PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Caleah Jones (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Arapeta Ma Aka (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Arapeta Ma Aka told me before the fight that he's been watching a lot of DVDs so let's see if that helps him in this one! I can't wait to find out!

Jones
vs
Ma Aka

170 cm
25
164 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

179 cm
22
161 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Big heart

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter fighter
Very confident

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Caleah Jones!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Arapeta Ma Aka!
The judges for this bout are Donatello Bradman, Damien Edna and Summer Carpenter.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Jones wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Jones lands a nice leg kick that just misses Ma Aka's sensitive parts.
Jones tests Ma Aka's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Jones lands with a good body shot.
Jones stuffs the takedown attempt from Ma Aka. Ma Aka gets slowly back to his feet.

Ma Aka looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.

Ma Aka is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Ma Aka stops Jones from getting back to his feet.
Jones's coaches at 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.
Ma Aka tries to pass the half guard into mount. Jones knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.

Ma Aka 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.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Jones trying to hold on to Ma Aka's head to control him but Ma Aka postures up.

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

Ma Aka is working for a kimura but Jones is defending it quite comfortably.
Jones looks like he's trying to stand up.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.

Ma Aka is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Jones defends it well.
Ma Aka wants to free his trapped foot but Jones is holding on for dear life with his legs.

Ma Aka wants to work for an arm triangle but Jones is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Ma Aka is trying to control the action in half guard but Jones is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.

Ma Aka is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Ma Aka is looking to take a break and control but Jones is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Jones is trying to stand.
Jones trying to hold on to Ma Aka's head to control him but Ma Aka postures up.
Ma Aka wants to free his trapped foot but Jones is holding on for dear life with his legs.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Jones tries to get to full guard but Ma Aka has control of the leg.
Jones wants to get back to his feet.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Jones tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Ma Aka shoots in but no luck this time.
Ma Aka has a takedown stuffed.
Caleah Jones has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Arapeta Ma Aka.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Jones leaves Ma Aka with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.

Ma Aka closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Jones did well to prevent Ma Aka getting side control.
Jones is looking to improve his position.
We've been informed that Ma Aka has been working hard on his conditioning in the buildup to the fight.
Jones pushes Ma Aka off looking to stand but Ma Aka dives back in and keeps control.
Ma Aka is trying to control. Jones wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!

Jones looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Jones missing with punches from the bottom.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Arapeta Ma Aka dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Ma Aka throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Jones's waist but Jones gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Ma Aka off to one side.
Ma Aka fails to land the takedown.
Ma Aka shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Jones sprawls well. Jones wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Ma Aka gets slowly back to his feet.
Caleah Jones has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Arapeta Ma Aka.
Jones looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.

Jones gets a clinch.

Jones manages to pull guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ma Aka wants to control from the top but Jones keeps moving.
Jones wants to get back to his feet but Ma Aka is in a dominant position and won't allow it.

Ma Aka thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ma Aka is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.

Ma Aka drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Ma Aka jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Ma Aka postures up.
Ma Aka trying to control but Jones is working from the bottom.
Jones trying to control the position.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Caleah Jones is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Jones scores with a hook to the body. Ma Aka takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Ma Aka shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Jones as he jumps to the side.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Jones tries to bum rush Ma Aka with a series of wild strikes but Ma Aka uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Jones lands with a kick to the ribs.

Jones gets in close and instigates a clinch.

Ma Aka gets double underhooks and manages to take the fight to the ground.

Ma Aka drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Ma Aka jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Ma Aka is breathing heavily.
Jones wants to sweep but no luck.
Jones controls Ma Aka momentarily but Ma Aka frees himself.

Ma Aka drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and Jones dives on top into guard.

Jones wants to pass the guard but Ma Aka is keeping the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Jones trying to control but Ma Aka is working from the bottom.
Jones wants to pass the guard but Ma Aka is keeping the position.

Ma Aka escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Jones gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Ma Aka looking to control.
Jones pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Ma Aka is keeping the position for now.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Jones accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Ma Aka keeping moving, preventing Jones from controlling successfully.
Ma Aka looking to control.
Jones wants to stand and escape but instead Ma Aka has hit a sweep and he's now on top in guard.

Ma Aka is pushing down on Jones's leg trying to pass to half guard. Jones is fighting to maintain full guard but Ma Aka has managed to sneak the leg through.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Jones tries to get to full guard but Ma Aka has control of the leg.
Ma Aka trying to control the action but Jones is working from the bottom.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Caleah Jones dominated that second round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Jones scores with a jab.
Ma Aka closes this distance looking for a takedown but Jones circles away.

Jones closes the distance and pushes Ma Aka back into the cage.
Ma Aka goes for a takedown in the clinch but Jones prevents it.

Ma Aka gets a nice trip takedown into half guard.
Ma Aka is trying to control the action in half guard but Jones is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Jones is trying to get back to full guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Ma Aka seems to be working for a kimura but Jones defends the submission attempt.
Jones is looking to control Ma Aka's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Jones avoid being mounted?

That's one minute gone in the round.

Jones is defending against the submission attempts here by Ma Aka.

Jones actively working from the bottom here.

Ma Aka is looking for a kimura here.
Jones is trying to maintain the position but Ma Aka is very close to passing his half guard.
Jones moves into full guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Ma Aka looking to pass the guard.
Arapeta Ma Aka has got the better of the ground game so far.
Ma Aka stopping the sweep attempt from Jones.
Jones wants to get back to his feet but Ma Aka is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Ma Aka wants to control from the top but Jones keeps moving.
Jones wants to stand up but Ma Aka is controlling him.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Jones throws a head kick but Ma Aka moves out of range.
Ma Aka tries to score a power double leg takedown but Jones sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Ma Aka somewhat.
Caleah Jones has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Arapeta Ma Aka.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ma Aka misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Ma Aka tries to clinch but Jones moves out of range.
Ma Aka fails with the takedown.
Ma Aka takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Jones throws a sloppy head kick and Ma Aka moves out of range easily.
Jones displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Ma Aka.
Jones dives in and grabs Ma Aka's left leg, looking for a takedown. Ma Aka pushes down on Jones's head and hops out.

Ma Aka tries to keep at a distance but Jones has taken the fight into the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ma Aka wants a takedown.

Ma Aka gets a trip takedown into half guard.
Ma Aka is trying to control. Jones wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Ma Aka prevents Jones from standing back up.
Jones is looking for a sweep. Ma Aka is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Jones has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Ma Aka is working away from the top position though.
Ma Aka is trying to control. Jones wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Jones wants to get back to his feet.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Jones tries to roll over but Ma Aka keeps him under control.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Ma Aka in particular looking to stall.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Arapeta Ma Aka.
I think Ma Aka 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 Donatello Bradman scores the fight 28:29
Judge Damien Edna scores the fight 29:29
Judge Summer Carpenter scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by majority decision... Arapeta Ma Aka!
During a confident post fight interview, Arapeta Ma Aka thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.