PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Matt Pacquiao (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Malik Aker (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Matt Pacquiao had a look across the cage there at his opponent. He definitely means business

Pacquiao
vs
Aker

170 cm
24
144 lbs
6 - 5 - 0

177 cm
28
156 lbs
4 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid boxing
Granite chin

Good takedowns
Solid Muay Thai
Good gas tank

Bullet Proof System
GREEN!160

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 6 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Matt Pacquiao!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 1 - 0, fighting out of New York, Malik Aker!
The judges for this bout are Eddie Farnsworth, Franklyn Lucas and John Roberts.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Aker misses the shot to the body.
We can't be sure of the tactics at this early stage but we have heard that Aker has been working on his takedowns a lot in the buildup to the fight and we can only assume he's going to look to take this to the mat.
Aker is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Aker shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Pacquiao pinned against the cage. Pacquiao gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Aker jabs Pacquiao to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Malik Aker seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Aker smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.

Pacquiao dives in and scores a takedown into Aker's guard.

Aker is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Pacquiao is aware though and is defending well.
Pacquiao looking to pass the guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Aker throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Pacquiao knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Aker on the ground.
Pacquiao stopping the sweep attempt from Aker.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Pacquiao trying to stand up but can't free himself from Aker's guard.
Pacquiao sitting in guard here, content to control.

Aker looking for a guillotine here but Pacquiao defends easily.
Aker looking for a sweep. Not yet Aker, not yet.

Aker working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Pacquiao doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Pacquiao manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.

Aker has an omoplata and is looking to use it perhaps as a submission or perhaps to transition. Pacquiao is in a bit of discomfort here, but he's managed to free himself and has dived into side control! That didn't work out too well for Aker.
Aker is trying to improve his position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

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.
A lull in the action here as Pacquiao stalls from top position.
Aker tries to bench press Pacquiao off him but Pacquiao keeps the position.
Pacquiao wants to stand but Aker is controlling his arm.
Aker tries to buck Pacquiao off but Pacquiao is having none of it.
Aker misses with an elbow from the bottom.
Aker tries to improve position but can't.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Aker tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Pacquiao paws at him with a jab and circles away.

Aker feints and as Pacquiao raises his hands in defense, Aker changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
Aker stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Pacquiao swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Pacquiao can't keep his opponent in guard - Aker advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.

Aker is looking for a kimura but Pacquiao is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Aker to get the leverage.
Aker working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.

Aker seems to be looking for submissions.
Aker not landing any meaningful shots this time.

Aker is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Pacquiao sees it coming and defends easily.

Aker wants to work for an arm triangle but Pacquiao is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Aker trying to pass the guard but Pacquiao defending well.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Pacquiao is trying to stand back up but Aker is controlling him
Aker seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Pacquiao does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Aker content to control rather than advance.
Aker missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Aker throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Aker is looking to take a break and control but Pacquiao is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

Aker is looking for submissions but instead, Pacquiao has regained full guard.
Aker throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Pacquiao works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Aker trying to control the position from guard on top but Pacquiao is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Aker drops back looking for a leg! Pacquiao is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Pacquiao manages to kick Aker off! Aker jumps back into Pacquiao's guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Malik Aker dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Pacquiao throws a nice looking combination but Aker bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Aker lands a jab to Pacquiao's midsection.
Aker throws a hook to the side of Pacquiao's head but Pacquiao sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Pacquiao throws a leg kick
and Aker connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Aker cracks Pacquiao with a good jab.
Pacquiao throws a sloppy head kick
and Aker counters with a left and a right that stings Pacquiao.
Aker dives in for a single leg takedown but Pacquiao sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Aker tries to close the distance and clinch up but Pacquiao swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Matt Pacquiao is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Aker misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Pacquiao.
Aker fails with the takedown.
Pacquiao misses with a two punch combination.
Aker throws an overhand right that lands on Pacquiao's shoulder, as Pacquiao tries to avoid the shot.
Aker with a poor takedown
and Pacquiao counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Matt Pacquiao has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Malik Aker.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Pacquiao throws a head kick that misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Pacquiao displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Aker.
Pacquiao misses with a body kick.
Pacquiao scores with a nice looking left hook and follows it up with an uppercut!
Good exchange - Aker coming out on top.
Aker throws a hook but Pacquiao blocks it.
Pacquiao throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Aker tries to counter by closing the distance.
Aker swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Aker wants to clinch but Pacquiao slips to the side
and Pacquiao counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Pacquiao showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Aker.
Pacquiao thows a leg kick but Aker checks it
letting Aker counter with a right hand.
A combination from Pacquiao does no damage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Pacquiao tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Aker looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Pacquiao is fending him off so far but Aker persists. Nope, Pacquiao circles away and we're back to standing.
Pacquiao lifts his leg as if looking to counter with a high kick.
Aker shoots and misses
and Pacquiao counters with a series of strikes. Aker will be more careful next time no doubt.
Aker misses with a combination
and Pacquiao counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Pacquiao takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Pacquiao takes a swing at Aker's ribcage but misses.

