PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Robbie Rockhold (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Issumatar Tariaksuq (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Tariaksuq has chosen Tanya Tagaq - Uja as his entrance music. These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Rockhold
vs
Tariaksuq

173 cm
25
135 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

177 cm
25
142 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
Cuts easily

Decent wrestler
Good kicks
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Robbie Rockhold!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Issumatar Tariaksuq!
The judges for this bout are Sandra Marshall, Winston Alpacca and Michael Johnstone.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Tariaksuq throws a half hearted mid kick.
Rockhold looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Rockhold shoots in but Tariaksuq avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Tariaksuq is looking to slow Rockhold down with leg kicks.
A bone on bone clash there as Rockhold blocks the leg kick.
Tariaksuq cracks the inside of Rockhold's front leg.
Tariaksuq does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
Tariaksuq throws a low kick but it's checked well by Rockhold.
Rockhold throws a right and a left that Tariaksuq avoids nicely.
Tariaksuq was about to counter that last move with a leg kick but changes his mind.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Tariaksuq keeps Rockhold at a distance using the push kick.
Tariaksuq throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Rockhold tries to counter by moving into the clinch but Tariaksuq manages to circle out of the way.
Tariaksuq throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Tariaksuq dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Rockhold. That did some damage!
Tariaksuq misses with a leg kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Rockhold.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Robbie Rockhold. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Tariaksuq attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Rockhold. Tariaksuq shrugs it off though.
A head kick misses from Tariaksuq.
Rockhold tries to clinch up.
Rockhold tries to clinch up but Tariaksuq circles away and keeps his distance.
Rockhold shoots in but no luck this time.
Tariaksuq lands with a nice body kick.
Tariaksuq avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Tariaksuq was about to counter that last move with a leg kick but changes his mind.
Tariaksuq has tried to improve his agility in the runup to this fight.
Tariaksuq misses with a low kick.
Rockhold tries to clinch there but Tariaksuq circles away.
Rockhold tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Tariaksuq paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Rockhold takes a nasty kick to the mid section... That should keep him thinking. Does he try and block and risk a head kick landing?
Rockhold darts in looking for a takedown but Tariaksuq gets double underhooks and turns Rockhold into the cage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rockhold fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Tariaksuq throws a wild body kick that Rockhold sees coming a mile off.
Tariaksuq throws a mid kick that lands with a slap.
Rockhold tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Tariaksuq tries a head kick but it misses.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Tariaksuq scores with a push kick.
Tariaksuq throws a leg kick but Rockhold sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Rockhold changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Tariaksuq pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Tariaksuq keeps Rockhold at a distance using the push kick.
Nice sprawl there from Tariaksuq as Rockhold shoots in.
Tariaksuq goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Tariaksuq feints and then cracks Rockhold's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Rockhold down.
Rockhold tries to clinch there but Tariaksuq circles away.
Rockhold throws a wild body kick that Tariaksuq sees coming a mile off.
Rockhold darts in looking for a takedown but Tariaksuq gets double underhooks and turns Rockhold into the cage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tariaksuq swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Tariaksuq is looking to chop away at Rockhold's legs.
Rockhold appears to be looking for a big counter.
Rockhold changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Tariaksuq tries to avoid it but Rockhold manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Tariaksuq to the ground. Tariaksuq escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Tariaksuq lands a nice looking kick to the body. Rockhold takes a step back to recover.
Rockhold checks the leg kick.
Rockhold is looking to counter the offense by Tariaksuq and move into the clinch.
Tariaksuq pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
The fight stays on the outside here - Rockhold looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Tariaksuq was about to counter that last move with a leg kick but changes his mind.

Rockhold moves into the clinch.
Rockhold stalling in the clinch but Tariaksuq improves position.

Tariaksuq escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Good leg kick by Tariaksuq there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Tariaksuq blocks a leg kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rockhold avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Rockhold on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Tariaksuq. Tariaksuq obviously looking to wear him down.
Tariaksuq feints and then cracks Rockhold's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Rockhold down.
Tariaksuq keeps Rockhold at a distance using the push kick.
Tariaksuq misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
A bone on bone clash there as Rockhold blocks the leg kick.
Tariaksuq misses with a low kick.

