PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Kick Boxer (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Cliff Rigano (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Kick Boxer has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Boxer
vs
Rigano

180 cm
22
169 lbs
12 - 2 - 0

188 cm
22
184 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

Decent wrestler
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

Powerful takedowns
Lethal high kicks
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 12 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Kick Boxer!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Cliff Rigano!
The judges for this bout are Fedor Mirinova, Konstantin Menshow and Viktor Lagutenko.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Nice jab there from Boxer.
Rigano connects with an inside leg kick.
We've been told by Boxer's head coaches at LOD: Contenders that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Rigano throws a leg kick but Boxer sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Boxer thows a left - swing and a miss!
Rigano scores with a sloppy right hand. Boxer should have avoided that one.
Rigano jabs at Boxer's body.
Boxer throws a low kick but Rigano avoids it.
Rigano steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Boxer.

Boxer clinches up against the ropes.
Boxer stalling against the ropes.
Rigano misses with a shot to the kidneys.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rigano stalling in the clinch but Boxer improves position.
Rigano has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Boxer after a bit of a struggle.
Boxer pushes off an throws an elbow but Rigano leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the ropes.
Boxer tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Rigano avoiding damage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rigano dodges an elbow strike from Boxer.
Boxer misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Boxer throws a head punch that misses.
A knee to the head by Rigano.

It looks like Kick Boxer has been cut.
Still in the clinch, Boxer scores with a nice short uppercut.
Boxer tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Boxer.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Boxer presses Rigano against the ropes and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Boxer has a couple of punches blocked by Rigano.
Rigano wants to stall.
With the fighters clinched against the ropes, Boxer creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Rigano trying to stall but Boxer improves his position.
Rigano throws a head punch that misses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Boxer's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Good body shot from Boxer.
Boxer presses Rigano against the ropes and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Boxer lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Rigano.
Boxer misses with a hook to the ribs.
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!
Boxer lands an elbow just above Rigano 's eye.
Boxer lands an elbow inside.
Boxer misses with some punches.
Boxer tries to stall but Rigano uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Rigano tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Boxer digs a right hand into Rigano's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Rigano's gas tank.
Rigano trying to control the position but instead, Boxer has worked for underhooks and has pushed Rigano into the ropes.
Rigano misses with a short punch on the inside.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Rigano.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A battle for position here, against the ropes.
Boxer blocking some punches.
Rigano trying to stall but Boxer improves his position.
Rigano fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Boxer avoiding damage as Rigano throws knees to the body.
Rigano has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Boxer after a bit of a struggle.
Boxer tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Rigano effectively controlling the action here.
Boxer misses with a body punch.
A right hand to the body from Rigano.
Rigano changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Boxer fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Kick Boxer has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Cliff Rigano.
Rigano cracks Boxer with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Boxer pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Rigano tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Boxer comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Boxer throws a right and a left that Rigano avoids nicely.
Rigano throws a sloppy head kick and Boxer moves out of range easily.
Cliff Rigano seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Rigano walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Boxer takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Boxer is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Rigano checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Boxer takes one to the chin there.
Boxer connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Good standup being displayed there by Boxer as he connects with a hook.
Rigano tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Boxer throws a hook but Rigano blocks it.
Rigano misses with a kick to the body.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Kick Boxer dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Kick Boxer's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the ring so we can get back down to business.

Boxer just misses with a punch to the body.
Rigano dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Boxer. That did some damage!

Boxer rushes Rigano and pushes him back against the ropes in a clinch.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Rigano has Boxer pushed against the ropes.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Rigano.
Rigano drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Boxer doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Boxer tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Rigano's elbow.
Boxer lands an uppercut.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Rigano as Boxer tries to tie him up.
Rigano throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Boxer blocks it with crossed arms.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Boxer lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Rigano backwards.
Boxer managing to block the knees to the body from Rigano.
Boxer misses with a hook from the clinch.
Boxer is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the ropes.
A head punch on the inside from Boxer fails to land.
Boxer lands with a short punch from the clinch.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Boxer.
Rigano dodges an elbow strike from Boxer.
A head punch on the inside from Boxer fails to land.
With the two fighters working up against the ropes, Boxer just misses with a elbow thrown towards Rigano's brow.
Boxer has a couple of punches blocked by Rigano.
Rigano has Boxer pressed up against the ropes and is working for takedown. Boxer manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Boxer scores with a shot to the side of Rigano's head.
Rigano swings wildly with an uppercut but Boxer uses good head movement to avoid it.
Boxer lands on the inside with an uppercut.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Boxer lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Boxer scores with a shoulder strike.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Boxer as Rigano tries to tie him up.
Rigano wants to stall.
Boxer creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
Boxer throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
Rigano is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the ropes.
Boxer lands a left hand.
A battle for position here, against the ropes.
A nice right hand lands inside from Boxer.
Rigano trying to control the position but instead, Boxer has worked for underhooks and has pushed Rigano into the ropes.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rigano misses with the head strike.
Boxer misses with a short punch on the inside.
Kick Boxer has scored more points in the clinch so far.
A battle for position here, against the ropes.
Rigano misses with a short punch on the inside.
Boxer is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Rigano can do to turn this around?
Rigano changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Boxer fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Kick Boxer has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Cliff Rigano.
Rigano closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Rigano throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Boxer stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Boxer bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Rigano's head backwards.
Rigano looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Rigano ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Boxer moves away.
Kick Boxer is winning the standup battle so far.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Boxer's jab looks to have found its range, popping Rigano under the eye.
Rigano jabs Boxer to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Boxer throws a big shot that misses.
Rigano takes one to the chin there.

