PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Roger Haitu (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Borys Mankowski (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Mankowski has chosen Kękę -Wyjebane as his entrance music. The key to victory for Roger Haitu has got to be keeping the fight on the feet.

Haitu
vs
Mankowski

176 cm
26
153 lbs
1 - 2 - 0

180 cm
22
150 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Solid boxing
KO power

Decent wrestler
Basic striking
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Roger Haitu!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Borys Mankowski!
The judges for this bout are Paul Gruel, Josh West and Micheangelo Fripello.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A punch combination from Haitu misses.
Mankowski shoots in for a takedown but Haitu shows good takedown defense.
Mankowski's coach down at Cozad MMA Hilo was telling us pre-fight that they have been working on Mankowski's balance. Obviously they view that as a key factor in the outcome of this fight.
Mankowski darts in looking for a takedown but Haitu gets double underhooks and turns Mankowski into the cage.
Mankowski shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Haitu has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.
Roger Haitu has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Borys Mankowski.
Mankowski misses with a takedown attempt
and Haitu counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Haitu misses with a two punch combination.

Mankowski is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Haitu's half guard.
Mankowski content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Haitu is trying to control but can't.
Mankowski tries to pass the half guard into mount. Haitu knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Mankowski is looking to take a break and control but Haitu is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Mankowski thows a huge punch but Haitu dodges it nicely.
Mankowski lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Mankowski passes the half guard and he's now in mount! Big trouble for Haitu!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mankowski avoids the attempt from Haitu to control.
Mankowski landing punches.
Mankowski controlling from the full mount.
Haitu on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Haitu tries to get out of the position.
Mankowski lands with some vicious ground and pound - can Haitu hang on?
Mankowski avoids the attempt from Haitu to control.
Mankowski content just to control the position here.
Mankowski lands a big elbow.
Mankowski controlling from mount.

Mankowski is working on an americana here. Ooh, that looks pretty nasty! Nope, Haitu has managed to escape the submission attempt.
Mankowski sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Mankowski looking for a guillotine from mount but Haitu is having none of it.
Mankowski takes Haitu's back.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Haitu fending off the submission attempt from Mankowski.

Mankowski is staying calm and holding on to the back position, whilst working on a rear naked choke. Haitu is defending well though. Mankowski let's go of the attempt for now.

Haitu fending off the submission attempt from Mankowski.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Haitu trying to control the action but Mankowski just sinks the hooks in.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Mankowski is riding his opponent, not letting Haitu buck him off.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mankowski lands a punch to the side of the head from the back.

Mankowski has his opponent's back and is working for the choke.
Haitu tries to escape the position - he's now mounted. Is that better or worse? Hard to tell!
Mankowski lands with some strikes.
Haitu is trying to escape the mount.

Mankowski is working on an americana here. Ooh, that looks pretty nasty! Nope, Haitu has managed to escape the submission attempt.
Mankowski throwing sloppy strikes, which aren't doing any damage.
Mankowski can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Haitu is looking to escape.
Mankowski avoids the attempt from Haitu to control.
Haitu is squirming around, avoiding Mankowski's attempts to control the action.
Mankowski lands a shot to the body, followed up by a shot to the exposed head of his trapped opponent.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mankowski controlling the position easily from mount.
Haitu wants to control but Mankowski is having none of it.
Mankowski can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Haitu is looking to escape.
Haitu is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Haitu knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Mankowski on the ground.
Haitu is working to get back to half guard.

Mankowski looking to secure an arm triangle but Haitu defends it well.
A nice elbow there by Mankowski.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Mankowski trying to control but Haitu is having none of it.

Haitu defends a decent attempt at a guillotine from Mankowski.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Borys Mankowski dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Haitu throws a right hand that Mankowski ducks under and follows up with a left that Mankowski also avoids with ease.
Mankowski shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Haitu but Haitu pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Haitu misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Mankowski darts in looking for a takedown but Haitu gets double underhooks and turns Mankowski into the cage.
Haitu swinging wildly here.
Mankowski shoots in for a takedown but Haitu shows good takedown defense.
Roger Haitu has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Borys Mankowski.
Nice takedown defense from Haitu. No joy for Mankowski on that attempt.
Haitu went nuts there looking for a big combo counter but none of the flurry connected.
Some wild striking there from Haitu.
Mankowski fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Mankowski shoots in for a takedown but Haitu shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Mankowski misses with a takedown attempt
and Haitu counters with a left and a right that stings Mankowski.
Haitu looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Haitu works over Mankowski's head and body with a nice combination.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Mankowski scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
Mankowski is breathing heavily.
Mankowski throws a knee to the body but it doesn't do much damage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mankowski working away.
Haitu tries to improve position but can't.
Mankowski is looking to take a break and control but Haitu is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Haitu takes an elbow right on the bridge of the nose and winces in pain.

