PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Pavel Rosicky (ranked 2881 p4p, 260 weight class) and Francesco Skrarez (ranked 4177 p4p, 336 weight class). Francesco Skrarez is the more experienced fighter, so let's see if that makes a difference tonight.

Rosicky
vs
Skrarez

168 cm
22
154 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

165 cm
29
158 lbs
6 - 10 - 0

Good wrestling
Basic striking
Granite chin

Good wrestler
Decent boxing
Granite chin

Arcticus University: London

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Pavel Rosicky!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 10 - 0, fighting out of London, Francesco Skrarez!
The judges for this bout are Marco Blurström, Johanna Lukiainen and Ben Zyskovitsi.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Skrarez shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Rosicky sprawls well. Rosicky wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Skrarez gets slowly back to his feet.
Skrarez throws a looping overhand right but Rosicky ducks down to avoid it.
Skrarez shoots for a double leg takedown but Rosicky sprawls well. He's pushed Skrarez's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Rosicky looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Rosicky tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Skrarez defends well and Rosicky ends up having to push Skrarez into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.

Rosicky shoots in and bounces Skrarez off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.

Skrarez has managed to wall walk up one of the corner posts to get back to his feet. Rosicky is pushing him up against the cage, looking to control the position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rosicky blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Skrarez struggles to land a body shot inside as Rosicky controls his hands.
Skrarez tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Rosicky avoids it.
Rosicky is working for takedown but Skrarez is calmly controlling the position for now.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Pavel Rosicky. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Rosicky has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Skrarez is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Rosicky ties up his opponent against the cage and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. Rosicky no doubt will be looking to work submissions from his guard.
Skrarez looking to sit in guard and control but Rosicky gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Skrarez looking for a sweep. Not yet Skrarez, not yet.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Skrarez wants to stand up but Rosicky is controlling him.
Skrarez keeping moving, preventing Rosicky from controlling successfully.

Rosicky drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and Skrarez dives on top into guard.

My spies in London MMA Club inform me that Skrarez has been getting involved in the gym's BJJ sparring sessions. Let's see whether that pays dividends!

Rosicky uses the cage to get back to his feet.
Skrarez fails to land the takedown.
Rosicky drops down looking for a counter takedown but Skrarez sprawls and moves away.

Skrarez fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Rosicky, pushing him back against the cage.
Skrarez is pressed up against the cage. Rosicky has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Skrarez down to the mat. Skrarez avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.

Skrarez moves into the clinch.
Skrarez tries to work over Rosicky's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Skrarez looking to throw knees to the head but Rosicky is blocking nicely.
Skrarez gets underhooks to prevent Rosicky's takedown attempt.
Skrarez tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Rosicky's elbow.
Rosicky has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Skrarez avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Rosicky is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Skrarez is defending well.
Rosicky is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Skrarez gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
A short uppercut from Skrarez.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Rosicky has moved round to his opponent's back and is looking for a suplex! Oh snap! He's tossed Skrarez clear over his head and slammed him to the mat!

Skrarez manages to escape to his feet.

Skrarez has Rosicky up against the cage in a clinch.
Rosicky wants a takedown but no success here.
Skrarez struggles to land a body shot inside as Rosicky controls his hands.
Rosicky blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Skrarez struggles to land a body shot inside as Rosicky controls his hands.

Rosicky gets control of Skrarez's arms and successfully pulls guard. Rosicky will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Skrarez won't allow Rosicky to get back to his feet.
Skrarez passes Rosicky's right leg, so he's now in half guard.

Rosicky kicks Skrarez off and gets back to his feet.

Skrarez clinches up with Rosicky and pushes him back against the cage.

Rosicky pulls guard successfully.
Skrarez content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Skrarez lands a couple of digs.
Skrarez throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Skrarez trying to control the position from guard on top but Rosicky is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Skrarez throws a big elbow that misses.
Rosicky wants to stand but Skrarez is controlling the position.
Skrarez throwing strikes but missing.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Skrarez trying to control but Rosicky is working from the bottom.
Both fighters have adopted an aggressive gameplan on the ground!
Skrarez landing with the ground and pound.
Skrarez prevents Rosicky from getting back to his feet.

