PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Richard Renninger (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Gary Ridgway (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). There are an array of beautiful celebrities at ringside tonight! I wonder if any of them paid for their tickets.

Renninger
vs
Ridgway

184 cm
33
182 lbs
25 - 13 - 0

169 cm
27
175 lbs
9 - 1 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Olympic wrestler
World class MT
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 25 - 13 - 0, fighting out of New York, Richard Renninger!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 9 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Gary Ridgway!
The judges for this bout are Steven Brown, James Atkins and Phil Schofield.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Renninger bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Renninger takes a swing at Ridgway's ribcage but misses.
Renninger throws a hook to the side of Ridgway's head but Ridgway sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Ridgway is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Renninger throws a body punch but Ridgway moves out of range.
Renninger has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Ridgway.
Ridgway throws the left hand but Renninger avoids the punch easily.
Renninger was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
Ridgway avoids the body shot from Renninger.
Sloppy strikes from Renninger. Those never looked like landing.
Nice takedown defense from Renninger. No joy for Ridgway on that attempt.
Ridgway lands a slapping body shot.
Renninger checks a leg kick.
Renninger lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
A head kick misses from Ridgway.
Ridgway tries to score a power double leg takedown but Renninger sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Ridgway somewhat.
Renninger throws a jab when Ridgway was well out of range.
Renninger misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Ridgway.
Ridgway tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Renninger gets a clinch.
Ridgway looking for a takedown.
Richard Renninger has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Gary Ridgway.
Renninger prevents a takedown attempt there.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Renninger gets underhooks to prevent Ridgway's takedown attempt.
Renninger gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Ridgway.

Ridgway has picked Renninger up - he's going for a ride! Ridgway dumps his opponent to the mat with a thud and settles into half guard.
Renninger tries to get to full guard but Ridgway has control of the leg.
Renninger trying to control but Ridgway postures up.
Ridgway tries to pass the half guard into mount. Renninger knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Ridgway sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Renninger defending well though.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ridgway trying to mount his opponent but Renninger defends it.
Ridgway wants to take a breather but Renninger is having none of it.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
Ridgway thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.

Renninger has taken the fight to the clinch.
I was talking to Renninger's coach per-fight and he was telling me that they'd been working on the clinch in the runup to this fight.
Renninger trying to control the position but instead, Ridgway has worked for underhooks and has pushed Renninger into the cage.
Ridgway is looking to take this one to the mat.
Renninger lands a nice uppercut.
Renninger lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Ridgway drops down looking for an ankle pick but Renninger pulls his leg out and moves away.
Ridgway sees a low kick coming and goes to check it, but it's actually a body kick and it thuds into his unprotected ribs.
A good leg kick by Renninger.
Ridgway walks into a left hand.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Renninger connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Renninger misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Ridgway.
Ridgway moves out of range of the body kick from Renninger.
Ridgway takes a swing at Renninger's ribcage but misses.
Renninger lands with a right hand.
Ridgway tries for a takedown but Renninger sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Renninger lands an overhand right.
The crowd cheers as Renninger lands an impressive looking overhand right. Ridgway doesn't seem phased though.
Renninger lands a head kick. Ridgway smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
Nice shot lands for Renninger.
Renninger lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Renninger.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Renninger lands with an uppercut that bounces Ridgway off the cage and back into range.
Nice takedown defense from Renninger. No joy for Ridgway on that attempt.
Renninger changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Ridgway throws a big shot that misses.

Renninger moves into the clinch successfully.
Renninger stops a takedown attempt from Ridgway.

Ridgway gets a nice trip takedown into half guard.
Renninger manages to get to full guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Renninger holds on and takes a little breather.
Ridgway stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Renninger swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Ridgway postures up.
Renninger pulls Ridgway in close to prevent any damage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Richard Renninger dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Renninger misses the shot to the body.
Ridgway changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Horrible takedown attempt by Ridgway or perhaps it was just good defense by Renninger, which made it look bad.
Renninger buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Renninger lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Renninger is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
Ridgway checks a low kick from Renninger.
Ridgway jabbing away but nothing is landing.
It looked like Renninger wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Renninger looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Renninger dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Ridgway. That did some damage!
Renninger tried to score with a low kick but Ridgway checks it.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Ridgway shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Ridgway looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Renninger throws a mid kick that lands with a slap.
Renninger cracks the inside of Ridgway's front leg.
Ridgway misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
That kick from Renninger tenderised Ridgway's leg. Ridgway is trying to keep his angry face on.
Good exchange - Renninger coming out on top.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ridgway throws out a leg kick but Renninger moves out of range and Ridgway only half commits.
Ridgway tries to move into range but Renninger moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Ridgway avoids the head kick by Renninger.
Richard Renninger is winning the standup battle so far.
Ridgway connects with an inside leg kick.
Renninger takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Renninger wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Renninger is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Ridgway misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Renninger.
Renninger moves away from the strike by Ridgway.
Renninger was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
A leg kick checked by Renninger.
Renninger lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Ridgway darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Renninger swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Renninger digs a good body shot into Ridgway's ribs.
Ridgway misses with a series of wild punches.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Ridgway misses with a wild body shot.
Ridgway on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Renninger. Renninger obviously looking to wear him down.
Renninger misses with a body kick.
Renninger throws a jab but it's blocked by Ridgway.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ridgway shoots in looking for a takedown but Renninger manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Ridgway's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Richard Renninger has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Gary Ridgway.
Renninger throws a half hearted mid kick.
Renninger clobbers Ridgway with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Renninger throws a body kick that misses.
An inside leg kick lands from Renninger.
Renninger is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Ridgway checks a leg kick nicely.
Ridgway tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Renninger fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Renninger throws a hook but Ridgway avoids it easily.
Ridgway with the counter takedown but Renninger avoids it easily.

