PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Rufus McTearson (ranked 222 p4p, 32 weight class) and Basten Sodergren (ranked 221 p4p, 31 weight class). Both fighter's entrance songs getting the crowd jumping here.

McTearson
vs
Sodergren

193 cm
40
202 lbs
45 - 21 - 4

180 cm
28
192 lbs
18 - 7 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
World class boxer
Good gas tank

Milwaukee's Best Nutrition

KAISER Nutrition - Q160

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 45 - 21 - 4, fighting out of New York, Rufus McTearson!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 18 - 7 - 0, fighting out of New York, Basten Sodergren!
The judges for this bout are Jack Bonds, Timothy Bukovac and Frank Antenori.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Sodergren misses with a hook. McTearson ducked under it nicely.
McTearson lands a leg kick that knocks Sodergren off balance momentarily.
Sodergren scores with a sloppy right hand. McTearson should have avoided that one.
Some wild striking there from McTearson.
McTearson lands a two punch combo.
Sodergren feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to McTearson's calf.

McTearson moves into the clinch successfully.
A nice left hand lands by McTearson.
Sodergren lands a body shot.
McTearson throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
McTearson lands a damaging elbow.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Sodergren throws a punch but it's blocked by McTearson.
Sodergren throws a head punch that misses.
McTearson throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Sodergren struggles to land a body shot inside as McTearson controls his hands.
McTearson lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Sodergren backwards.

That's one minute gone in the round.
McTearson comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Sodergren swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Sodergren on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
McTearson blocking some punches.
Sodergren stalls.
Sodergren stalling in the clinch but McTearson improves position.
McTearson misses with a shot to the kidneys.
McTearson blocks a punch to the side of the head.
A short left from Sodergren.
Nice body punch from Sodergren.
McTearson blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Sodergren misses with a short punch on the inside.
Sodergren doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Sodergren prevents a body shot from McTearson.
Sodergren avoids a wild elbow strike from McTearson.
A head punch on the inside from Sodergren fails to land.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
McTearson blocking some punches.
Sodergren digs a right hand underneath McTearson's ribcage. McTearson let out a lung full of air as it connected.
A short right from Sodergren.
Sodergren scores with a shot to the side of McTearson's head.
Sodergren lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down McTearson.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Sodergren is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Sodergren misses with some punches.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for McTearson.
McTearson lands with a left to the head.
Sodergren digs a right hand into McTearson's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on McTearson's gas tank.
Nice body punch from Sodergren.
Sodergren pushes McTearson back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.

Sodergren breaks the clinch.
McTearson lands with a shot to the body.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from McTearson.
A big left from McTearson misses.
The fight stays on the outside here - McTearson looks like he's thinking about clinching though.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by McTearson.
McTearson tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Sodergren throws a head kick but McTearson moves out of range.
Sodergren lands a right hook to the body.
Sodergren connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Sodergren connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed McTearson momentarily.
A clash of legs there as McTearson blocks the low kick.
It looked like McTearson was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.
McTearson moves in looking to clinch but Sodergren pushes him off.
Sodergren steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from McTearson. That one must have hurt.
McTearson scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
McTearson throws out a powerful jab.
Sodergren fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. McTearson looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Sodergren swings widly with a right hand
and McTearson counters with a nice body shot.
Sodergren avoids the body shot from McTearson.
McTearson walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Sodergren checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Sodergren only half commits to the counter leg kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
McTearson takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Sodergren moves out of range of the body kick.

McTearson tries to keep at a distance but Sodergren has taken the fight into the clinch.
McTearson swings wildly with an uppercut but Sodergren uses good head movement to avoid it.
McTearson looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Sodergren blocks an elbow strike from McTearson.
McTearson gets through Sodergren's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Sodergren misses with the head strike.
McTearson prevents a body shot from Sodergren.
A short right from Sodergren on the inside.
Sodergren doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
McTearson lands a hook that snaps the head of Sodergren backwards.
Sodergren taking a breather.
Sodergren avoiding damage.
The crowd are getting on Sodergren's back here. They're not happy about his lack of aggression in the clinch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Basten Sodergren will probably get the nod.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Sodergren throws a lazy right hand but McTearson sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
McTearson throws a head kick that misses.
Sodergren loads up on a big right hand but McTearson slips the punch.
McTearson showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Sodergren.
McTearson slips a jab from Sodergren.
McTearson lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Sodergren circles away quickly and effectively.
Rufus McTearson seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
The fighters circling - Sodergren throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
McTearson swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
McTearson avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
McTearson connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
McTearson with a nice cross.
Sodergren connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between McTearson's hands.
McTearson is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
McTearson scores with a jab.
McTearson scores with a hook.
McTearson thuds his shin into the meat of Sodergren's side.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Sodergren ducks under a wild hook from McTearson.
McTearson attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sodergren looks to score with a jab to the body but McTearson is just out of range.
McTearson takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Sodergren checks the leg kick nicely there.
Sodergren throws a body shot but no joy.
McTearson 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.
A looping hook to the body misses from McTearson. Sodergren does a little dance to reset his feet.
Sodergren lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Sodergren misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from McTearson.
Sodergren throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
A big right from McTearson misses.
Sodergren jabbing away but nothing is landing.
It appears McTearson was looking to counter with a kick there.
Jab from McTearson.
McTearson throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Sodergren on the side of the head.
Sodergren jabs at McTearson's body.
Sodergren is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
McTearson swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Sodergren throws a hook but McTearson avoids it easily.
McTearson throws a leg kick but Sodergren checks it.
Sodergren avoids the head kick by McTearson.
McTearson is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
Sodergren with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling McTearson to score with a decent uppercut.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
McTearson throws a hook to the side of Sodergren's head but Sodergren sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Sodergren on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
Rufus McTearson is winning the standup battle so far.
McTearson throws a jab when Sodergren was well out of range.
Sodergren throws a looping overhand right but McTearson ducks down to avoid it.
McTearson appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
McTearson throws a series of punches but Sodergren avoids them all with ease.
McTearson takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
McTearson avoids a kick to the body.
McTearson pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Nice defenses there by McTearson.
Donk. Sodergren catches McTearson right on the button with a cross.
McTearson throws a big shot that misses.
Nice body kick from Sodergren.
Sodergren scores with a crisp jab that stopped McTearson in his tracks.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sodergren misses with a low kick as McTearson jumps back.
McTearson throws a nice looking combination but Sodergren bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
McTearson tries a head kick but it misses.
McTearson is looking to land body kicks.
McTearson scores with a leg kick.
Sodergren with a jab.
McTearson takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
McTearson slips a jab from Sodergren.
McTearson tries a head kick but it misses.
Sodergren throws a big shot that misses.
Sodergren avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Sodergren feints a counter leg kick.
Sodergren chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before McTearson can pounce on him.
Sodergren misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Sodergren looks to score with a jab to the body but McTearson is just out of range.
McTearson is looking to counter punch.
McTearson fails to land with a series of punches.
McTearson lands a leg kick that knocks Sodergren off balance momentarily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
McTearson with a jab.
This has been an exciting period of action!
McTearson throws a half hearted mid kick.
Sodergren looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Sodergren tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Sodergren swings for the body but McTearson moves out of range.
Sodergren showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from McTearson.