Rockhold rushes Tariaksuq and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Tariaksuq escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Rockhold moves out of range of the leg kick from Tariaksuq.
Tariaksuq throws a solid leg kick but Rockhold takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Tariaksuq.
Rockhold lands a nice hook to Tariaksuq's body. Tariaksuq takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Rockhold has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Tariaksuq.
Good work by Rockhold as he checks the leg kick.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Issumatar Tariaksuq dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Rockhold takes a kick to the body and keeps moving.
Some bone on bone action there as Rockhold checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Tariaksuq lands a high kick!
Tariaksuq finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Rockhold shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Tariaksuq defends it nicely.
Tariaksuq connects with a leg kick. Rockhold looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rockhold fails with the takedown
and Tariaksuq makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
Rockhold tries to land a front kick but Tariaksuq steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Tariaksuq has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Tariaksuq looks to land a body kick but Rockhold moved away.
Rockhold throws a head kick that misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tariaksuq tries to land a front kick but Rockhold steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Rockhold is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from Tariaksuq.
Rockhold fails with a takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Robbie Rockhold. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Tariaksuq feints and then cracks Rockhold's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Rockhold down.
Issumatar Tariaksuq seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Tariaksuq avoids a kick to the body.
Issumatar Tariaksuq seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Tariaksuq lands with a thumping leg kick.
Rockhold shoots in but Tariaksuq avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Tariaksuq was about to counter that last move with a leg kick but changes his mind.
A solid body kick from Tariaksuq.
Tariaksuq tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Rockhold is able to avoid easily.
Tariaksuq looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A kick lands to the mid section there for Tariaksuq.
Rockhold sees a low kick coming and goes to check it, but it's actually a body kick and it thuds into his unprotected ribs.
Tariaksuq throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.
Tariaksuq chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Issumatar Tariaksuq is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Rockhold misses with a takedown
and Tariaksuq counters with an outside leg kick.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Rockhold ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
A nice leg kick lands there from Tariaksuq.
A head kick misses from Rockhold.
Rockhold shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Tariaksuq defends it nicely.
Rockhold will be looking to protect his midsection after taking some solid kicks to the body.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Tariaksuq lands a nice leg kick that just misses Rockhold's sensitive parts.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rockhold is looking to clinch but Tariaksuq is avoiding it.
Rockhold walks forward, straight into a front kick from Tariaksuq.
A slapping body kick lands there for Tariaksuq.
Tariaksuq throws a head kick but Rockhold moves out of range.
Rockhold shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Tariaksuq sprawls well. Tariaksuq wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Rockhold gets slowly back to his feet.
Tariaksuq tries a head kick but it misses.
Rockhold takes a head kick and shrugs it off.
Good work by Rockhold as he checks the leg kick.
Tariaksuq throws the kick towards the body but Rockhold avoids it.
Rockhold avoids the head kick by Tariaksuq.
Rockhold darts in looking for a takedown but Tariaksuq gets double underhooks and turns Rockhold into the cage.
Tariaksuq misses with a head kick.
Rockhold wants to take advantage of his opponent's missed offense by moving into the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tariaksuq lands with a thumping leg kick.
Robbie Rockhold is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Tariaksuq bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
Tariaksuq tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Rockhold tries to clinch up.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Tariaksuq buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Tariaksuq throws a sloppy head kick and Rockhold moves out of range easily.
Tariaksuq throws a solid leg kick but Rockhold takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Tariaksuq.
Tariaksuq misses with a low kick.
Rockhold is looking to counter with a body kick.
Rockhold is looking to clinch.
Tariaksuq misses with a low kick.
Tariaksuq leaves Rockhold with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Rockhold checks a leg kick.
Rockhold checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Issumatar Tariaksuq showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action. This is the final round!

