PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Maciej Gorski (ranked 8096 p4p, 0 weight class) and Jack Zabijaka (ranked 21579 p4p, 0 weight class). Gorski comes to the cage accompanied by Harnaś. Both these guys have really solid chins. Will we see a standup war or will they both decide that a knockout is unlikely and try to win the fight elsewhere?

Gorski
vs
Zabijaka

173 cm
30
156 lbs
6 - 17 - 1

185 cm
24
152 lbs
11 - 9 - 1

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid boxing
Granite chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Good kicks
Solid chin

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 6 - 17 - 1, fighting out of London, Maciej Gorski!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 11 - 9 - 1, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Jack Zabijaka!
The judges for this bout are Chris Edwards, Richard Clark and Phil Schofield.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Gorski tries to keep at a distance but Zabijaka has taken the fight into the clinch.

Zabijaka breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Nice sprawl there from Zabijaka as Gorski shoots in.

Zabijaka has Gorski up against the cage in a clinch.

Zabijaka breaks the clinch.
Gorski shoots and misses
and Zabijaka connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.

Zabijaka fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Gorski, pushing him back against the cage.
Gorski wants a takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Maciej Gorski. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Zabijaka breaks from the clinch.

Zabijaka takes the fight into the clinch.
Zabijaka pushes Gorski back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Zabijaka obliges.
Zabijaka misses with a knee strike.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Zabijaka lands a right hand.

Zabijaka pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Gorski is trying hard to land a takedown here. Zabijaka sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.

Gorski gets a takedown into half guard.

Zabijaka has managed to escape just enough to sneak back to his feet but Gorski is on him like a limpet, forcing Zabijaka back against the cage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zabijaka lands an uppercut.
Zabijaka is struggling to control the position.
Zabijaka lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Gorski drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Gorski takes a shot to the head.
Zabijaka has Gorski pressed against the cage.
Gorski tries to circle away but Zabijaka has him pinned against the cage.
Gorski is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Zabijaka gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Zabijaka creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Zabijaka.
Gorski drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Gorski is trying to drag Zabijaka to the mat but Zabijaka just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Zabijaka throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Gorski blocks it with crossed arms.
A short uppercut from Zabijaka.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Zabijaka breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Gorski throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Zabijaka's waist but Zabijaka gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Gorski off to one side.

Zabijaka gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Gorski tries to score a body lock takedown but Zabijaka shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Zabijaka is pressed up against the cage. Gorski has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Zabijaka down to the mat. Zabijaka avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.

Zabijaka gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Zabijaka scores with a shoulder strike.
Zabijaka tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Gorski has Zabijaka pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Zabijaka manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Zabijaka creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.

Zabijaka manages to break the clinch.
Zabijaka slips a jab and a cross from Gorski.
Gorski with a lazy takedown attempt
and Zabijaka counters with a three punch combo that has Gorski backing up. Gorski nods at Zabijaka to acknowledge the strikes.
Zabijaka digs a good hook to Gorski's body.
Gorski tries to clinch up.
Maciej Gorski seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Zabijaka throws a nice outside leg kick.

Zabijaka instigates a clinch.
Zabijaka lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Gorski has had enough of the clinch but Zabijaka keeps him there for the moment.
Zabijaka manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.
Zabijaka tries a knee to the head but Gorski blocks it.
Zabijaka gets underhooks to prevent Gorski's takedown attempt.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Gorski is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Zabijaka gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Gorski is working for takedown but Zabijaka is calmly controlling the position for now.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
Gorski has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Zabijaka is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Gorski has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Zabijaka after a bit of a struggle.
Gorski wants a takedown but no success here.
Gorski is breathing heavily.
Zabijaka lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Gorski backwards.

Zabijaka breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Zabijaka is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Gorski.
Gorski shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Zabijaka but Zabijaka pushes him off and we're back to square one.

Zabijaka has closed the distance and engaged Gorski in a clinch.
Zabijaka is pushing Gorski up against the cage, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.
Gorski tries to score a body lock takedown but Zabijaka shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jack Zabijaka dominated that round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Zabijaka gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Gorski takes a shot to the head.
The fighters are starting to get sweaty, which will make takedowns a bit more tricky.
Gorski takes a shot to the head.
Zabijaka displaying some good clinch control by pressing Gorski up against the cage.
Gorski drops down looking for an ankle pick but Zabijaka pulls his leg out and moves away.

Zabijaka clinches up with Gorski and pushes him back against the cage.
Zabijaka scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Still in the clinch, Zabijaka scores with a nice short uppercut.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Zabijaka working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Zabijaka has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Gorski has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Zabijaka after a bit of a struggle.
Gorski has Zabijaka pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Zabijaka manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Maciej Gorski. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Zabijaka taking a breather.
Zabijaka lands an elbow just above Gorski 's eye.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gorski wants a takedown.

Zabijaka breaks the clinch.

Zabijaka has managed to clinch.
A knee to the head by Zabijaka.

Zabijaka pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Gorski shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Zabijaka moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Gorski throws a chopping leg kick but Zabijaka manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Gorski misses with a takedown attempt - Zabijaka sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

Gorski tries to keep at a distance but Zabijaka has taken the fight into the clinch.

Zabijaka manages to break the clinch.

