PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Rahkim Abdullah (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Grado Itsyersel (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The atmosphere really building for this one as we go over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Abdullah
vs
Itsyersel

190 cm
32
190 lbs
19 - 13 - 0

178 cm
27
198 lbs
5 - 4 - 1

Great wrestler
Excellent boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
Excellent MT
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 19 - 13 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Rahkim Abdullah!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 4 - 1, fighting out of New York, Grado Itsyersel!
The judges for this bout are Steve Montenegro, Alyssa Summers and John Roberts.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Abdullah throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Itsyersel takes a jab right on the kisser.
A big right from Abdullah misses.
Itsyersel moves in looking to clinch but Abdullah pushes him off.
Itsyersel moves out of range as Abdullah strikes.
Abdullah dives in and grabs Itsyersel's left leg, looking for a takedown. Itsyersel pushes down on Abdullah's head and hops out.
Abdullah swings for the body but Itsyersel moves out of range.
Itsyersel walks into a straight right hand from Abdullah.
Abdullah goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Abdullah connects with a good right hand that stumbles Itsyersel. Itsyersel circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Abdullah definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.

Itsyersel gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Abdullah is in close to Itsyersel's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Itsyersel working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Abdullah.
Abdullah is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
Abdullah wants to control from the top but Itsyersel keeps moving.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Abdullah with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Itsyersel is looking to stand up but Abdullah isn't so interested in that idea.

Itsyersel kicks Abdullah off and gets to his feet.
Abdullah lands with a good body shot.
Itsyersel punishes Abdullah's body with a nice straight punch.
Abdullah uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Itsyersel.
Itsyersel misses with a straight right.
Abdullah looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Abdullah just misses with a punch to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Itsyersel moves into the clinch successfully.
Itsyersel throws a punch but it's blocked by Abdullah.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Abdullah.

Abdullah's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Itsyersel blocks a jab.
Itsyersel moves forwards but Abdullah connects with a nice, crisp jab.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Itsyersel closes the distance and pushes Abdullah back into the cage.
Abdullah tries to score a body lock takedown but Itsyersel shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Rahkim Abdullah. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Itsyersel misses with a short punch on the inside.
Stalling in the clinch from Abdullah.
Abdullah is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Itsyersel tries a body shot but Abdullah blocks it.
Abdullah is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Itsyersel lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Abdullah or not.
Abdullah blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Itsyersel can't find room to land a body shot as Abdullah controls the action.
Abdullah is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Itsyersel is defending well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Abdullah can't break the clinch.
Abdullah blocking some punches.
Itsyersel misses with a punch on the inside.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Itsyersel.
Itsyersel misses with a hook from the clinch.
Abdullah has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Itsyersel is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Itsyersel misses with a hook from the clinch.
Itsyersel tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Itsyersel misses with a hook to the ribs.
Itsyersel throws a head punch that misses.
Itsyersel misses with the head strike.
Itsyersel has a couple of punches blocked by Abdullah.
Itsyersel misses with a hook from the clinch.
A head punch on the inside from Itsyersel fails to land.
Itsyersel lands a left hand.
Abdullah blocks an uppercut.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Itsyersel throws a punch but it's blocked by Abdullah.
Abdullah is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Itsyersel creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Abdullah prevents a body shot from Itsyersel.
Itsyersel lands a nice shot to the body.
Itsyersel misses with a hook from the clinch.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Itsyersel.
Abdullah doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Abdullah blocks an uppercut.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Itsyersel.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Itsyersel misses with a hook from the clinch.
A head punch on the inside from Itsyersel fails to land.
Abdullah can't get the takedown.
Itsyersel misses with a punch on the inside.

Abdullah manages to break the clinch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Grado Itsyersel dominated that round.
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.

Abdullah throws a body shot but no joy.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Abdullah thuds a left hand into Itsyersel's body.
Abdullah throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Abdullah misses the jab.
Jab from Abdullah.
Abdullah throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Abdullah is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
Itsyersel fails to land with a series of punches.
Abdullah cracks Itsyersel with a good jab.
Itsyersel is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Abdullah!
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Nice takedown defense from Itsyersel. No joy for Abdullah on that attempt.

