PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Marco Polo (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Abdul Raziq (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Marco Polo had real problems making weight for this fight. After initially coming in at 171.1lbs, he had two hours to make the official fight weight. He made it but it will have taken a lot out of him to cut those extra few pounds. Abdul Raziq has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Polo
vs
Raziq

180 cm
19
185 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

185 cm
33
175 lbs
7 - 20 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent MT
Intelligent

BJJ White Belt
Great elbows
Powerful

Bad Man Clothing (Nothing Over $40)

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 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Marco Polo!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 20 - 0, fighting out of New York, Abdul Raziq!
The judges for this bout are William Peck, Robert Douchet and Yves DeLean.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Raziq fails to land the takedown.
Abdul Raziq seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
A head kick misses from Polo.
Polo scoring well with a low kick there.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Polo misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Polo throws a nice head kick!
Polo throws a sloppy head kick and Raziq moves out of range easily.
Raziq unleashes a big counter combination but Polo bobs and weaves and avoids any damage.
Polo stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Polo wants it to stay on the feet.
Raziq is trying hard to land a takedown here. Polo sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Marco Polo has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Abdul Raziq.
Polo throws a head kick that misses.
Nice takedown defense from Polo. No joy for Raziq on that attempt.
Raziq shoots for a takedown but Polo saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Polo looked to counter with a high kick but didn't commit.

Raziq shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Polo's guard.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Raziq stands up and waves to Polo to follow him.
Raziq shoots in for a takedown but Polo shows good takedown defense.
Raziq fails with a takedown attempt.
Raziq shoots in for a double leg but Polo sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Polo throws a head kick that misses.
Marco Polo is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Polo pulls out of a head kick attempt.
A head kick misses from Polo.
Despite the aggression on Raziq's face he doesn't fully commit to the counter.
Polo throws a sloppy head kick and Raziq moves out of range easily.
Raziq shoots in but Polo avoids the takedown attempt easily.

Raziq dives in and scores a takedown into Polo's guard.

Polo is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Raziq defends well.

Raziq gets to his feet. Polo looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!
Raziq blocks a leg kick.
Polo throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Polo throws a head kick but Raziq moves out of range.
Raziq tries to score a power double leg takedown but Polo sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Raziq somewhat.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Polo throws a low kick, looking for Raziq's leg but Raziq calmly moves out of range.
Polo keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Raziq.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Raziq fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Polo avoids it really well and circles away.
Raziq fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Polo throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Raziq has a takedown stuffed.
Polo looked to counter that last move with a leg kick but didn't pull the trigger.
Raziq throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Polo's waist but Polo gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Raziq off to one side.
Polo throws a nice inside leg kick.
Polo tries a head kick but it misses.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Raziq.
Polo throws a counter high kick but Raziq was just alert enough to avoid it.
Raziq fails with the takedown.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Polo pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Polo tries a head kick but it misses.
Raziq blocks a head kick by Polo.
Raziq fails to land the takedown.
Raziq tries to score a power double leg takedown but Polo sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Raziq somewhat.
Polo connects with an inside leg kick.
That kick from Polo tenderised Raziq's leg. Raziq is trying to keep his angry face on.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Raziq.
Raziq shoots in for a double leg but Polo sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Raziq shoots in for a double leg but Polo sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Polo misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Raziq blocks a head kick by Polo.
Raziq throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Polo's waist but Polo gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Raziq off to one side.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Raziq shoots in and drives through. Polo sprawls well.
As Raziq backs away, Polo returns fire with a leg kick that just misses.
Polo stuffs the takedown attempt from Raziq. Raziq gets slowly back to his feet.
Polo throws a counter high kick but Raziq was just alert enough to avoid it.
Polo throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Raziq tries for a takedown but Polo sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Polo stuffs the takedown attempt from Raziq. Raziq gets slowly back to his feet.
A head kick misses from Polo.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Raziq has a takedown stuffed.
Polo motions for Raziq to come forward. Polo throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Raziq dives in and grabs Polo's left leg, looking for a takedown. Polo pushes down on Raziq's head and hops out.
Raziq tries to score a power double leg takedown but Polo sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Raziq somewhat.
Polo throws a head kick but Raziq moves out of range.
Polo throws a head kick that misses.
Polo misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Marco Polo dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Polo misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Raziq tries for a takedown but Polo sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.

Raziq closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Polo quickly recovers to half guard.

