PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Lance Raters (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Parnell Calhoun (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Calhoun has chosen No Sleep Till Brooklyn by the Beastie Boys as his entrance music. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Raters
vs
Calhoun

185 cm
21
205 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

187 cm
22
214 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Good chin

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Lance Raters!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Parnell Calhoun!
The judges for this bout are John Roberts, Steve Montenegro and Eddie Farnsworth.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Calhoun swinging wilding here.
Calhoun fails with an attempt to clinch.
Calhoun wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Some wild striking there from Calhoun.
Good exchange - Calhoun coming out on top.
Calhoun throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Raters avoids a punch combination nicely.
Calhoun tries to clinch up.
Calhoun looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Calhoun tries to clinch up.
Calhoun tries to close the distance and clinch but Raters swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Calhoun lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Calhoun lands a lovely overhand right.
Raters throws a leg kick which misses Calhoun's front leg but catches the back leg as Calhoun tries to avoid it.
Raters closes this distance looking for a takedown but Calhoun circles away.
Raters tries to clinch but Calhoun is having none of it.
No joy there for Calhoun, who threw a few shots but didn't land.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Raters closes this distance looking for a takedown but Calhoun circles away.
Raters is breathing heavily.
Calhoun wants to clinch

and Raters counters with a nice double leg into side control. Calhoun won't be happy with that.
Raters looking to punish the body of his opponent here but Calhoun is avoiding damage well.

Calhoun throws his opponent off and manages to get back to his feet! Nicely done!
A punch combination from Calhoun misses.
Calhoun keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Lance Raters. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Raters swinging wilding here.
Calhoun closes the distance looking to clinch
and Raters counters with a head kick.
Calhoun throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Calhoun tries to clinch but Raters moves away

and Raters counters into the clinch. Nicely done.
Raters is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Calhoun pulls him back up using the underhooks.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Calhoun prevents a takedown attempt there.
Raters prevents Calhoun from breaking the clinch.
Raters wants a takedown but no success here.
Calhoun wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Calhoun wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Raters has him pressed against the cage.
Raters keeps control of Calhoun as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Calhoun is looking to break free of the clinch but Raters has double underhooks.
Calhoun gets underhooks to prevent Raters's takedown attempt.
Calhoun has had enough of the clinch but Raters keeps him there for the moment.
Calhoun is trying to break the clinch but Raters has him pressed against the cage.
Raters is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Calhoun has had enough of the clinch but Raters keeps him there for the moment.
Raters can't get the takedown.
Calhoun can't break the clinch.
Calhoun is trying to break free.
Raters is trying to drag Calhoun to the mat but Calhoun just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Calhoun wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Calhoun wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Raters has him pressed against the cage.
Raters wants a takedown.
Calhoun tries to break the clinch but Raters is controlling the position.
Calhoun gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Raters.
Calhoun is looking to break free of the clinch but Raters has double underhooks.
Raters changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Calhoun fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Calhoun looks to land a combination. Raters sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
Calhoun throws a right and a left that both miss.
Raters slips a jab and a cross from Calhoun.
Calhoun misses with a few strikes there.
Calhoun looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Raters shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Calhoun but Calhoun pushes him off and we're back to square one.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Calhoun doesn't manage to clinch there - Raters circles away.
Calhoun tries to clinch but Raters is having none of it.
Raters takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.

Calhoun scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Raters gets back to half guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Raters misses with some strikes from the bottom.
Ground and pound from Calhoun.
Raters striking from the bottom.
Calhoun wants to stand but Raters has hold of a leg and an arm, so he's trapped for now.
Raters striking from half guard on the bottom.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Raters missing with punches from the bottom.
Calhoun blocks the strikes from Raters.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Parnell Calhoun dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Calhoun is looking to clinch but Raters is avoiding it.
Raters circles away from the clinch attempt.
Calhoun wants to clinch up but Raters keeps it at a distance.
Calhoun fails with the takedown.

Calhoun gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Raters chips away with some ground and pound.
Raters cracks Calhoun with a solid left hand.

Calhoun had isolated an arm as going for an omaplata. Raters is defending the submission well but is in a very vulnerable position. Calhoun Is leaning forward trying to finish the omaplata but decides to abandon it, and take Raters's back instead.
Calhoun is trying to stick to Raters's back but Raters is turning into Calhoun. He's managed to reverse the position - now he's in Calhoun's guard. Polite applause from the crowd in appreciation of some nice Jiu Jitsu by Raters.
Raters distracts Calhoun with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Raters has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Raters postures up in Calhoun's guard and throws a big left but Calhoun blocks it.
Calhoun avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Raters missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
No joy there for Calhoun, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Calhoun tries to clinch there but Raters circles away.
Calhoun closes the distance but Raters moves to the side
and Raters counters with a three punch combo that has Calhoun backing up. Calhoun nods at Raters to acknowledge the strikes.
Calhoun is looking to clinch.
Raters circles away from the clinch attempt

and Raters counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Raters.
Raters wants a takedown but no success here.
Calhoun prevents the takedown attempt.
Calhoun is trying to break free.
Calhoun wants to break the clinch but can't.
Raters drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Calhoun gets the underhooks and prevents it.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Lance Raters. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Calhoun wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.