Zabijaka fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Gorski, pushing him back against the cage.

Zabijaka breaks the clinch.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Zabijaka displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Gorski.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nice sprawl there from Zabijaka as Gorski shoots in.
Zabijaka throws a right and a left that Gorski avoids nicely.

Gorski gets tackled into the cage by Zabijaka. Zabijaka maintains the clinch.
Zabijaka gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Gorski.
Gorski looking for a takedown.
Gorski is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Zabijaka gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Gorski wants a takedown.
Zabijaka throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.

Zabijaka manages to break the clinch.

Zabijaka moves into range and clinches up with Gorski.
Zabijaka controlling the action here for a moment.
Zabijaka lands a hook to the side of the head.
A shot in the inside from Zabijaka.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zabijaka will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Gorski up against the cage.
Zabijaka stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.
Zabijaka lands a right hand.
Zabijaka softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Zabijaka is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Gorski is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Zabijaka gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.

Zabijaka breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.

Zabijaka closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Zabijaka makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Zabijaka tries to land a knee to the head but Gorski blocks with his arms.
Gorski can't get the takedown.
Zabijaka is pressed up against the cage. Gorski has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Zabijaka down to the mat. Zabijaka avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Gorski motions for Zabijaka to come forward. Gorski throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gorski fails with a takedown attempt from distance.

Zabijaka instigates a clinch.
Zabijaka throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Gorskis head.
Zabijaka pressing his opponent against the cage.
Gorski is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
A short left from Zabijaka.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Zabijaka.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
A short right from Zabijaka on the inside.
Zabijaka stalling in the clinch.

Zabijaka escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Zabijaka closes the distance and lands a one-two.
Zabijaka stuffs the takedown attempt from Gorski. Gorski gets slowly back to his feet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jack Zabijaka showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.

Gorski gets tackled into the cage by Zabijaka. Zabijaka maintains the clinch.
Zabijaka makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Gorski is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Zabijaka lands with a right to the head.
Zabijaka tries a knee to the head but Gorski blocks it.
Zabijaka lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Zabijaka stalls.

Zabijaka breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.

Zabijaka has taken the fight to the clinch.
Zabijaka has Gorski pushed against the cage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Zabijaka with an attempt at a knee that misses.
A nice right hand lands inside from Zabijaka.
Gorski goes for a takedown in the clinch but Zabijaka prevents it.
Gorski wants a takedown but no success here.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Maciej Gorski. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Zabijaka breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Jack Zabijaka is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

Zabijaka closes the distance and clinches.
Zabijaka displaying some good clinch control by pressing Gorski up against the cage.
Zabijaka is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
Zabijaka continues to stall. The referee tells him to work or he's going to break them up.
Gorski looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Gorski has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Zabijaka avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
A short right from Zabijaka on the inside.
Zabijaka throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Gorski blocks it with crossed arms.
Gorski changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Zabijaka fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

Zabijaka clinches.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gorski is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Zabijaka pulls him back up using the underhooks.
A short left from Zabijaka.
Zabijaka lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Come on Zabijaka - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.

Zabijaka breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Gorski shoots in for a takedown but Zabijaka shows good takedown defense.
Zabijaka throws a nice outside leg kick.

Zabijaka moves into the clinch.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Zabijaka prevents a takedown attempt there.
A short uppercut from Zabijaka.
A knee to the head by Zabijaka.
Gorski is looking to take this one to the mat.
Gorski drops down looking for an ankle pick but Zabijaka pulls his leg out and moves away.

Gorski gets the takedown into side control.

Zabijaka sneaks out the side door and pushes Gorski away - he's back to his feet. The crowd show their appreciation for the escape.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zabijaka lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
Jack Zabijaka is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

Zabijaka rushes Gorski and presses him up against the cage.

Zabijaka pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Gorski darts in looking for a takedown but Zabijaka gets double underhooks and turns Gorski into the cage.

Zabijaka instigates a clinch.
Zabijaka has Gorski pressed against the cage.
Zabijaka lands with a right to the head.
Zabijaka stalling in the clinch.

Zabijaka breaks from the clinch.
Gorski shoots for a double leg takedown but Zabijaka sprawls well. He's pushed Gorski's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Despite the aggression on Zabijaka's face he doesn't fully commit to the counter.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Gorski shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Zabijaka as he jumps to the side.

Zabijaka rushes Gorski and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A knee to the head by Zabijaka.

Zabijaka escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Gorski dives in and grabs Zabijaka's left leg, looking for a takedown. Zabijaka pushes down on Gorski's head and hops out.

Zabijaka forces Gorski back against the cage and clinches.

Zabijaka breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Zabijaka punishes Gorski's body with a nice straight punch.

Zabijaka fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Gorski, pushing him back against the cage.
Jack Zabijaka is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Gorski is looking to take this one to the mat.
Gorski is trying to drag Zabijaka to the mat but Zabijaka just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Zabijaka lands with a short punch from the clinch.

And that's the end of the fight!
Jack Zabijaka comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Zabijaka 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 Chris Edwards scores the fight 24:30
Judge Richard Clark scores the fight 24:30
Judge Phil Schofield scores the fight 24:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jack Zabijaka!
A relieved looking Jack Zabijaka thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.