Raziq stands up and beckons Polo to join him on the feet.
Marco Polo is winning the standup battle so far.
Nice sprawl there from Polo as Raziq shoots in.
Raziq shoots in looking for a takedown. Polo tries to sprawl out of it but Raziq keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Polo manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Marco Polo has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Abdul Raziq.
Polo misses with a head kick.
Polo wants to land a leg kick but Raziq is out of range.
Polo stuffs the takedown attempt from Raziq. Raziq gets slowly back to his feet.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Raziq shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Raziq fails with a takedown attempt.
Raziq shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Polo defends it nicely.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A head kick misses from Polo.
Raziq checks a low kick from Polo.
Raziq misses with a takedown attempt - Polo sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Raziq looks for a takedown but Polo sprawls well.
Polo scores with a leg kick.
Horrible takedown attempt by Raziq or perhaps it was just good defense by Polo, which made it look bad.
Raziq checks a leg kick.
Raziq dives in for a single leg takedown but Polo sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Polo wants to slow Raziq down by chopping away at his legs.
Raziq has a takedown stuffed.
Polo swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Polo lands with a slapping head kick.
Raziq avoids the head kick by Polo.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Raziq tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Polo swivels and escapes.
No luck for Raziq with that takedown attempt.
Raziq is breathing heavily.
Polo misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Raziq is trying hard to land a takedown here. Polo sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Raziq tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Polo swivels and escapes.
Raziq dives in and grabs Polo's left leg, looking for a takedown. Polo pushes down on Raziq's head and hops out.
Polo tries a head kick but it misses.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Raziq shoots in for a takedown but Polo shows good takedown defense.
Polo throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Polo throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
Raziq dives in for a single leg takedown but Polo sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Raziq.
Polo misses with a head kick.
Raziq shoots in and drives through. Polo sprawls well.
Raziq blocks a head kick by Polo.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Polo misses with a low kick.
Raziq shoots in looking for a takedown but Polo manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Raziq's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Polo throws a sloppy head kick and Raziq moves out of range easily.
Polo tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Raziq looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Polo is fending him off so far but Raziq persists. Nope, Polo circles away and we're back to standing.
Polo throws a low kick but Raziq avoids it.
Raziq blocks a head kick by Polo.
Raziq looks for a takedown but Polo sprawls well.
Raziq shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Polo throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Raziq misses with a takedown attempt - Polo sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Raziq shoots in for a takedown but Polo shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Raziq looks for a takedown but Polo sprawls well.
Abdul Raziq is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Raziq looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Polo is fending him off so far but Raziq persists. Nope, Polo circles away and we're back to standing.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Polo fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Raziq.
Polo defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Raziq.
Polo tries a head kick but it misses.
Polo tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Raziq shoots in for a takedown but Polo shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Polo misses with a head kick.
Polo is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Raziq can do to turn this around?
Raziq shoots for a double leg takedown but Polo sprawls well. He's pushed Raziq's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
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!
Raziq tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Good work by Raziq as he checks the leg kick.
Polo tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Polo misses with a head kick.
Raziq fails with the takedown.
Raziq shoots in looking for a takedown. Polo tries to sprawl out of it but Raziq keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Polo manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Raziq shoots for a double leg takedown but Polo sprawls well. He's pushed Raziq's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Marco Polo dominated that second round.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!

Raziq shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Polo as he avoids it easily.
Polo tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Raziq moves out of range of the leg kick from Polo.
Polo stuffs the takedown.
Raziq shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Polo as he avoids it easily.
Marco Polo has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Abdul Raziq.
Raziq looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Polo slaps away a takedown attempt from Raziq, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Polo throws a counter high kick but Raziq was just alert enough to avoid it.
Raziq avoids the head kick by Polo.
Raziq is trying hard to land a takedown here. Polo sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Raziq fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Polo avoids it really well and circles away.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A good leg kick by Polo.
A clash of legs there as Raziq blocks the low kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Polo keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Polo stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Polo wants it to stay on the feet.
Raziq shoots in looking for a takedown but Polo manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Raziq's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Raziq.
Polo throws a sloppy head kick and Raziq moves out of range easily.
Raziq fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Polo avoids it really well and circles away.
Raziq shoots in for a takedown but Polo shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Polo feinted there with a counter leg kick.
Raziq shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Polo defends it nicely.
Polo throws a head kick that misses.
Raziq shoots in for a double leg but Polo sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Raziq checks the leg kick nicely there.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Polo pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Raziq fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Polo throws a head kick that Raziq semi-blocks.
Polo misses with a low kick.
Raziq will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Polo tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Nice takedown defense from Polo. No joy for Raziq on that attempt.
Raziq fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Raziq blocks a head kick by Polo.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Raziq closes this distance looking for a takedown but Polo circles away.
Raziq shoots in but no luck this time.
Raziq shoots in for a takedown but Polo shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Raziq blocks a head kick by Polo.
Polo shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Polo throws a head kick that misses.
Raziq tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Polo defends well and Raziq ends up having to push Polo into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Raziq.
Raziq takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Raziq checks the leg kick.
Polo throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Polo tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
A bone on bone clash there as Raziq blocks the leg kick.
Raziq shoots in for a takedown but Polo shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Raziq throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Polo's waist but Polo gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Raziq off to one side.
Raziq tries to score a power double leg takedown but Polo sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Raziq somewhat.
Polo connects with a solid leg kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Raziq fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Raziq tries for a takedown but Polo sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Raziq has a takedown stuffed.
Polo misses with a head kick.
Raziq fails with a takedown attempt.
Polo throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Polo scores with a leg kick.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Polo does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
Polo pivots, looking for a leg kick but Raziq is out of range and Polo settles back down.
Polo misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Raziq gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Polo counters with a flying knee. Nice.

And that's the end of the fight!
Marco Polo showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Polo, 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 William Peck scores the fight 30:26
Judge Robert Douchet scores the fight 30:26
Judge Yves DeLean scores the fight 30:26

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Marco Polo!