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.
Raters goes for a takedown in the clinch but Calhoun prevents it.
Raters prevents Calhoun from breaking the clinch.
Calhoun prevents the takedown attempt.
Calhoun is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Calhoun has had enough of the clinch but Raters keeps him there for the moment.
Raters is trying to drag Calhoun to the mat but Calhoun just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Calhoun wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Calhoun wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Raters has him pressed against the cage.
Raters has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Calhoun avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Calhoun prevents the takedown attempt.
Raters prevents Calhoun from breaking the clinch.
Calhoun is trying to break free.
Raters prevents Calhoun from breaking the clinch.
Calhoun is pressed up against the cage. Raters has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Calhoun down to the mat. Calhoun avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Calhoun lands a body shot.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
No joy there for Calhoun, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Calhoun doesn't manage to clinch there - Raters circles away.
The fight stays on the outside here - Calhoun looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Calhoun throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Calhoun fails to land with a series of punches.
Raters shoots in but Calhoun avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Calhoun swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Lance Raters is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

Raters feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.
Raters throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Calhoun works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Raters working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Calhoun is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Calhoun has momentary wrist control but Raters slips an elbow through the middle.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Raters thows a big elbow that misses.
Raters cracks Calhoun with a solid left hand.

Calhoun manages to escape and get back to his feet.
Calhoun is looking to clinch.
Calhoun throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Raters takes a swing at Calhoun's ribcage but misses.
Raters fails with the takedown.
Calhoun lands a jab-cross combination.
Raters circles away from the clinch attempt.
Calhoun scores with a three punch combo!
Raters throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Calhoun's head.
Calhoun throws a head kick but Raters moves out of range.
Raters takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Raters throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Calhoun's waist but Calhoun gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Raters off to one side.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Lance Raters will probably get the nod.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Some wild striking there from Calhoun.
Calhoun wants to clinch
and Raters counters with a leg kick that reverborates around the arena.
Calhoun throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Raters slips a jab and a cross from Calhoun.
Raters misses with a wild combination.

Raters gets a clinch.
Raters wants a takedown but no success here.
Raters tries to score a body lock takedown but Calhoun shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Calhoun prevents a takedown attempt there.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Lance Raters. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Raters can't get the takedown.
Calhoun wants to break free but Raters has control.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Calhoun gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Raters.
Calhoun has had enough of the clinch but Raters keeps him there for the moment.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Calhoun wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Raters tries to score a body lock takedown but Calhoun shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Calhoun wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Raters has him pressed against the cage.
Raters looking for a takedown.
Calhoun prevents a takedown attempt there.
Calhoun is trying to break the clinch but Raters has him pressed against the cage.
Calhoun wants to break free but Raters has control.
Calhoun has had enough of the clinch but Raters keeps him there for the moment.
Raters tries to score a body lock takedown but Calhoun shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Raters tries to score a body lock takedown but Calhoun shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Calhoun tries to break the clinch but Raters is controlling the position.
Calhoun tries to break the clinch but Raters is controlling the position.
Calhoun wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Raters is working for takedown but Calhoun is calmly controlling the position for now.
Raters is working for takedown but Calhoun is calmly controlling the position for now.
Calhoun wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Raters has him pressed against the cage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Calhoun is trying to break free.
Raters tries for a takedown but Calhoun manages to get underhooks.
Raters goes for a takedown attempt but Calhoun pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Calhoun closes the distance looking to clinch

and Raters counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Calhoun trying to punch from his back but it's not doing any damage.
Calhoun utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Raters throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Calhoun works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Raters postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Raters throws a big right hand that misses.
Calhoun working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Raters.
Calhoun is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Raters lands a couple of elbows.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Calhoun works over Raters's head and body with a nice combination.
Raters tries for a takedown but Calhoun sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Calhoun throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Calhoun swinging wilding here.
Raters shoots in and drives through. Calhoun sprawls well.
Calhoun moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Parnell Calhoun seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Calhoun moves in looking to clinch but Raters pushes him off.
Calhoun throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Calhoun takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Calhoun throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Raters.
Horrible takedown by Raters or perhaps it was just good defense by Calhoun which made him look bad.
Raters misses with a takedown
and Calhoun counters with a three punch combo that has Raters backing up. Raters nods at Calhoun to acknowledge the strikes.
Raters tries to clinch but Calhoun moves away
enabling Calhoun to counter with a crisp jab.
Calhoun closes the distance looking to clinch

and Raters counters with a single leg into guard. Calhoun didn't expect that.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Raters cracks Calhoun with a solid left hand.
Calhoun utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Calhoun lands a decent shot there.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Raters stands up over Calhoun, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Calhoun avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Calhoun trying to strike off his back.
Calhoun is looking to stand up but Raters isn't so interested in that idea.
Raters in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Calhoun wants to clinch but Raters slips to the side
and Raters counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Calhoun uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Calhoun looks to land a combination but Raters avoids it well.
Calhoun lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Raters circles away quickly and effectively.
Raters showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Calhoun.

And that's the end of the fight!
Lance Raters showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Raters 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 John Roberts scores the fight 29:28
Judge Steve Montenegro scores the fight 28:29
Judge Eddie Farnsworth scores the fight 29:29

The fight is ruled a draw!