PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Yodkunpon Sitsongpeenong (ranked 7513 p4p, 0 weight class) and Maykol Yurk (ranked 3309 p4p, 0 weight class). The atmosphere really building for this one as we go over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Sitsongpeenong
vs
Yurk

173 cm
25
156 lbs
1 - 3 - 0

177 cm
25
156 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent MT
Very strong

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent MT
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 3 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Yodkunpon Sitsongpeenong!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Maykol Yurk!
The judges for this bout are Peter Branson, Santiago Holmes and Michael Johnstone.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Sitsongpeenong tries to score a power double leg takedown but Yurk sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Sitsongpeenong somewhat.
Yurk throws a counter combo.
Yurk tries for a takedown but Sitsongpeenong sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Sitsongpeenong lands a nice looking body kick.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Yurk crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Sitsongpeenong - the referee stops the clock and Yurk gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Sitsongpeenong. Yurk manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.
Sitsongpeenong has a takedown stuffed.
Yurk thows a body kick. Sitsongpeenong tries to catch it but that hurt him.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sitsongpeenong moves in looking to clinch but Yurk pushes him off.
Sitsongpeenong lets loose with a powerful body kick. Yurk will feel that in the morning.
Sitsongpeenong closes the distance and clinches up with Yurk, looking for a takedown. Sitsongpeenong pushes Yurk against the cage but Yurk circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Yodkunpon Sitsongpeenong. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Yurk fails with the takedown.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sitsongpeenong shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Yurk defends it nicely.
Yurk changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Sitsongpeenong lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Yurk circles away quickly and effectively.
Sitsongpeenong fails with the takedown
and Yurk counters with a stiff right hand.

Yurk gets tackled into the cage by Sitsongpeenong. Sitsongpeenong maintains the clinch.
Sitsongpeenong pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the cage.

Sitsongpeenong manages to break the clinch.
Yurk shoots in looking for a takedown but Sitsongpeenong manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Yurk's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Yurk uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Sitsongpeenong.
Sitsongpeenong circles away from the clinch attempt.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Yurk moves into the clinch.
Yurk is trying to break free.
Yurk tries to circle away but Sitsongpeenong has him pinned against the cage.
Yurk is working for takedown but Sitsongpeenong is calmly controlling the position for now.
Yurk misses with a punch to the body.
Sitsongpeenong with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Yurk tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Sitsongpeenong gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Yurk.
Yurk jumps guard but Sitsongpeenong stands there with Yurk around his waist. Yurk gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Yurk looks winded!

Sitsongpeenong breaks the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sitsongpeenong leaves Yurk with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Yurk.
Yurk fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Sitsongpeenong was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Yurk moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.

Sitsongpeenong closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Yurk quickly recovers to half guard.
Sitsongpeenong controlling the action here.
Yurk keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Sitsongpeenong is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Yurk defends it well.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Sitsongpeenong is looking to take a break and control but Yurk is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Sitsongpeenong missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Yurk blocking the ground and pound attempt from Sitsongpeenong.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Yurk gets back to full guard.
Sitsongpeenong stopping the sweep attempt from Yurk.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Yodkunpon Sitsongpeenong dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Yurk defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Sitsongpeenong.

Sitsongpeenong throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Yurk was covering up waiting for the punch and Sitsongpeenong finishes the takedown easily into guard.
Sitsongpeenong is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Yurk can do to turn this around?
Yurk is trying to keep Sitsongpeenong in close.
Sitsongpeenong wants to control from the top but Yurk keeps moving.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Yurk is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sitsongpeenong controlling from the top position.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Sitsongpeenong avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Yurk wants to sweep but no luck.
Yurk can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Sitsongpeenong controls the pace.
Sitsongpeenong trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.

Yurk forces Sitsongpeenong back against the cage and clinches.
Sitsongpeenong tries to break the clinch but Yurk is controlling the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.