Rockhold shoots in for a takedown but Tariaksuq shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Tariaksuq bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.

Rockhold takes the fight into the clinch.
Rockhold tries for a takedown. No joy.

Tariaksuq escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Tariaksuq misses with a leg kick.
Rockhold appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Rockhold tries to clinch but Tariaksuq moves out of range.
A looping hook to the body misses from Rockhold. Tariaksuq does a little dance to reset his feet.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rockhold is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Rockhold is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Tariaksuq wants to land a leg kick but Rockhold is out of range.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Tariaksuq, right into the meat.
Rockhold looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Robbie Rockhold. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tariaksuq misses with an attempted mid kick.
Rockhold checks a leg kick.
Rockhold is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from Tariaksuq.
Thud! ouch! good body kick from Tariaksuq - that will leave a mark!
Rockhold wants to clinch.
Rockhold moves out of range as Tariaksuq throws a body kick.
Rockhold is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Tariaksuq looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Rockhold moves out of range as Tariaksuq throws a body kick.
Rockhold tries to clinch but Tariaksuq moves out of range.
Rockhold fails in his attempt to clinch.
Tariaksuq looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
An inside leg kick lands from Tariaksuq.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tariaksuq stuffs the takedown attempt from Rockhold. Rockhold gets slowly back to his feet.
Tariaksuq throws a solid leg kick but Rockhold takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Tariaksuq.
Tariaksuq throws a wild body kick that Rockhold sees coming a mile off.
Tariaksuq with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Rockhold throws a lazy head kick
and Tariaksuq counters with a thumping low kick.
Tariaksuq misses with a kick to the body.
Tariaksuq goes for a high kick. It partially lands.

It looks like Robbie Rockhold has been cut.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Rockhold closes the distance and clinches up with Tariaksuq, looking for a takedown. Rockhold pushes Tariaksuq against the cage but Tariaksuq circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Tariaksuq misses with an attempted mid kick.
Tariaksuq throws a front kick that sends Rockhold stumbling back into the cage.
Tariaksuq wants to land a leg kick but Rockhold is out of range.
Tariaksuq finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Tariaksuq throws a leg kick but Rockhold moved away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tariaksuq looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Tariaksuq looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Tariaksuq throws a leg kick
and Rockhold connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Rockhold is looking to clinch.
Rockhold tries to score with a low kick but Tariaksuq moves his leg out of the way.
A clash of legs there as Rockhold blocks the low kick.
Rockhold went nuts there looking for a big combo counter but none of the flurry connected.
Rockhold fails with an attempt to clinch.
Rockhold checks the leg kick nicely there.
Rockhold misses with a takedown attempt
and Tariaksuq counters with a leg kick that reverborates around the arena.
Tariaksuq connects with a solid leg kick.
Tariaksuq throws a low kick, looking for Rockhold's leg but Rockhold calmly moves out of range.
Rockhold on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Tariaksuq. Tariaksuq obviously looking to wear him down.
Tariaksuq fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
A bone on bone clash there as Rockhold blocks the leg kick.
Issumatar Tariaksuq is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tariaksuq tries a head kick but it misses.
Rockhold looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Tariaksuq pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Rockhold is looking to counter the offense by Tariaksuq and move into the clinch.
Rockhold throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Tariaksuq sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Rockhold takes a kick to the body and keeps moving.
Rockhold avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Tariaksuq throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Rockhold is looking to clinch but Tariaksuq is avoiding it.
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!
A bone on bone clash there as Rockhold blocks the leg kick.
Rockhold checks a low kick from Tariaksuq.
Tariaksuq misses with a low kick as Rockhold jumps back.
Robbie Rockhold has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Tariaksuq throws the kick towards the body but Rockhold avoids it.

And that's the end of the fight!
Issumatar Tariaksuq comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Tariaksuq winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 Sandra Marshall scores the fight 27:30
Judge Winston Alpacca scores the fight 26:30
Judge Michael Johnstone scores the fight 26:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Issumatar Tariaksuq!
Issumatar Tariaksuq decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.