Renninger closes the distance and clinches.
Ridgway tries to score a body lock takedown but Renninger shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Renninger prevents the takedown attempt.
Ridgway is looking to take this one to the mat.
Ridgway's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Renninger pushes Ridgway back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Ridgway tries for a takedown. No joy.
Knees to the body from Renninger.
Ridgway is breathing heavily.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Renninger.
Renninger just leaning against Ridgway, taking a breather.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Renninger.
Renninger tries to land a knee to the head but Ridgway blocks with his arms.
Renninger manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.
Ridgway drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Renninger gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Renninger lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Renninger lands a nice uppercut.
Renninger's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.
Ridgway wants a takedown but no success here.
Renninger taking a breather.
Ridgway is looking to take this one to the mat.
Renninger doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
A head punch on the inside from Renninger fails to land.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ridgway goes for a takedown attempt but Renninger pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Jab from Renninger.
Ridgway misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Renninger throws a shot to the body.

Renninger gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Renninger lands with a short head shot on the inside.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Renninger lands with a right to the head.
Renninger pushes Ridgway back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Renninger pushes Ridgway back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Ridgway avoiding damage as Renninger throws knees to the body.
Renninger lands a body punch in the clinch.
Renninger throws a head punch that misses.
Renninger controlling the action here for a moment.

Ridgway manages to break the clinch.
Ridgway gets cracked there but stands up to it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Richard Renninger 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!

Renninger with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Renninger is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Ridgway can do to turn this around?
Ridgway takes a head kick and shrugs it off.
Renninger throws a low kick but Ridgway moves out of range easily.
Renninger cracks Ridgway with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Renninger throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Ridgway on the side of the head.
Renninger pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Ridgway misses with a low kick.
Renninger connects with a solid leg kick.
Ridgway takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Renninger throws a head kick but Ridgway moves out of range.
Renninger throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Renninger scores with a nice head shot.
Ridgway throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
A looping hook to the body misses from Renninger. Ridgway does a little dance to reset his feet.
Renninger comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Renninger sees a low kick coming and goes to check it, but it's actually a body kick and it thuds into his unprotected ribs.
Ridgway takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Ridgway misses with a body shot.
Renninger throws out a token jab with nothing on it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Renninger throws a nice looking combination but Ridgway bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Renninger lands a leg kick that knocks Ridgway off balance momentarily.
Ridgway throws a shot from downtown. Renninger moves away and avoids it.
Richard Renninger seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Ridgway throws a leg kick that is checked
and Renninger counters with a straight punch to the midsection.

Renninger moves into the clinch successfully.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Ridgway tries for a takedown but Renninger manages to get underhooks.
Renninger lands a hook that snaps the head of Ridgway backwards.
Ridgway looking for a takedown.
Renninger misses with a hook from the clinch.
Renninger connects with a knee to the head.
Ridgway wants to take the fight to the mat but Renninger manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Richard Renninger has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Gary Ridgway.
Ridgway takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Ridgway wants a takedown but no success here.
Ridgway drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Renninger gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Ridgway managing to block the knees to the body from Renninger.
Renninger lands with a short shot to the head.
Gary Ridgway has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ridgway is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Renninger is defending well.
Renninger fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Renninger tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
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!
Ridgway is working for takedown but Renninger is calmly controlling the position for now.

Ridgway has double underhooks and is working for a body lock takedown. He's got it. The fighters land in half guard but Renninger regains guard immediately.
Renninger is trying to keep Ridgway in close.
Renninger pulls Ridgway in to control the position.
Ridgway postures up.
Renninger has control of Ridgway's left arm, preventing Ridgway from doing any damage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.
Ridgway stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Renninger swivels though and keeps the full guard.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Ridgway waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Renninger.
Ridgway with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Renninger to score with a decent uppercut.
Ridgway misses with a looping right.
A left lands for Renninger.
Ridgway fails in his attempt to clinch.
Renninger scores with a sloppy right hand. Ridgway should have avoided that one.
Ridgway cracks Renninger with a good jab.
Ridgway throws a looping overhand right but Renninger ducks down to avoid it.
Ridgway pulls out of a head kick attempt.
A counter left hand to the body from Renninger misses its target.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Renninger slaps away a takedown attempt from Ridgway, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Ridgway tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Ridgway swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Renninger is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from Ridgway.
Renninger sizes up Ridgway with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.

Ridgway shoots in and bounces Renninger off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Renninger wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Renninger preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Renninger trying to control the position.

And that's the end of the fight!
Richard Renninger showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Renninger, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 Steven Brown scores the fight 30:27
Judge James Atkins scores the fight 30:27
Judge Phil Schofield scores the fight 30:27

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