PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Kesigan Lawler (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Razor Joaquin (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Razor Joaquin will no doubt be trying to keep this one on the feet, where he has a distinct advantage.

Lawler
vs
Joaquin

188 cm
25
195 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

180 cm
25
185 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Brawler
Cuts easily

BJJ Brown Belt
Counter fighter
Intelligent

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Kesigan Lawler!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Razor Joaquin!
The judges for this bout are Leandro Rodrigues, Matheus Silva and Thiago Cunha.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Joaquin looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.
Lawler is trying to keep Joaquin in close.
Lawler wants to control the position but Joaquin says "no thanks buddy" and passes to half guard.
Joaquin is thwarting Lawler's attempts to control the position.

Lawler looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Lawler wants to control but Joaquin is keeping busy and won't allow it.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Joaquin seems to be looking for submissions.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Lawler slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Lawler trying to keep a closed guard but Joaquin is proving a slippery customer.
Lawler wants to stand but Joaquin is controlling the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Joaquin got a little sloppy there for a moment and Lawler has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Joaquin has managed to get both his arms back between Lawler's legs - danger averted.
Lawler is trying to keep Joaquin in close.

Lawler working for submissions but it's allowed Joaquin to get to half guard.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Lawler holds on for dear life, maintaining half guard for now.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Lawler is defending against the submission attempts here by Joaquin.
Joaquin prevents Lawler from improving his position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.

Joaquin wants to work for an arm triangle but Lawler is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Lawler trying to control but Joaquin postures up.
Lawler is pressing down on Joaquin's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
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 Kesigan Lawler will probably get the nod.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Joaquin fails to land the takedown.
No luck for Joaquin with that takedown attempt.

Lawler shoots in and bounces Joaquin off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
Lawler trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Joaquin working a defensive guard here.
Lawler tries to free his leg and advance position but Joaquin is retaining full guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lawler wants to control from the top but Joaquin keeps moving.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
Lawler looking to sit in guard and control but Joaquin gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Lawler wants to get back to his feet but Joaquin is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Lawler is trying to hold Joaquin in close to prevent damage but Joaquin has managed to pass into half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The fighters are battling for position here. Lawler manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Lawler is striking but Joaquin is not phased and passes to half guard.
Lawler trying to control from the bottom.
Lawler tries to roll over but Joaquin keeps him under control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lawler gets full guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Joaquin trying to control but Lawler is working from the bottom.
Joaquin won't allow Lawler to get back to his feet.
Lawler seems keen to control Joaquin's posture.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.

Lawler gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Joaquin to score an easy takedown into full guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Joaquin trying to control but Lawler is working from the bottom.
Lawler working a defensive guard but Joaquin manages to pass into side control anyway.
Lawler is putting a lot of effort into getting back to his feet here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Kesigan Lawler dominated that second round.
That's time! Lawler's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.

Lawler looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Joaquin is fending him off so far but Lawler persists. Nope, Joaquin circles away and we're back to standing.
Lawler displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Joaquin.
Lawler is looking to clinch but Joaquin is avoiding it.
Joaquin tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Lawler defends well and Joaquin ends up having to push Lawler into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Joaquin tries for a takedown but Lawler manages to get underhooks.
Kesigan Lawler has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Razor Joaquin.
Lawler has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Lawler goes for a takedown attempt but Joaquin pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Lawler looks for a takedown but Joaquin sprawls well.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lawler tries to clinch but Joaquin moves out of range.
Lawler shoots for a takedown but Joaquin saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Lawler misses with a takedown

and Joaquin counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Joaquin.
Lawler tries to pull guard but Joaquin forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Joaquin has Lawler pressed against the cage, preventing Lawler from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Joaquin is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Lawler pulls him back up using the underhooks.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Joaquin tries for a takedown but Lawler manages to get underhooks.
Lawler is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Joaquin wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Lawler is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Joaquin wants to take the fight to the mat but Lawler manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Lawler is trying to pull guard but Joaquin has him pressed against the cage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The referee calls for Joaquin to work.
Joaquin has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Lawler is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Lawler tries to pull guard but Joaquin holds him up against the cage and eventually Lawler drops back down to his feet.
Lawler can't get the takedown.
Lawler has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Joaquin avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.

Joaquin breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Lawler doesn't succeed with the takedown

and Joaquin moves into the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Lawler has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Lawler prevents a takedown attempt there.
Lawler tries to work over Joaquin's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Joaquin is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Lawler gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Lawler fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Lawler has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Joaquin is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Lawler throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Joaquin blocks it with crossed arms.
Razor Joaquin has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Kesigan Lawler is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
A short left from Joaquin.

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 Kesigan Lawler.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Lawler, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 Leandro Rodrigues scores the fight 30:27
Judge Matheus Silva scores the fight 30:27
Judge Thiago Cunha scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Kesigan Lawler!