PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Ask Fairchild (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Max Pacioretty (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Chooooooooon! I think Fairchild might be my favorite fighter, now he's come out to Jesse & Joy - Llorar. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Fairchild
vs
Pacioretty

219 cm
25
208 lbs
5 - 4 - 0

188 cm
22
212 lbs
7 - 4 - 0

Good wrestling
Counter fighter
Very strong

Good wrestler
Decent boxing
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Ask Fairchild!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Max Pacioretty!
The judges for this bout are Ren Mimura, Kenichi Hosakawa and Shirou Masuda.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Pacioretty darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
Fairchild's coaches at Lock and Roll Grappling Gym have been working on his defensive grappling in preparation for this fight so let's see if he can get out of this tricky position.

Pacioretty looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Fairchild trying to control here.

Fairchild looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Fairchild is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.

Fairchild looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Pacioretty is looking to take a break and control but Fairchild is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Fairchild is trying to control but can't.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Pacioretty wants to control but Fairchild is keeping him busy.
Pacioretty stalling.
Pacioretty trying to control the action but Fairchild is working from the bottom.

OK we're going to have a standup here. Max Pacioretty hasn't been effective enough on the ground and the referee wants a restart.
Fairchild shoots in for a takedown but Pacioretty shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Pacioretty is looking to clinch.
Pacioretty misses with an uppercut. Fairchild saw that one coming.
Fairchild circles away from the clinch attempt.
Pacioretty shoots in for a takedown but Fairchild shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Fairchild takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Pacioretty looks to land a left hand but Fairchild moved out of range nicely.
Pacioretty throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Fairchild sees it coming and avoids it easily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Pacioretty tries to sprawl but Fairchild drives through with a takedown into half guard.

Fairchild is looking for a kimura but Pacioretty is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Fairchild to get the leverage.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Pacioretty can do anything to dispel that myth.

Fairchild is working for a submission of some sort.
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!
Pacioretty missing with punches from the bottom.
Fairchild with the ground and pound but Pacioretty uses the opportunity to regain guard.
Fairchild throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Fairchild will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Pacioretty trying to keep a closed guard but Fairchild is proving a slippery customer.
Fairchild scoring with some ground and pound.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Fairchild postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Pacioretty avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Pacioretty 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.
Pacioretty looking to control.
Fairchild working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.

Fairchild drops back, looking for a kneebar! Pacioretty looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Pacioretty looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Pacioretty!
Pacioretty looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Fairchild takes a couple of big shots there - the referee warns him that he has to defend himself better.
Fairchild tries to control but Pacioretty manages to take his back.
Pacioretty is working the ground and pound here and the referee is taking a close look at Fairchild. He must escape soon or this one will be stopped.
Fairchild looks to control his opponent's hands but he's not mananging it at the moment.
Fairchild is trying to break free.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Pacioretty not allowing Fairchild to control his hands.
Pacioretty is throwing punches to the body, looking to soften Fairchild up.
Pacioretty lands a punch that was close to the back of the head but the ref thinks it's OK.

Pacioretty looking to break Fairchild's wrist control so he can sink in the choke. Fairchild remaining controlled and patient though - he really has to keep calm otherwise Pacioretty will wrap this one up with the rear naked choke!
Fairchild is taking damage to the body and head.
You can see the frustration on Fairchild's face… He knows he is in trouble unless he improves his position sooner rather than later.

Fairchild is staying cool under pressure, defending well against the rear naked choke attempt from his opponent.

Pacioretty is working really hard to secure the rear naked choke. Fairchild defends successfully for a significant amount of time. Both fighters are looking very determined.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Fairchild rolls, trying to escape but Pacioretty keeps control of the position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Pacioretty throws a sloppy body shot

and Fairchild counters with a nice double leg into guard.
Pacioretty is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Fairchild is controlling him.
Fairchild postures up and lands a big shot to Pacioretty's brow.
Fairchild trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Pacioretty wants to get back to his feet but Fairchild is in a dominant position and won't allow it.

Fairchild drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but Pacioretty manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Fairchild has Pacioretty in his guard.
Pacioretty would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Fairchild looking to control.
Pacioretty in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Fairchild has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.

Fairchild has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Pacioretty can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Pacioretty throws a big right hand that misses.