Boxer gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Rigano with a nice head shot there.
Rigano in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Rigano stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Boxer swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Boxer is trying to keep Rigano in close.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Kick Boxer dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Kick Boxer's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Rigano thows a left - swing and a miss!
Rigano looks to land a right hand but Boxer moved out of range.

Rigano moves into the clinch successfully.
With the two fighters working up against the ropes, Boxer just misses with a elbow thrown towards Rigano's brow.
Boxer throws a head punch that misses.
A head punch on the inside from Rigano fails to land.
Rigano misses with a hook to the ribs.
Rigano is trying to maintain a safe position but Boxer gets an underhook and turns Rigano into the ropes.
Boxer lands a damaging elbow.
Boxer swings away with an uppercut that misses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rigano blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Rigano blocks a body shot from Boxer.
Rigano fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
A head punch on the inside from Rigano fails to land.
Rigano throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Boxers head.
Boxer scores with a shoulder strike.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Boxer throws a head punch that misses.
Boxer lands an uppercut.
Boxer comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Boxer misses with a body punch.
Boxer blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Rigano taking a breather.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Boxer working aggressively here.
Boxer prevents the takedown attempt.
Boxer doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Boxer misses with some punches.
Boxer prevents a body shot from Rigano.
Boxer blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Rigano is looking for a takedown.
Rigano swings wildly with an uppercut but Boxer uses good head movement to avoid it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A battle for position here, against the ropes.
Rigano working aggressively here.
Rigano swings away with an uppercut that misses.

Rigano has clasped his hands together around Boxer's back... aaand, he's got a takedown into side control. Nicely done.
Rigano landing a few strikes.
Rigano tries to advance to mount but can't.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.

Rigano is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Boxer knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Rigano has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.

Rigano tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Boxer dodges the ground and pound from Rigano.

Rigano is trying to get an arm triangle but Boxer is defending well.
Boxer stops Rigano from passing to mount.
Rigano working the ground and pound but he's contacting the mat, not the fighter.
Rigano throwing shots but missing, from side control.
In the pre-fight buildup videos we saw Rigano working his ground and pound in the gym. He isn't landing a great percentage of his ground strikes so far though.
Rigano misses with an attempted head punch from side control.
Rigano working the body and head with strikes.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Rigano is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Boxer is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.

Rigano is trying to get an arm triangle but Boxer is defending well.
Rigano fails to land a wild elbow strike.
Rigano works to advance to full mount. Boxer defends for a few seconds but eventually he succumbs.
Rigano prevents Boxer from getting the reversal.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Rigano working to secure an arm triangle but it's not happening for him just yet.
Rigano punishing his opponent with strikes.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Cliff Rigano really dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Kick Boxer's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Boxer stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Boxer wants it to stay on the feet.
Boxer feinted there with a counter leg kick.
A punch combination from Boxer misses.
Boxer tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Rigano was well out of range. Poor timing from Boxer.
Boxer throws a shot from downtown. Rigano moves away and avoids it.
Rigano throws out a loose jab but Boxer uses good head movement to avoid it.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Nice elbow from Boxer.
Rigano tries for a takedown. No joy.
Rigano goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rigano blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Boxer blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Rigano blocks an elbow strike.
Rigano misses with some punches.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rigano blocks an uppercut.
Boxer taking a breather.
Rigano struggles to land a body shot inside as Boxer controls his hands.
Boxer pushes Rigano back against the ropes and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Boxer lands a hook to the side of the head.
Boxer gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Boxer lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Rigano or not.
Boxer lands with a light punch inside.
Rigano with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Still in the clinch, Boxer scores with a nice short uppercut.
Rigano misses with a knee to the head.
Rigano misses with a body punch.
Boxer misses with a hook from the clinch.
Still in the clinch, Boxer scores with a nice short uppercut.
Boxer scores with a nice hook to the head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rigano has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Boxer after a bit of a struggle.
Kick Boxer has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Cliff Rigano.
Boxer lands a body shot.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
The referee is keeping an eye on Boxer - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.

