PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Cliff Rigano (ranked 2289 p4p, 283 weight class) and Tom McGettigan (ranked 2654 p4p, 319 weight class). Tom McGettigan has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Rigano
vs
McGettigan

188 cm
37
184 lbs
25 - 20 - 1

188 cm
34
175 lbs
16 - 9 - 1

Abu Dhabi Champ
World class boxer
Cardio machine

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent MT
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 25 - 20 - 1, fighting out of Helsinki, Cliff Rigano!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 16 - 9 - 1, fighting out of Sydney, Tom McGettigan!
The judges for this bout are Roosa Järviläinen, Anni Minnemäki and Arvi Lind.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Rigano shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with McGettigan but McGettigan pushes him off and we're back to square one.
McGettigan displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Rigano.
McGettigan tries to close the distance and clinch but Rigano swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Rigano throws a big counter combination but McGettigan scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
Tom McGettigan seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
McGettigan tries to clinch but Rigano is having none of it.
It looked like Rigano was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from McGettigan.
Rigano fails with a takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Cliff Rigano. That's going to take a lot out of him.
McGettigan fails in his attempt to clinch.
McGettigan throws a shot from downtown. Rigano moves away and avoids it.
A slow jab from Rigano misses its intended target.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
McGettigan lands a right hook to the body.
McGettigan tries to clinch but fails miserably
and Rigano connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Rigano.

The fight moves into the clinch position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
McGettigan struggles to land a body shot inside as Rigano controls his hands.
Rigano goes for a takedown attempt but McGettigan pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Rigano goes for a double leg but McGettigan avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the ropes as McGettigan continues to drive forward.
Rigano fails miserably with a takedown attempt.

McGettigan darts in and clinches Rigano up against the ropes.
McGettigan is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Rigano is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but McGettigan is defending well.
Rigano blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
McGettigan swings wildly with an uppercut but Rigano uses good head movement to avoid it.
McGettigan lands with a left to the head.
McGettigan lands a hook to the side of the head.
McGettigan goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Rigano blocking some punches.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
McGettigan gets underhooks to prevent Rigano's takedown attempt.
McGettigan tries to throw a body punch but Rigano avoids it by throwing McGettigan back against the ropes.
McGettigan throws a punch but it's blocked by Rigano.
A right hook to the body lands for McGettigan.
McGettigan stops a takedown attempt from Rigano.
Rigano drops to a knee looking for a takedown but McGettigan gets the underhooks and prevents it.
McGettigan misses with a punch on the inside.
McGettigan lands a hook to the side of the head.
A nice right hand lands inside from McGettigan.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
McGettigan gets underhooks to prevent Rigano's takedown attempt.
McGettigan doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
McGettigan struggles to land a body shot inside as Rigano controls his hands.
McGettigan doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for McGettigan.
McGettigan lands with a left to the head.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Tom McGettigan dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

McGettigan tries to sprawl but Rigano drives through with a takedown into half guard.
McGettigan is controlling Rigano's trapped leg to prevent Rigano from advancing to side control.
McGettigan is pressing down on Rigano's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Rigano trying to control but McGettigan is working from the bottom.
Rigano passes McGettigan's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
McGettigan tries to roll over but Rigano keeps him under control.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rigano wants to control but McGettigan is keeping him busy.

Rigano looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.

That's one minute gone in the round.
McGettigan moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
McGettigan looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
McGettigan utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
McGettigan is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Rigano is pushing down on McGettigan's leg trying to pass to half guard. McGettigan is fighting to maintain full guard but Rigano has managed to sneak the leg through.

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.
McGettigan is staying active underneath Rigano, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
McGettigan is trying to control but can't.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
Rigano trying to mount his opponent but McGettigan defends it.
McGettigan is trying to get back to full guard.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
McGettigan moves in looking to clinch but Rigano pushes him off.
McGettigan stuns Rigano with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Rigano.
McGettigan is trying to avoid his opponent's strikes and get into the clinch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Cliff Rigano dominated that second round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

McGettigan is looking to clinch.
Rigano was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.