Abdullah shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Abdullah showed some decent athleticism there.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Abdullah throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Abdullah is keen to just control but Itsyersel is a slippery customer.
Abdullah scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Abdullah has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Itsyersel is trying to stand.
Abdullah passes to full mount!
Itsyersel is trying to get back to his feet but can't.
Abdullah sends his fist crashing into the mat - the crowd let out a collective ooooooh. Let's hope he's not broken it!
Abdullah thowing shots but they're missing.
Abdullah controlling from the full mount.
Abdullah trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Abdullah thowing strikes but they're hitting the gloves, not doing any damage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Itsyersel is trying to stand up.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Itsyersel bucks Abdullah off and manages to get back to his feet!
Abdullah tries to bum rush Itsyersel with a series of wild strikes but Itsyersel uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Abdullah sets himself, and Itsyersel steps forward looking for the clinch! Abdullah avoids it this time.
Grado Itsyersel is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Abdullah misses with a wild combination.
Itsyersel tries to clinch but Abdullah is having none of it.
Abdullah lands a jab-cross combination.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Abdullah waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Itsyersel.
Abdullah closes the distance and clinches up with Itsyersel, looking for a takedown. Abdullah pushes Itsyersel against the cage but Itsyersel circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Abdullah is defended easily by Itsyersel.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Rahkim Abdullah. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Itsyersel pushes Abdullah back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Itsyersel doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Abdullah blocks an uppercut.
Itsyersel lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Itsyersel misses with a hook from the clinch.
A frustrated look appears on Abdullah's face as he tries to break the clinch.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Abdullah blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Abdullah can't get the takedown.
Itsyersel swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Abdullah is trying to break the clinch but Itsyersel has him pressed against the cage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Abdullah blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Itsyersel fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Itsyersel misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Itsyersel swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Itsyersel misses with a punch on the inside.
Itsyersel pushes Abdullah back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.

Abdullah lands a takedown into guard.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Itsyersel wants to stand up but Abdullah is controlling him.
Abdullah engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Abdullah missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Rahkim Abdullah dominated that second round.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!

Itsyersel fails in his attempt to clinch.
Abdullah looks to score with a jab to the body but Itsyersel is just out of range.
Itsyersel avoids a punch combination nicely.
Abdullah misses with a looping right.
Itsyersel moves in looking to clinch but Abdullah pushes him off.
Itsyersel tried to score with a low kick but Abdullah checks it.

Abdullah shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Itsyersel's guard.
Itsyersel is looking to stand up but Abdullah isn't so interested in that idea.
Abdullah missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Itsyersel keeping moving, preventing Abdullah from controlling successfully.

Itsyersel scrambles and gets back to his feet.
Itsyersel throws a lazy right hand but Abdullah sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.

Itsyersel tries to sprawl but Abdullah drives through with a takedown into half guard.

Itsyersel manages to create a bit of space in order to work his way back to his feet. Abdullah keeps hold of his opponent and drives him back against the cage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Itsyersel misses with some punches.
Itsyersel tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Abdullah can't find room to land a body shot as Itsyersel controls the action.
Itsyersel throws a punch but it's blocked by Abdullah.
Itsyersel lands on the inside with an uppercut.
A short right from Itsyersel.
Abdullah is looking for a takedown.
Abdullah wants to break free but Itsyersel has control.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Itsyersel.
Grado Itsyersel seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Itsyersel tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Abdullah's elbow.
Abdullah blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Itsyersel working aggressively here.
Itsyersel has a couple of punches blocked by Abdullah.
Itsyersel makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Itsyersel throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Abdullahs head.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Itsyersel misses with a punch on the inside.
Itsyersel misses with the head strike.
A head punch on the inside from Itsyersel fails to land.
Itsyersel is working Abdullah over against the cage.

Abdullah manages to break the clinch.
Abdullah fails with a takedown attempt.
A jab from Itsyersel misses.

Abdullah gets tackled into the cage by Itsyersel. Itsyersel maintains the clinch.
Abdullah blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Abdullah blocking some punches.
Itsyersel tries to work over Abdullah's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Itsyersel throws a head punch that misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Itsyersel throws a head punch that misses.
Itsyersel has a couple of punches blocked by Abdullah.
Itsyersel swings wildly with an uppercut but Abdullah uses good head movement to avoid it.
Abdullah has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Itsyersel is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Rahkim Abdullah. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Itsyersel throws a head punch that misses.
Abdullah tries to break free but Itsyersel pushes him back against the cage.
Abdullah tries to stall but Itsyersel uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Itsyersel softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Itsyersel tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Abdullah's elbow.
Itsyersel throws a punch but it's blocked by Abdullah.
Abdullah is trying to drag Itsyersel to the mat but Itsyersel just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Itsyersel misses with a hook from the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Itsyersel misses with some punches.
Itsyersel is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Abdullah blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Abdullah blocking some punches.
Abdullah is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Itsyersel pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Abdullah blocks an uppercut.
Abdullah is trying to stall.
Itsyersel has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Itsyersel tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Abdullah goes for a takedown in the clinch but Itsyersel prevents it.
Itsyersel lands with a left to the head.
Itsyersel lands on the inside with an uppercut.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Itsyersel.
Itsyersel working aggressively here.
Itsyersel lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.

And that's the end of the fight!
Grado Itsyersel comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Itsyersel 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 Steve Montenegro scores the fight 28:29
Judge Alyssa Summers scores the fight 28:29
Judge John Roberts scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Grado Itsyersel!