Rigano jumps guard and drags Boxer to the mat. He's obviously going to be looking for submissions off his back.
Rigano looking to hit a scissor sweep but Boxer is one step ahead there.
Rigano is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Boxer knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Rigano on the ground.

Boxer got a little sloppy there for a moment and Rigano has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Boxer has managed to get both his arms back between Rigano's legs - danger averted.
Rigano looking to hit a scissor sweep but Boxer is one step ahead there.
Cliff Rigano has got the better of the ground game so far.
Boxer tries to free his leg and advance position but Rigano is retaining full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rigano keeping moving, preventing Boxer from controlling successfully.
Rigano is trying to control the position but Boxer postures up.
Rigano bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Boxer's guard.
Rigano slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Boxer with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Boxer sizes up Rigano with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.

Boxer takes the fight into the clinch.
Rigano is looking to control Boxer's arms but Boxer gets an underhook and turns him. Now Rigano has his back to the ropes.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rigano is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Boxer is keeping busy.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Rigano.
Boxer lands a hook that snaps the head of Rigano backwards.
A right hook to the body lands for Boxer.
Rigano tries to throw a body punch but Boxer avoids it by throwing Rigano back against the ropes.
Rigano tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Boxer's elbow.
Boxer misses with the head strike.
Boxer lands a hook to the side of the head.
Boxer comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Rigano throws a head punch that misses.
Boxer lands an elbow just above Rigano 's eye.

Rigano is rocked!
Rigano has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Rigano looking for a takedown.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Kick Boxer had his way with Cliff Rigano in that round.
The cut man is working on Kick Boxer's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Boxer lands with a nice combination. Rigano backs away looking to recover.
Rigano is still on wobbly legs! Can Boxer finish him?
Rigano lands a nice hook to Boxer's body. Boxer takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Rigano avoids a kick to the body.
Boxer chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Rigano can pounce on him.
Rigano seems to have recovered his senses.
A swing and a miss from Rigano.
Boxer throws a shot to the body.
Boxer fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Rigano checks it well.
Rigano misses with a shot to the body
and Boxer counters with a nice uppercut.
Boxer pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rigano fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Boxer manages to avoid it.
Boxer tries to counter by moving into the clinch but Rigano manages to circle out of the way.
Rigano slips a straight right by Boxer.
That kick from Boxer tenderised Rigano's leg. Rigano is trying to keep his angry face on.
Rigano thows a left - swing and a miss!
Boxer swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rigano throws a push kick but Boxer slaps the foot to one side.
Rigano uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Boxer.
Rigano looks to throw the jab but Boxer is out of range.
Boxer tests Rigano's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Boxer shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Boxer connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Rigano's hands.
Boxer misses the jab.
Rigano with the counter takedown but Boxer avoids it easily.

Boxer closes the distance and clinches.
Boxer throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
Boxer taking a breather.
Boxer misses with a hook from the clinch.
Boxer lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Rigano is looking for a takedown up against the ropes. Boxer gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Boxer doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Boxer lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Boxer lands with a light punch inside.
Rigano misses with some punches.
Boxer misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Rigano lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
A head punch on the inside from Rigano fails to land.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Rigano tries to land a knee to the head but Boxer blocks with his arms.
Rigano tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Rigano throws a head punch that misses.
Boxer misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Boxer is leaning against Rigano and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Boxer scores with an uppercut up the middle.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Boxer gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Boxer looks to throw an elbow but misses.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Boxer.
Rigano misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Boxer works on Rigano's body with a couple of short punches.
Boxer lands a damaging elbow.
Boxer misses with a punch to the body.
Kick Boxer is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Boxer lands with a short shot to the head.
Rigano blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Rigano fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Boxer lands a damaging elbow.
Rigano tries to throw a body punch but Boxer avoids it by throwing Rigano back against the ropes.
Rigano scores with a hook to the body.
Rigano missing with knees to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Boxer lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Rigano struggles to land a body shot inside as Boxer controls his hands.
Boxer gets underhooks to prevent Rigano's takedown attempt.
Rigano throws a head punch that misses.
Boxer misses with an elbow strike.
Boxer lands with a short shot to the head.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Boxer throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Boxer lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Rigano backwards.
Rigano blocks an uppercut.
With the two fighters working up against the ropes, Boxer just misses with a elbow thrown towards Rigano's brow.
Rigano has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Boxer avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Kick Boxer has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Cliff Rigano.
Rigano takes an elbow to the forehead.
Cliff Rigano has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Rigano doesn't land with the attempted body shot.

And that's the end of the fight!
Kick Boxer showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Boxer 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Fedor Mirinova scores the fight 49:46
Judge Konstantin Menshow scores the fight 49:46
Judge Viktor Lagutenko scores the fight 49:46

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Kick Boxer!
A relieved looking Kick Boxer thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.