McTearson instigates a clinch.
Sodergren works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Sodergren scores with a shoulder strike.
McTearson fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Sodergren misses with the head strike.
Sodergren lands a right hand.
A head punch blocked on the inside by McTearson.
Sodergren managing to block the knees to the body from McTearson.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Rufus McTearson will probably get the nod.
That's time! McTearson's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Sodergren keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Sodergren throws a hook but McTearson avoids it easily.
A swing and a miss from Sodergren.
Sodergren scores with a jab to the head.
Sodergren throws a leg kick but McTearson checks it.
McTearson misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Sodergren.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as McTearson checks a leg kick.
McTearson throws out a loose jab but Sodergren uses good head movement to avoid it.
Sodergren takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
McTearson bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Sodergren misses the shot to the body.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A solid leg kick lands there for McTearson.
Sodergren connects with a single shot there.
McTearson bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Sodergren doesn't manage to clinch there - McTearson circles away.
Sodergren tries to move into range but McTearson moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
McTearson misses with a few strikes there.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sodergren looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Sodergren misses the shot to the body.
McTearson throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Sodergren works McTearson's body with a nice hook.
McTearson misses with a series of wild punches.
McTearson connects with a solid leg kick.
Sodergren moves out of range of the strikes.
Sodergren misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Sodergren throws a low kick but it's checked well by McTearson.
A little feinted left hand from McTearson on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
A clash of legs there as McTearson blocks the low kick.
McTearson gets off balance looking for a body kick
and Sodergren makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
McTearson walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
McTearson walks forward, straight into a front kick from Sodergren.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
McTearson closes the distance and lands a one-two.
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!
McTearson lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Sodergren scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Sodergren's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
McTearson slips a straight right by Sodergren.
Sodergren throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Sodergren throws a quick inside leg kick.
Nice defenses there by Sodergren.
McTearson lands a jab to Sodergren's midsection.
Sodergren is looking to slow McTearson down with leg kicks.
McTearson throws out a powerful jab.
Sodergren scores with a nice strike.
Sodergren checks the leg kick.
McTearson slips under a jab from Sodergren.
Sodergren ducks under a wild hook from McTearson.
McTearson takes a shot to the body in his stride.
McTearson lands a nice leg kick that just misses Sodergren's sensitive parts.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sodergren misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
McTearson misses with a low kick as Sodergren jumps back.
Sodergren swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by McTearson.
Sodergren scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
McTearson's Muay Thai looks sharper than normal. He has obviously been working on it in the gym.
McTearson moves in looking to clinch but Sodergren pushes him off.
McTearson slips under a jab.
McTearson scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Sodergren doesn't seem bothered though.
McTearson moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
A nice leg kick lands there from Sodergren.
McTearson throws a right hand that misses
and Sodergren counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Sodergren lands an overhand right.
Sodergren throws a big shot that misses.
It looked like McTearson was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Sodergren.
A telegraphed right hand from Sodergren misses the target.
McTearson misses with a hook.
McTearson walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
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!
McTearson thows a leg kick but Sodergren checks it
and Sodergren counters with a straight right hand.
Sodergren scores with a body shot.
Sodergren staying out of range there.
Nice shot by McTearson.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Sodergren lands where it shouldn't have, right in the... well, you know what he did? He kicked him in the penis. He's injured, injured bad. The referee sends both fighters to their corners and McTearson has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from McTearson and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Sodergren throws a hook to the side of McTearson's head but McTearson sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
McTearson scores with a head kick.
Sodergren lands a right hook to the body.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Sodergren tries to clinch but McTearson is having none of it.
McTearson is looking to clinch but Sodergren is avoiding it.
Sodergren was about to counter that last move with a leg kick but changes his mind.
A jab lands there for McTearson.
Sodergren fakes the leg kick and cracks McTearson in the body.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.

Sodergren has McTearson up against the cage in a clinch.
Sodergren lands an uppercut.

And that's the end of the fight!
Basten Sodergren comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Sodergren has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 Jack Bonds scores the fight 28:30
Judge Timothy Bukovac scores the fight 29:28
Judge Frank Antenori scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by split decision... Rufus McTearson!
After winning the bout, Rufus McTearson thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.