Rosicky is edging up against the cage. He's using the cage to get back to his feet. Nice work there - the fighters are clinched.
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!
Skrarez digs a right hand into Rosicky's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Rosicky's gas tank.
Skrarez tries to work over Rosicky's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Rosicky wants a takedown but no success here.
Rosicky wants a takedown but no success here.
Skrarez misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Rosicky.
A right handed body shot lands from Skrarez.
Rosicky is breathing heavily.
Skrarez lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Good body shot from Skrarez.
Skrarez struggles to land a body shot inside as Rosicky controls his hands.
Skrarez gets underhooks to prevent Rosicky's takedown attempt.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Francesco Skrarez dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Skrarez instigates a clinch.
A short body shot lands from Skrarez as the two fighters clinch.
Skrarez creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
Rosicky is looking for a takedown.
Skrarez lands a right hand that snaps the head of Rosicky backwards.
Skrarez has a couple of punches blocked by Rosicky.
Rosicky's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Rosicky blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Rosicky is working for takedown but Skrarez is calmly controlling the position for now.
Skrarez using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Skrarez tries to work over Rosicky's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Skrarez has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Skrarez lands a body punch.
Skrarez scores with a hook to the body.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rosicky managing to block the knees to the body from Skrarez.
Skrarez misses with a punch to the body.
Skrarez doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Skrarez tries to throw a body punch but Rosicky avoids it by throwing Skrarez back against the cage.
Skrarez can't find room to land a body shot as Rosicky controls the action.
Skrarez using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Rosicky avoiding damage as Skrarez throws knees to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rosicky has Skrarez pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Skrarez manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Pavel Rosicky. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Skrarez misses with a punch on the inside.
Rosicky goes for a takedown in the clinch but Skrarez prevents it.
A body shot lands from Skrarez.
Skrarez misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Skrarez lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Skrarez misses with a punch on the inside.
Rosicky drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Skrarez gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Rosicky tries for a takedown but Skrarez manages to get underhooks.
Skrarez tries to work over Rosicky's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Rosicky is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Skrarez pulls him back up using the underhooks.
A left hand lands to the body for Skrarez.
A short left from Skrarez.
Rosicky blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Rosicky blocks a body shot from Skrarez.
Skrarez struggles to land a body shot inside as Rosicky controls his hands.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Skrarez swings wildly with an uppercut but Rosicky uses good head movement to avoid it.
Skrarez using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Rosicky has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
A nice left hand lands by Skrarez.
Skrarez tries to work over Rosicky's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Francesco Skrarez seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Skrarez misses with a punch on the inside.
Skrarez misses with a hook to the ribs.
Rosicky goes for a takedown in the clinch but Skrarez prevents it.
A short left from Skrarez.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Skrarez lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Rosicky avoiding damage as Skrarez throws knees to the body.
Skrarez is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Rosicky is defending well for now.
Rosicky blocks a couple of punches on the inside.

Rosicky gets the body lock takedown. After a quick scramble, Skrarez regains guard.
Skrarez seems keen to control Rosicky's posture.
Skrarez is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rosicky trying to control but Skrarez is working from the bottom.
Rosicky won't allow Skrarez to get back to his feet.
Skrarez wants to sweep here but Rosicky controlling him for the moment.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.
Skrarez is looking to stand back up... there's a bit of a scramble and Rosicky dives into side control.
Skrarez throws a couple of punches but he's in a bad position and they don't land.
Skrarez is looking to regain half guard here but Rosicky keeps moving and retains side control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.

Rosicky tries for a kimura but Skrarez is defending well.
Skrarez is looking for a sweep.
Skrarez manages to get back to half guard.
Skrarez is trying to stand back up but Rosicky is controlling him
Skrarez wants to control but Rosicky is keeping busy.
Rosicky has freed up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Skrarez tries to hold on but Rosicky postures up.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Francesco Skrarez 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 get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Skrarez wants to clinch up but Rosicky keeps it at a distance.
Rosicky changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Skrarez tries to avoid it but Rosicky manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Skrarez to the ground. Skrarez escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.