Fairchild working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Pacioretty doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Pacioretty manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Pacioretty is in close to Fairchild's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Pacioretty keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Fairchild's head.

Pacioretty got a little sloppy there for a moment and Fairchild has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Pacioretty has managed to get both his arms back between Fairchild's legs - danger averted.
Fairchild is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!

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

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Pacioretty postures up.
Pacioretty advances to half guard.
Fairchild has his hands clasped together around Pacioretty's back. He's all about the action.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.

Pacioretty is trying to work for a kimura but Fairchild is defending well.
Fairchild trying to control here.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Pacioretty lands a nice short elbow.
Ask Fairchild overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Pacioretty wants to take a breather but Fairchild is having none of it.
Fairchild controlling the position for now.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Pacioretty throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Pacioretty slips a nice elbow through Fairchild's hands, connecting with Fairchild's forehead.

Fairchild is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Pacioretty pulls his head out easily.
Fairchild trying to control but Pacioretty postures up.
Pacioretty throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.

Pacioretty wants to work for an arm triangle but Fairchild is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Fairchild has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Pacioretty is working away from the top position though.
Fairchild is controlling Pacioretty's position as best he can from this difficult position.
Fairchild is trying to control but can't.
Fairchild is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Fairchild really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Pacioretty is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Pacioretty missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.

Fairchild looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Pacioretty throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.

Fairchild looking for submissions off his back.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Pacioretty trying to control from half guard but Fairchild is working away.
Ground and pound from Pacioretty.
Pacioretty is trying to control the action in half guard but Fairchild is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Fairchild wants to control but Pacioretty is keeping busy.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Pacioretty decides to stand and escape the position.

Pacioretty changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Fairchild looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Max Pacioretty will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! This is the final round!

Pacioretty misses with a series of wild punches.
Pacioretty swinging wildly here.
Pacioretty tries to grapple but his opponent circles

and Fairchild counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Fairchild lands a couple of digs.
Pacioretty avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.

Fairchild is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! Pacioretty is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! Pacioretty has escaped and now he's on top!
Pacioretty content to stall in guard here.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Fairchild is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Pacioretty is aware though and is defending well.
Pacioretty looking to pass the guard.
Fairchild looking to control.
Pacioretty must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Fairchild keeping full guard, as Pacioretty tries to pass.
Pacioretty is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Pacioretty pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Fairchild is keeping the position for now.

Pacioretty avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Fairchild keeping moving, preventing Pacioretty from controlling successfully.

Fairchild working for a triangle but Pacioretty defends it easily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Fairchild manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Pacioretty manages to get himself to full guard.
Fairchild trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Fairchild throws a big right hand that misses.
Fairchild with a flurry of punches that miss.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Fairchild has gone for a leg lock! Pacioretty slips out almost immediately though and dives into Fairchild's guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Pacioretty trying to control the position from guard on top but Fairchild is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Fairchild working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Pacioretty.
Pacioretty content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Fairchild keeping moving, preventing Pacioretty from controlling successfully.
Fairchild looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Pacioretty postures up and lands a big shot to Fairchild's brow.
Fairchild has his hands on Pacioretty's head, controlling the position.
Ask Fairchild has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Pacioretty postures up.

Fairchild is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Pacioretty is aware though and is defending well.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Fairchild controls Pacioretty momentarily but Pacioretty frees himself.
Pacioretty tries to free his leg and advance position but Fairchild is retaining full guard.
Pacioretty stands up over Fairchild, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Pacioretty stands up over Fairchild, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Pacioretty postures up and lands a big shot to Fairchild's brow.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Pacioretty throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.

Fairchild is looking for a triangle here but Pacioretty uses the submission attempt to pass into side control.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Fairchild takes a couple of big shots there - the referee warns him that he has to defend himself better.
Pacioretty lands a nice forearm strike.
Fairchild regains half guard.
Pacioretty lands strikes from half guard.
Pacioretty trying to control from half guard but Fairchild is working away.

Fairchild looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Nice strikes from Pacioretty there.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Fairchild is not content to let Pacioretty control the position.
Max Pacioretty is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Max Pacioretty.
Well Pacioretty has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 Ren Mimura scores the fight 27:30
Judge Kenichi Hosakawa scores the fight 28:30
Judge Shirou Masuda scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Max Pacioretty!