Sitsongpeenong manages to break the clinch.
Sitsongpeenong lands a head kick!
Sitsongpeenong with a lazy takedown attempt

and Yurk moves into the clinch.
Sitsongpeenong looking for a takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Yodkunpon Sitsongpeenong. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Yurk is trying to pull guard but Sitsongpeenong turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Yurk with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Yurk is pushing Sitsongpeenong up against the cage, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.
Yurk prevents the takedown attempt.
Yurk fails to pull guard.
Sitsongpeenong jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Yurk walks away with a smile on his face. Sitsongpeenong gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Yurk keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
As Sitsongpeenong backs off Yurk throws a huge counter combo but Sitsongpeenong manages to avoid it all.
Yurk shoots for a double leg takedown but Sitsongpeenong sprawls well. He's pushed Yurk's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Sitsongpeenong lifts his leg as if looking to counter with a high kick.
Yurk shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Sitsongpeenong counters with a kick to the head that grazes his opponent. Yurk is lucky that one didn't land flush.
Yurk is breathing heavily.
Sitsongpeenong tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Yurk swivels and escapes.
Yurk throws a quick inside leg kick.
Yodkunpon Sitsongpeenong is winning the standup battle so far.
Yurk throws a head kick but Sitsongpeenong moves out of range.
Sitsongpeenong rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Yurk moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Yurk throws out a counter right but Sitsongpeenong avoids it with no problem.
A good leg kick by Sitsongpeenong.
Sitsongpeenong tries to close the distance and clinch up but Yurk swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Sitsongpeenong tries a head kick but it misses.
Yurk throws a right and a left that Sitsongpeenong avoids nicely.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Sitsongpeenong closes the distance and pushes Yurk back into the cage.
Yurk is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Yurk is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Sitsongpeenong gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.

Sitsongpeenong jumps guard and drags Yurk to the mat. He's obviously going to be looking for submissions off his back.
Yurk trying to control the position from guard on top but Sitsongpeenong is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Sitsongpeenong has control of Yurk's left arm, preventing Yurk from doing any damage.
Yurk is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Yurk stopping the sweep attempt from Sitsongpeenong.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Yodkunpon Sitsongpeenong dominated that second round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Nice sprawl there from Yurk as Sitsongpeenong shoots in.
Yurk swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Yurk looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Sitsongpeenong is fending him off so far but Yurk persists. Nope, Sitsongpeenong circles away and we're back to standing.
Yurk shoots for a takedown but Sitsongpeenong saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.

Yurk gets a double leg takedown into Sitsongpeenong's guard.
Sitsongpeenong trying to control the position.
Yurk won't allow Sitsongpeenong to sweep him here.
Yurk trying to stand up but can't free himself from Sitsongpeenong's guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Yurk wants to stand and escape but instead Sitsongpeenong has hit a sweep and he's now on top in guard.

Sitsongpeenong is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sitsongpeenong wants to pass the guard but Yurk is keeping the position.
Yodkunpon Sitsongpeenong overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Sitsongpeenong sitting in guard here, content to control.
Sitsongpeenong has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Yurk is trying to keep Sitsongpeenong in close.
Sitsongpeenong trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

That's two 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.
Yurk working a defensive guard here.
Yurk pulls Sitsongpeenong in close to prevent any damage.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.

Sitsongpeenong has Yurk up against the cage in a clinch.
Yurk trying to control the position but instead, Sitsongpeenong has worked for underhooks and has pushed Yurk into the cage.
Yurk is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Sitsongpeenong pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Yodkunpon Sitsongpeenong has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Maykol Yurk.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sitsongpeenong has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Yurk after a bit of a struggle.
Yurk tries to break free but Sitsongpeenong pushes him back against the cage.

Yurk pulls guard.
Sitsongpeenong is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
Yurk has a closed guard, preventing Sitsongpeenong from standing up.
Sitsongpeenong trying to control but Yurk is working from the bottom.
Yurk seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Sitsongpeenong is looking to stand up but Yurk won't let him.
Yurk preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.
Sitsongpeenong throwing strikes from guard but Yurk blocks nicely.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Yurk stuffs the takedown attempt from Sitsongpeenong. Sitsongpeenong gets slowly back to his feet.
Yurk tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Sitsongpeenong tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Yurk swivels and escapes.
Sitsongpeenong shoots in looking for a takedown. Yurk tries to sprawl out of it but Sitsongpeenong keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Yurk manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Maykol Yurk has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Yodkunpon Sitsongpeenong is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!

Sitsongpeenong shoots in for a takedown and gets it.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Yodkunpon Sitsongpeenong.
Well Sitsongpeenong has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... 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 Peter Branson scores the fight 30:27
Judge Santiago Holmes scores the fight 30:27
Judge Michael Johnstone scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Yodkunpon Sitsongpeenong!