Skrarez clinches up with Rosicky and pushes him back against the cage.
Rosicky avoids a wild elbow strike from Skrarez.
Rosicky has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Skrarez after a bit of a struggle.
Rosicky changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Skrarez fights it off and pushes away nicely.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Pavel Rosicky. That's going to take a lot out of him.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Rosicky goes for a takedown attempt but Skrarez pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Skrarez tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Rosicky swivels and escapes.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Skrarez instigates a clinch.
Rosicky blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Rosicky blocks a body shot from Skrarez.
Skrarez lands a nice shot to the body.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Skrarez.
Skrarez misses with a punch on the inside.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Skrarez misses with a punch on the inside.
Skrarez lands an uppercut.
Skrarez cracks Rosicky with a nice body shot.
Skrarez tries to work over Rosicky's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Skrarez tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Rosicky's elbow.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Skrarez.
Skrarez scores with a shot to the side of Rosicky's head.
Skrarez is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
A short right from Skrarez.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Skrarez.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Skrarez.
Skrarez is working Rosicky over against the cage.
Skrarez works on Rosicky's body with a couple of short punches.
Skrarez unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Skrarez lands a left hand that snaps the head of Rosicky backwards.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Rosicky drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Skrarez gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Skrarez tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Rosicky's elbow.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Skrarez doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Skrarez is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Skrarez lands with a short shot to the head.
Skrarez scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Skrarez tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Rosicky blocking some punches.
A short uppercut from Skrarez.
Skrarez lands a left hand.
Rosicky prevents a body shot from Skrarez.
Skrarez is pressed up against the cage. Rosicky has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Skrarez down to the mat. Skrarez avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.

Skrarez closes the distance and pushes Rosicky back into the cage.
Skrarez goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Skrarez cracks Rosicky with a nice body shot.
Rosicky blocks a body shot from Skrarez.
Skrarez lands with a left to the head.
Skrarez misses with a punch to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Skrarez creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Skrarez lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Skrarez tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Skrarez tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Rosicky avoids it.
Nice elbow from Skrarez.

It looks like Pavel Rosicky has been cut.
A short right from Skrarez.
Rosicky blocking some punches.
Rosicky is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Rosicky tries for a takedown. No joy.
Skrarez lands a right hand.
Skrarez misses with a hook to the ribs.
Rosicky is looking to take this one to the mat.
Skrarez working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Skrarez scores a nice knee to the body.
Skrarez misses with a hook to the ribs.
Skrarez lands a body punch in the clinch.
Skrarez tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Rosicky's elbow.
Rosicky managing to block the knees to the body from Skrarez.

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!
A shot in the inside from Skrarez.
Skrarez misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Rosicky.
Skrarez lands a nice uppercut.
Skrarez lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Rosicky backwards.
Skrarez lands a left hand.
Nice elbow from Skrarez.
Rosicky changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Skrarez fights it off and pushes away nicely.

Skrarez drives through and clinches with Rosicky against the cage.
Good body shot from Skrarez.
Rosicky blocks an elbow strike from Skrarez.
Rosicky blocks an uppercut.
Skrarez trying to land knees to the body.
A short right from Skrarez on the inside.
Pavel Rosicky has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Francesco Skrarez is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Skrarez is defending well against a takedown attempt.
A nice left hand lands by Skrarez.

And that's the end of the fight!
Francesco Skrarez comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Skrarez 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 Marco Blurström scores the fight 26:30
Judge Johanna Lukiainen scores the fight 26:30
Judge Ben Zyskovitsi scores the fight 26:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Francesco Skrarez!
Our winner, Francesco Skrarez, made sure he spent some time buttering up the crowd during his post fight interview, which will no doubt bring him a few more fans.