but missing.
Liaudin stands up over Malapitan, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Liaudin trying to control the position from guard on top but Malapitan is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Liaudin with a flurry of punches that miss.
Malapitan manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
Liaudin is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Malapitan controlling his opponent.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Liaudin slips a leg in and gets back to half guard.
The fighters are battling for position here. Liaudin manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Malapitan slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Malapitan tries to advance to mount but can't.
Liaudin manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.

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

Liaudin has one foot on Malapitan's thigh - he pushes off and manages to get back to his feet.
Liaudin has done a lot of speed work in the buildup to this fight.
Liaudin tries for a takedown but Malapitan circles away easily
and Malapitan counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Liaudin dives in for a single leg takedown but Malapitan sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Raje Malapitan has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jess Liaudin.
Liaudin has Malapitan pressed against the cage, preventing Malapitan from circling away and getting back to striking at range.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Liaudin is trying to pull guard but Malapitan turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Liaudin jumps guard but Malapitan turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Liaudin is breathing heavily.
Malapitan looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Liaudin has Malapitan pressed against the cage, preventing Malapitan from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Liaudin as Malapitan tries to tie him up.

Malapitan breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Malapitan defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Liaudin.
Malapitan stuffs the takedown attempt from Liaudin. Liaudin gets slowly back to his feet.
Malapitan bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Liaudin's head.
Jess Liaudin is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Liaudin shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Malapitan sprawls well. Malapitan wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Liaudin gets slowly back to his feet.
Malapitan jabs Liaudin to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Raje Malapitan is winning the standup battle so far.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Liaudin dives in and grabs Malapitan's left leg, looking for a takedown. Malapitan pushes down on Liaudin's head and hops out.
Liaudin fails with the takedown
and Malapitan counters with a nice body shot.
Raje Malapitan is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Malapitan with a nice cross.
A jab from Malapitan misses.
Malapitan dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Malapitan throws a lazy right hand but Liaudin sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Liaudin defending well as Malapitan loads up on a big left hand.
Malapitan paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Malapitan stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Malapitan wants it to stay on the feet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Jess Liaudin will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Malapitan keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Liaudin fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Liaudin tries to clinch but Malapitan is having none of it.
Liaudin with a poor takedown
enabling Malapitan to counter with a crisp jab.
Raje Malapitan has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jess Liaudin.
Liaudin with a poor takedown
and Malapitan counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Malapitan throws a jab when Liaudin was well out of range.
Malapitan misses with a body shot.
Liaudin with a poor takedown
and Malapitan counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Malapitan tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Liaudin was well out of range. Poor timing from Malapitan.
Liaudin darts in looking for a takedown but Malapitan gets double underhooks and turns Liaudin into the cage.
Liaudin takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
A shot in the inside from Malapitan.
Liaudin jumps guard but Malapitan stands there with Liaudin around his waist. Liaudin gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Liaudin tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Malapitan lands a hook to the side of the head.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Malapitan.
Malapitan gets through Liaudin's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.

