PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Yancy Malaki (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Alex Trager (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Trager comes into a darkened arena with his song building. Bang Bang kicks in, the lights come on and the crowd goes wild! What a showman! These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Malaki
vs
Trager

182 cm
37
150 lbs
23 - 14 - 3

170 cm
36
155 lbs
20 - 8 - 1

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Cardio machine

Excellent grappler
Dangerous knees
Granite chin

KAISER Nutrition (160!/220$)
Urban Fighter

Spartan Nutrition

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 23 - 14 - 3, fighting out of Los Angeles, Yancy Malaki!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 20 - 8 - 1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Alex Trager!
The judges for this bout are Cecil Peabody, Daniel Franklin and Chris Downing.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Trager fails to land the takedown.
Malaki really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Trager keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.

Malaki gets caught napping as Trager dives in and scores a takedown. Malaki manages to retain guard.
Malaki avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Malaki seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
Trager throwing strikes but missing.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Trager with a flurry of punches that miss.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Malaki avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Trager accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Trager throwing strikes but missing.
Trager is looking to work some ground and pound but Malaki has wrist control.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Malaki utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Trager throwing strikes from guard but Malaki blocks nicely.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
Trager with a flurry of punches that miss.
Trager throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Malaki scores with a nice right hand.
Trager tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Malaki defends well and Trager ends up having to push Malaki into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.

Trager is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Malaki's half guard.
Malaki is looking to control Trager's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Malaki avoid being mounted?
Trager missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Trager thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Malaki's head.
Trager has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Trager with the ground and pound but Malaki uses the opportunity to regain guard.
Trager throws a big elbow that misses.
Trager trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Trager with a flurry of punches that miss.
Trager throwing strikes from guard but Malaki blocks nicely.
Trager throwing strikes but missing.
My spies in Beast Playground inform me that Trager has been getting involved in the gym's BJJ sparring sessions. Let's see whether that pays dividends!
Trager postures up in Malaki's guard and throws a big left but Malaki blocks it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Malaki preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Malaki looking to control.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Trager has a takedown stuffed.
Yancy Malaki has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Alex Trager.
Malaki connects with a single shot there.
Malaki scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Malaki throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Trager stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Malaki lands a jab.
Trager gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Malaki.

Trager closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Malaki avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Trager.
Malaki is trying to control but can't.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Trager missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Trager thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.

Trager is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Malaki is just riding it out for now. Trager eventually gives up the hold.
Trager thows a huge punch but Malaki dodges it nicely.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Trager thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Malaki's head.
Trager not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.

Trager is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Alex Trager dominated that round.
That's time! Malaki's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Trager takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Trager shoots in but no luck this time.
Malaki scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Trager shoots in and drives through. Malaki sprawls well.
Trager shoots for a takedown but Malaki saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Yancy Malaki has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Alex Trager.
Trager moves forwards but Malaki connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Malaki sizes up Trager with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Malaki lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Malaki is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
Malaki fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Trager has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Malaki misses with a body kick.
Malaki keeps the fight on the outside.
Malaki misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Trager.
A cross from Malaki lands.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Trager fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Malaki checks it well.
Trager moves out of range of the leg kick from Malaki.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Trager takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Malaki slaps away a takedown attempt from Trager, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Trager gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Malaki.
Trager shoots for a takedown but Malaki saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Malaki keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Trager misses with a takedown attempt - Malaki sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Malaki swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Trager tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Malaki swivels and escapes.
Trager fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Trager is breathing heavily.
Malaki scores with a shot to the body.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Trager is defended easily by Malaki.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Malaki smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Malaki connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Malaki throws a hook but Trager blocks it.
Trager shapes to counter with a head kick.
Malaki throws a wild body kick that Trager sees coming a mile off.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Trager closes this distance looking for a takedown but Malaki circles away.
Malaki tests Trager's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Malaki throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Trager ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Malaki scores with a jab. Trager acknowledges it with a nod of the head.

Malaki tries to sprawl but Trager drives through with a takedown into half guard.

Trager is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Malaki is just riding it out for now. Trager eventually gives up the hold.
Malaki blocking the ground and pound attempt from Trager.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Trager looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Trager missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.

Trager is working for a kimura but Malaki is defending it quite comfortably.
The fighters are battling for position here. Malaki manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Malaki looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Trager throws a strike but Malaki rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

Trager looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.

Trager is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Trager is trying to control the position but Malaki postures up.
Malaki controls from within his opponent's guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Yancy Malaki dominated that second round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!

Trager throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Malaki's waist but Malaki gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Trager off to one side.
Malaki misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Trager.
Trager tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Trager fails with the takedown.
Malaki is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Trager can do to turn this around?
Trager ducks under a wild hook from Malaki.
Yancy Malaki is winning the standup battle so far.
A chopping leg kick lands by Malaki.
Malaki moves into range and connects with a jab.
Malaki lands with a straight right. Trager didn't see that one coming.
Malaki wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.

Trager manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Malaki on his heels. He'll look to pass Malaki's guard now, I'm sure.
Trager with a flurry of punches that miss.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Trager throws a strike but Malaki rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

Trager is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Malaki defends well.
Trager takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Malaki looking to control the position here, rather than advance.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Trager looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.

Malaki avoids a guillotine attempt easily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Trager is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.

Trager looking for a guillotine here but Malaki defends easily.

Trager is active off his back here, looking for submissions.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Malaki sitting in guard here, content to control.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Trager takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
No luck for Trager with that takedown attempt.
Yancy Malaki has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Alex Trager.
Malaki throws a hook but Trager blocks it.
Trager misses with a takedown
and Malaki counters with a straight right hand.
A nice leg kick lands there from Malaki.
Alex Trager is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Trager misses with a takedown attempt - Malaki sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Trager drops his hands momentarily and Malaki takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Malaki leaves Trager with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Malaki was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
Trager dives in and grabs Malaki's left leg, looking for a takedown. Malaki pushes down on Trager's head and hops out.
Malaki was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Trager dives in and grabs Malaki's left leg, looking for a takedown. Malaki pushes down on Trager's head and hops out.
Malaki connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Trager momentarily.
Good standup being displayed there by Malaki as he connects with a hook.
Malaki connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Malaki connects with a right hand. Trager shakes it off.
Nice uppercut there from Malaki.
Trager doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Malaki counters with a nice leg kick.
Malaki waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Trager.
Malaki uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Malaki throws a body punch but Trager moves out of range.

And that's the end of the fight!
Yancy Malaki showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Malaki has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Cecil Peabody scores the fight 29:28
Judge Daniel Franklin scores the fight 29:28
Judge Chris Downing scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Yancy Malaki!
An out of breath Yancy Malaki thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.