PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Faamoetauloa Malielegaoi (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Rex Reymond (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Faamoetauloa Malielegaoi had a look across the cage there at his opponent. He definitely means business

Malielegaoi
vs
Reymond

183 cm
18
165 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

176 cm
19
167 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Basic striking
Big heart

Good takedowns
Brawler
Intelligent

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 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Faamoetauloa Malielegaoi!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Rex Reymond!
The judges for this bout are Roger Salmon, Micheangelo Fripello and Paul Gruel.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Reymond looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Malielegaoi is fending him off so far but Reymond persists. Nope, Malielegaoi circles away and we're back to standing.
Malielegaoi throws a big counter combination but Reymond scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
Malielegaoi fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Reymond has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.

Reymond fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging Malielegaoi to the ground. Reymond is now in Malielegaoi's guard.
Malielegaoi manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Reymond manages to get himself to full guard.

Reymond has butterfly guard. He's looking to stand up here. He pushes Malielegaoi off him and springs to his feet nicely. The crowd applauds.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Malielegaoi throws a series of punches but Reymond avoids them all with ease.
Malielegaoi tries to bum rush Reymond with a series of wild strikes but Reymond uses good footwork to avoid the assault.

Reymond closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Malielegaoi did well to prevent Reymond getting side control.
Malielegaoi controlling the position for now.

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

That's one minute gone in the round.

Reymond escapes and gets back to his feet.
Reymond tries to clinch up.
Malielegaoi seem to be loading up, looking for a big counter.
Reymond looks for a takedown but Malielegaoi sprawls well.
Malielegaoi lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
Reymond tries to clinch there but Malielegaoi circles away.

Reymond closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
Malielegaoi is holding Reymond down, trying to stall.
Malielegaoi is trying to control Reymond's posture but Reymond avoids it.

Reymond decides to stand back up. Reymond steps back and let's Malielegaoi get back to his feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Malielegaoi lands a two punch combo.
Malielegaoi shoots and misses
and Reymond counters with a two punch combo.
Malielegaoi is breathing heavily.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Reymond tries to score a power double leg takedown but Malielegaoi sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Reymond somewhat.
Faamoetauloa Malielegaoi has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Rex Reymond.
Thud! ouch! good body kick from Malielegaoi - that will leave a mark!
Malielegaoi scores with a nice strike.
Reymond fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Malielegaoi avoids it really well and circles away.

Malielegaoi tries to sprawl but Reymond drives through with a takedown into half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Reymond decides to stand and escape the position.

Reymond shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in side control! That's better than Reymond was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
Reymond working the ground and pound but Malielegaoi is defending the strikes.
We've been informed that Reymond has been working hard on his conditioning in the buildup to the fight.

Reymond stands up.

Reymond changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Malielegaoi looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Malielegaoi is trying to get back to half guard.

Reymond decides to stand back up.
Reymond pulls out of a head kick attempt.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Malielegaoi throws a left and a right that both miss

and Reymond counters with a nice double leg into side control. Malielegaoi won't be happy with that.

Reymond decides to stand back up. Reymond steps back and let's Malielegaoi get back to his feet.
Reymond will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
The fighters are starting to get sweaty, which will make takedowns a bit more tricky.

Reymond dives in and scores a takedown into Malielegaoi's guard.
Reymond must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.

Reymond decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.
Reymond shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Malielegaoi defends it nicely.
Reymond wants to clinch.
Reymond is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Rex Reymond dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Reymond tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Malielegaoi defends well and Reymond ends up having to push Malielegaoi into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Reymond fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Reymond tries to clinch up but Malielegaoi circles away and keeps his distance.

Malielegaoi clinches up with Reymond and pushes him back against the cage.
Reymond wants to take the fight to the mat but Malielegaoi manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Faamoetauloa Malielegaoi has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Rex Reymond.
Reymond has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Malielegaoi after a bit of a struggle.
Malielegaoi comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.

It looks like Rex Reymond has been cut.
Reymond has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Malielegaoi avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Reymond working aggressively here.
Reymond misses with a hook to the ribs.
Malielegaoi is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Reymond gets underhooks to prevent Malielegaoi's takedown attempt.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Malielegaoi breaks from the clinch.
A lazy left from Malielegaoi finds it's target.
Rex Reymond seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Reymond misses with a jab, cross combination.
Faamoetauloa Malielegaoi is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Reymond throws a nice looking combination but Malielegaoi bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Malielegaoi swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
And Reymond tries to counter it with a takedown but Malielegaoi pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Reymond dodges the punch combination from Malielegaoi.
Malielegaoi keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Reymond tries for a takedown but Malielegaoi circles away easily
and Malielegaoi counters with a one-two to the body.