Aker bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.

Pacquiao throws his opponent off and manages to get back to his feet! Nicely done!
Aker ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Pacquiao moves away.
Aker has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.

Aker scores with a takedown into Pacquiao's guard.
Pacquiao managing to control the position.
Aker trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Pacquiao wriggles free and stands up.

Aker clinches up with Pacquiao and pushes him back against the cage.
Aker has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Pacquiao is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.

Aker pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Aker tries for a takedown but Pacquiao sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Aker misses with a looping left.
Aker throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Pacquiao counters with a right hand to the body.

Aker closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Pacquiao did well to prevent Aker getting side control.

Pacquiao kicks Aker off and gets back to his feet.
Aker 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!
Aker wants to clinch but Pacquiao slips to the side
and Pacquiao counters with a three punch combo that has Aker backing up. Aker nods at Pacquiao to acknowledge the strikes.
Pacquiao takes a shot right to the bread basket.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Aker dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Aker is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Pacquiao.
Pacquiao slaps away a takedown attempt from Aker, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Aker shoots for a double leg takedown but Pacquiao sprawls well. He's pushed Aker's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
A nice combination there by Pacquiao.
Aker shoots in looking for a takedown but Pacquiao manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Aker's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.

Pacquiao shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Pacquiao showed some decent athleticism there.
Pacquiao wants to take a breather but Aker is having none of it.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.

Aker is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Pacquiao pulls his head out easily.

Aker actively working from the bottom here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Matt Pacquiao dominated that second round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.

Pacquiao walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Aker checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Pacquiao misses with a combination
and Aker counters with a stiff right hand.
Aker lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
Aker throws a right and a left that both miss.
Pacquiao appeared to be looking to counter that last move with a leg kick.
Aker misses the jab.
Pacquiao appears to be looking for a big counter.
Matt Pacquiao is winning the standup battle so far.
Pacquiao pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Aker darts in looking for a takedown but Pacquiao gets double underhooks and turns Aker into the cage.
Pacquiao seem to be loading up, looking for a big counter.
Aker blocks a head kick by Pacquiao.

Aker gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Pacquiao to score an easy takedown into full guard.

Aker is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Aker takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

Aker working away from the bottom but not quite defensive enough there because Pacquiao has passed into half guard!

That's one minute gone in the round.
It looks like Pacquiao is going to stand back up.
Aker is looking to improve his position.
Pacquiao seems to have lost interest with the ground game and is thinking about standing back up.

Aker looking for submissions from an awkward position here.

Aker actively working from the bottom here.

Aker looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.

Pacquiao stands up and beckons Aker to join him on the feet.

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.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Aker.
Aker working the ground and pound but Pacquiao is defending the strikes.
Aker is trying to ground and pound but Pacquiao uses the momentary lack of control by Aker to regain half guard.
Malik Aker has got the better of the ground game so far.
Pacquiao tries to roll over but Aker keeps him under control.

Aker 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.

Aker seems to be looking for submissions.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Pacquiao is in trouble now - Aker has advanced to mount!

Aker looking to secure an arm triangle but Pacquiao defends it well.
Aker raining down shots from the mount!

Aker jumps to the side looking to secure the arm triangle…. Ooooh, that looks tight… Pacquiao is gargling but he's managed to escape! Nice work there by Pacquiao and Aker has given up the dominant position trying to land that submission.
Aker wants to lay and pray for a moment but Pacquiao keeps working.
Pacquiao is putting a lot of effort into getting back to his feet here.

That's four 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.
Aker postures up a little and throws a couple of hammerfists but they don't connect properly.
Aker lands a knee to the body and a forearm to the face.

Aker thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
Aker working the ground and pound but Pacquiao is defending the strikes.
Aker has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.

Aker thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.

Aker is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Pacquiao is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!

Aker in side control, working for a kimura. He's got hold of an arm and he's torquing it... Pacquiao is tapping! That's the end of the fight!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:59 of round 3, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Malik Aker!
After winning the bout, Malik Aker thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.