Mankowski is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Haitu is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
Mankowski is looking to take a break and control but Haitu is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Mankowski working the head with strikes.
Mankowski wants to lay and pray for a moment but Haitu keeps working.
Haitu is looking for a sweep.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Mankowski tries for a kimura but Haitu is defending well.

Mankowski is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Haitu knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.

Mankowski looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Mankowski wants to control but Haitu is keeping him busy.
Haitu trying his best to control but Mankowski has mounted him.
Mankowski raining down hammerfists from mount.
Mankowski breaks from Haitu's wrist control and lands an elbow.
Haitu taking shots to the head.
Haitu is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Haitu really trying hard to get back to half guard here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Haitu tries to hold on but Mankowski pushes him away.
Mankowski lands a nice shot to the head.
Mankowski can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Haitu is looking to escape.
The referee warns Haitu that he has to improve his position here as he takes two more clean shots to the head.
Mankowski trying to control but Haitu is having none of it.
Mankowski controlling from the full mount.
Haitu tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Mankowski is landing with some decent strikes but Haitu is trying to advance his position so the referee is letting the fight continue.
Mankowski has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Mankowski content just to control the position here.

Mankowski wants to finish this one by submission but Haitu is holding onto his waist, trying to prevent any attacks from Mankowski.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Mankowski is working for a guillotine from mount but Haitu frees his head quite easily.
Mankowski lands a heavy elbow.
Mankowski lands with some strikes.
Haitu tries to lock up and control but Mankowski gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Mankowski looking to control and managing it successfully.
Mankowski lands a nice shot to the head.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Mankowski working for a submission but Haitu is keeping him at bay.
Mankowski breaks from Haitu's wrist control and lands an elbow.
Haitu working to try and regain half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Borys Mankowski showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Mankowski showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Haitu.
Mankowski tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Haitu swivels and escapes.
Haitu connects with a good right hand that stumbles Mankowski. Mankowski circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Haitu stuffs the takedown attempt from Mankowski. Mankowski gets slowly back to his feet.
Mankowski dives in for a single leg takedown but Haitu sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Roger Haitu has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Borys Mankowski.
Mankowski shoots in but no luck this time.
Mankowski shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Haitu pinned against the cage. Haitu gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Haitu moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sloppy strikes from Haitu. Those never looked like landing.
Haitu works over Mankowski's head and body with a nice combination.
Haitu misses with a double jab.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Haitu slaps away a takedown attempt from Mankowski, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Mankowski takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Haitu leaves Mankowski with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Haitu misses with a jab, cross combination.
Mankowski shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Haitu as he avoids it easily.
Haitu appears to be looking for a big counter.
Nice uppercut lands for Haitu. That snapped Mankowski's head back.
Mankowski avoids a punch combination nicely.
Roger Haitu is winning the standup battle so far.
Mankowski shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Haitu moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.
Haitu works over Mankowski's head and body with a nice combination.

Mankowski drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Mankowski passes Haitu's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Mankowski thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Haitu's head.
Haitu trying to control here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Haitu avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Mankowski.
Mankowski is taking a breather. Haitu says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.
Haitu is staying active underneath Mankowski, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Haitu wants to control but Mankowski is keeping busy.
Mankowski trying to control from half guard but Haitu is working away.

Mankowski is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Haitu doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Mankowski.
Haitu holds on for dear life, maintaining half guard for now.
Haitu is looking to control Mankowski's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Haitu avoid being mounted?
Mankowski is taking a breather. Haitu says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.
Both fighters have adopted an aggressive gameplan on the ground!

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Mankowski is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Haitu defends it well.
Mankowski has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Mankowski performing his best blanket impression for a moment.
Haitu is holding on to half guard well.
Mankowski looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.

Mankowski seems to be looking for submissions.
Haitu is refusing to be controlled, as Mankowski sits in half guard.
Haitu tries to roll over but Mankowski keeps him under control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Haitu is looking to control Mankowski's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Haitu avoid being mounted?
Mankowski trying to control the action but Haitu is working from the bottom.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Haitu stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Haitu wants it to stay on the feet.
Haitu throws a series of punches but Mankowski avoids them all with ease.
Haitu looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Mankowski fails with a takedown attempt.
Some wild striking there from Haitu.
Decent striking displayed by Haitu there.
Mankowski fails with the takedown.

And that's the end of the fight!
Roger Haitu showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Mankowski has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Paul Gruel scores the fight 28:29
Judge Josh West scores the fight 28:29
Judge Micheangelo Fripello scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Borys Mankowski! Borys Mankowski retains his lightweight title!
Borys Mankowski bigged himself up after the win. The crowd seemed to love it.