Reymond gets tackled into the cage by Malielegaoi. Malielegaoi maintains the clinch.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Malielegaoi.
Malielegaoi avoiding damage as Reymond throws knees to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Reymond breaks from the clinch.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Reymond takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Reymond shoots for a double leg takedown but Malielegaoi sprawls well. He's pushed Reymond's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Malielegaoi lands with a thumping leg kick.
Malielegaoi throws a combination. Reymond tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
Nice takedown defense from Malielegaoi. No joy for Reymond on that attempt.
Malielegaoi throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Reymond's waist but Reymond gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Malielegaoi off to one side.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Reymond shoots in for a double leg but Malielegaoi sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Reymond closes the distance and clinches up with Malielegaoi, looking for a takedown. Reymond pushes Malielegaoi against the cage but Malielegaoi circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Reymond closes the distance and clinches up with Malielegaoi, looking for a takedown. Reymond pushes Malielegaoi against the cage but Malielegaoi circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Malielegaoi displaying good standup as he scores with a three punch combination.
Malielegaoi moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Malielegaoi lands a body shot.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Reymond is defended easily by Malielegaoi.
Malielegaoi connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Malielegaoi misses with a two punch combination.
Malielegaoi tries a head kick but it misses.

Reymond gets a double leg takedown into Malielegaoi's guard.
Malielegaoi keeping moving, preventing Reymond from controlling successfully.
Reymond stopping the sweep attempt from Malielegaoi.

Malielegaoi is working an open guard so Reymond takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A right-left combo lands from Reymond.

Reymond shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
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!

Reymond decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.

Reymond shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Malielegaoi manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
Malielegaoi looking to hit a scissor sweep but Reymond is one step ahead there.

Reymond stands up from Malielegaoi's guard - Reymond perhaps looking for a knockout.

Reymond shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Faamoetauloa Malielegaoi dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Rex Reymond's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

Reymond closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Malielegaoi to the mat! Malielegaoi manages to get full guard.
Malielegaoi has his hands on Reymond's head, controlling the position.
Malielegaoi lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

Reymond is looking to stand up but Malielegaoi isn't so interested in that idea.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Malielegaoi postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Malielegaoi wants to stand but Reymond has a closed guard, so he can't escape.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Reymond manages to wriggle out and sneak his way back up to his feet, so the fighters are now clinched up against the cage.
Reymond blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Reymond is trying to drag Malielegaoi to the mat but Malielegaoi just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Reymond wants a takedown but no success here.
Reymond blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Malielegaoi throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Reymonds head.
Malielegaoi tries to land knees in the clinch but Reymond avoids the damage to the body.
Malielegaoi is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Reymond is defending well for now.
Reymond is working for takedown but Malielegaoi is calmly controlling the position for now.
Faamoetauloa Malielegaoi has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Rex Reymond.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Reymond lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Malielegaoi backwards.

Reymond breaks the clinch.
Reymond misses with a takedown
and Malielegaoi counters with a one-two to the body.
No luck for Reymond with that takedown attempt.
Reymond takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Reymond takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.

Malielegaoi gets caught napping as Reymond dives in and scores a takedown. Malielegaoi manages to retain guard.
Rex Reymond has got the better of the ground game so far.

Reymond gets to his feet - Malielegaoi follows without any prompting.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Reymond fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.

Reymond dives in and scores a takedown into Malielegaoi's guard.

Reymond stands up from Malielegaoi's guard - Reymond perhaps looking for a knockout.

Malielegaoi tries to sprawl but Reymond drives through with a takedown into half guard.

Reymond decides to stand up and try his luck on the feet.

Reymond closes the distance and clinches.
Malielegaoi prevents a takedown attempt there.
Reymond is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Malielegaoi escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Malielegaoi stalks Reymond and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Reymond's face. Reymond staggers backwards, shaken.

Malielegaoi gets caught napping as Reymond dives in and scores a takedown. Malielegaoi manages to retain guard.
Malielegaoi wants to improve his position but instead Reymond has moved into half guard.

Reymond decides he's had enough of the ground and stands up.

Reymond gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Reymond escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Reymond fails with an attempt to clinch.
Reymond fails with a takedown attempt from distance.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Rex Reymond.
I think Reymond 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 Roger Salmon scores the fight 28:29
Judge Micheangelo Fripello scores the fight 28:29
Judge Paul Gruel scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Rex Reymond!