Malapitan breaks the clinch.
Liaudin shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Malapitan defends it nicely.
Liaudin drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Liaudin fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Malapitan avoids it really well and circles away.
Liaudin has a takedown stuffed.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Donk. Malapitan catches Liaudin right on the button with a cross.
Liaudin closes the distance and clinches up with Malapitan, looking for a takedown. Liaudin pushes Malapitan against the cage but Malapitan circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Liaudin takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Malapitan punishes Liaudin's body with a nice straight punch.
Malapitan defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Liaudin.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Liaudin takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Liaudin shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Malapitan counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Malapitan lands with a right hand.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Malapitan connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Liaudin's hands.
A big left from Malapitan misses.
Liaudin misses with a takedown
and Malapitan counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Liaudin shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Malapitan defends it nicely.
Malapitan connects with a single shot there.
Malapitan lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Liaudin changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Malapitan tries to avoid it but Liaudin manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Malapitan to the ground. Malapitan escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
It really doesn't seem like the step up in weight is hurting Malapitan here at all. He's more than holding his own against the bigger man.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Liaudin.
Liaudin avoids the body shot from Malapitan.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Liaudin misses with a takedown
and Malapitan counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Malapitan looks to land a right hand but Liaudin moved out of range.
Liaudin tries to score a power double leg takedown but Malapitan sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Liaudin somewhat.
Malapitan comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Malapitan looks to land a right hand but Liaudin moved out of range.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Malapitan misses with a wild body shot.
Liaudin on the wrong end of a nice jab.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Malapitan circles away from the clinch attempt.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Raje Malapitan clearly takes that round.
That's time! Malapitan's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Malapitan throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Liaudin sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Liaudin misses with a takedown
and Malapitan connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Liaudin takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Liaudin fails with the takedown
and Malapitan connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Liaudin takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Malapitan slaps away a takedown attempt from Liaudin, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Raje Malapitan has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jess Liaudin.
Liaudin slips a straight right by Malapitan.
Liaudin is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Malapitan fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Liaudin on the side of the head.
Liaudin fails to land the takedown.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Liaudin takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Malapitan slaps away a takedown attempt from Liaudin, before circling back to the center of the mat.
A looping hook to the body misses from Malapitan. Liaudin does a little dance to reset his feet.
Malapitan throws a jab but it's blocked by Liaudin.
Malapitan jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Liaudin fails with a takedown attempt.
Liaudin tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Malapitan swivels and escapes.
Liaudin tries to clinch but Malapitan moves away
and Malapitan connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Liaudin dives in and grabs Malapitan's left leg, looking for a takedown. Malapitan pushes down on Liaudin's head and hops out.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Malapitan throws an overhand right that lands on Liaudin's shoulder, as Liaudin tries to avoid the shot.
Liaudin tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Malapitan defends well and Liaudin ends up having to push Malapitan into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Malapitan wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Liaudin has him pressed against the cage.
Liaudin is trying to pull guard but Malapitan has him pressed against the cage.

Malapitan breaks from the clinch.
Liaudin slips under a jab from Malapitan.
Liaudin doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Malapitan counters with a right hand to the body.
Malapitan scores with a body shot.
Liaudin closes the distance and clinches up with Malapitan, looking for a takedown. Liaudin pushes Malapitan against the cage but Malapitan circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Malapitan misses with an uppercut.
Liaudin has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
A slow jab from Malapitan misses its intended target.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Malapitan lands an overhand right.
Liaudin keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.

Liaudin scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.

Liaudin working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.

Liaudin goes for an armbar here - this could be all over! But no, Malapitan has escaped beautifully and is now on top in side control! Oh, that's unlucky for Liaudin but great work by Malapitan.

Malapitan is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Liaudin knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Liaudin is positioning himself to get back to half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Malapitan tries for a kimura but Liaudin is defending well.

Malapitan is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Liaudin knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Malapitan goes for an armbar here - this could be all over! But no, Liaudin has escaped beautifully and is now on top in side control! Oh, that's unlucky for Malapitan but great work by Liaudin.
Jess Liaudin has got the better of the ground game so far.

Liaudin is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Malapitan has escaped the position, nice work there.
Liaudin misses with a strike but at least he's keeping busy, looking to cause some damage - that will still help him when it comes to the judges scorecards.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Malapitan stops Liaudin from passing to mount.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Raje Malapitan had his way with Jess Liaudin in that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! And we move into the final round!

Liaudin shoots and misses
and Liaudin takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Liaudin closes this distance looking for a takedown but Malapitan circles away.
A leg kick checked by Malapitan.
Malapitan misses the jab.
Liaudin staying out of range there.
Liaudin darts in looking for a takedown but Malapitan gets double underhooks and turns Liaudin into the cage.
Raje Malapitan has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jess Liaudin.
Malapitan is trying to break the clinch but Liaudin is controlling him.
Liaudin tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Malapitan smiles and moves away.
Malapitan takes a swing at Liaudin's ribcage but misses.
Liaudin shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Malapitan counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Liaudin thinking.
Liaudin is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?

That's one minute gone in the round.
Malapitan throws a jab when Liaudin was well out of range.
The fight stays on the outside here - Liaudin looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Nice takedown defense from Malapitan. No joy for Liaudin on that attempt.

Liaudin shoots in and gets a takedown into Malapitan's guard.
Malapitan manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
Liaudin wants to hold on but Malapitan pushes him away.

Malapitan working for a submission here. He's tucked his head under his opponent's arm, looking for an arm triangle. He's hopped off into side control, looking to tighten the submission... is it going to work? He's given up a good position looking for it. Liaudin looks OK. Oh, I spoke too soon, he's out! That must have been tighter than I thought! Excellent work there by Malapitan! Submission of the night perhaps?

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:58 of round 5, we have a winner by way of Submission (Arm Triangle). Raje Malapitan!