McGettigan moves into range and clinches up with Rigano.
Rigano is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but McGettigan is defending well.
Rigano goes for a takedown in the clinch but McGettigan prevents it.
McGettigan lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
McGettigan swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Rigano is looking to take this one to the mat.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Cliff Rigano. That's going to take a lot out of him.
McGettigan lands a body shot.
Rigano blocks an uppercut.
Tom McGettigan seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
A right hand to the body from McGettigan.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
McGettigan misses with a hook from the clinch.
A short body shot lands from McGettigan as the two fighters clinch.
McGettigan misses with the head strike.
McGettigan lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Rigano backwards.
Rigano takes a shot to the head.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for McGettigan.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rigano tries to score a body lock takedown but McGettigan shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Rigano blocking some punches.
McGettigan tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Rigano's elbow.
Rigano blocks a punch to the side of the head.
McGettigan tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
McGettigan fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Rigano is working for a takedown up against the ropes. He can't get it on this occasion though.
A nice left hand lands by McGettigan.
McGettigan lands with a short punch from the clinch.
McGettigan tries to work over Rigano's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
McGettigan lands a shoulder strike.
McGettigan digs a right hand underneath Rigano's ribcage. Rigano let out a lung full of air as it connected.
McGettigan is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Rigano blocks a body shot from McGettigan.
McGettigan misses with a punch on the inside.
McGettigan misses with a shot to the kidneys.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rigano goes for a takedown attempt but McGettigan pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.

McGettigan takes the fight into the clinch.
Rigano lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of McGettigan backwards.
McGettigan softening up his opponent with strikes, against the ropes.
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 short right hand to the side of the head by McGettigan.
A right hand to the body from McGettigan.
Rigano changes levels and goes for a takedown here. McGettigan fights it off and pushes away nicely.
McGettigan moves in looking to clinch but Rigano pushes him off.
McGettigan is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
McGettigan ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Rigano moves away.
McGettigan tries to close the distance and clinch but Rigano swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Rigano takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Tom McGettigan really dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Rigano slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
McGettigan throws a series of strikes that have Rigano backpedaling.
Rigano has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from McGettigan finds it's way round the side to connect with Rigano's head.
No luck for Rigano with that takedown attempt.
McGettigan bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Rigano's head.

McGettigan has managed to clinch.

Rigano gets the body lock takedown. After a quick scramble, McGettigan regains guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Rigano trying to control but McGettigan is working from the bottom.
Rigano throwing strikes from guard but McGettigan blocks nicely.
McGettigan controls Rigano momentarily but Rigano frees himself.

That's one minute gone in the round.
McGettigan is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
McGettigan is still trying to improve position.
Rigano trying to control but McGettigan is working from the bottom.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if McGettigan can do anything to dispel that myth.
McGettigan looking for a sweep. Not yet McGettigan, not yet.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
McGettigan fails with an attempt to clinch.
Rigano takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Tom McGettigan is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Rigano slips under a jab.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
McGettigan tries to clinch there but Rigano circles away.
McGettigan tries to clinch up but Rigano circles away and keeps his distance.

McGettigan pushes Rigano up against the ropes in a clinch.
McGettigan swings away with an uppercut that misses.
McGettigan prevents the takedown attempt.
Rigano blocking some punches.
McGettigan misses with a hook to the ribs.
McGettigan misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Rigano is trying to work for a single leg takedown but McGettigan pulls him back up using the underhooks.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Cliff Rigano. That's going to take a lot out of him.
McGettigan goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Rigano blocks a body shot from McGettigan.
Rigano is trying to drag McGettigan to the mat but McGettigan just about manages to keep his footing. He used the ropes to his advantage there.
McGettigan lands a left hand.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Tom McGettigan dominated that fourth round.
That's time! Back to the action! Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

McGettigan fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Rigano looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.

McGettigan gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
McGettigan misses with a hook to the ribs.
McGettigan is pressed up against the ropes. Rigano has hold of a leg and is looking to drag McGettigan down to the mat. McGettigan avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Rigano avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
McGettigan tries to clinch there but Rigano circles away.
Tom McGettigan seems to be getting the better of the standup.
A punch combination from McGettigan misses.
McGettigan scores with a jab to the body.
Rigano takes one on the chin but seems OK.
McGettigan tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Rigano was well out of range. Poor timing from McGettigan.
McGettigan connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Rigano gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows McGettigan to score an easy takedown into full guard.
McGettigan has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Rigano keeping moving, preventing McGettigan from controlling successfully.

Rigano escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. McGettigan gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Cliff Rigano has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Rigano has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but McGettigan can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.

Rigano is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Tom McGettigan is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

Rigano looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Rigano throws a couple of shots from the bottom but they don't land.
McGettigan's corner is telling him to maintain position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
McGettigan trying to control the position from guard on top but Rigano is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
McGettigan looking to pass the guard.
Rigano lands a couple of decent looking body shots there.

Rigano looking for a guillotine here but McGettigan defends easily.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Rigano has thrown up a leg looking for a triangle. McGettigan doesn't defend quickly enough and Rigano has managed to lock this one up! Can McGettigan escape?! NO! He's tapping out! Damn, that was a quick submission - congrats to Rigano on a fantastic submission victory.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:55 of round 5, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle). Cliff Rigano!
During a confident post fight interview, Cliff Rigano thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.