PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Palaktingpuet Payakarakatong (ranked 687 p4p, 44 weight class) and Leonardo Da Silva (ranked 1292 p4p, 87 weight class). Da Silva is bouncing up and down as he enters the arena, backed by Lil Uzi Vert - XO Tour Llif3. Fingers crossed for an exciting fight - I'm sure both fighters are looking for a nice under the table bonus!

Payakarakatong
vs
Da Silva

161 cm
29
136 lbs
19 - 13 - 1

167 cm
30
135 lbs
20 - 8 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Excellent grappler
World class boxer
Granite chin

Ma Balls Is Hot Clothing
UnderGround Clothing Co.

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 19 - 13 - 1, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Palaktingpuet Payakarakatong!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 20 - 8 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Leonardo Da Silva!
The judges for this bout are Sosuke Kotani, Shirou Masuda and Ren Mimura.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Payakarakatong tests Da Silva's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Da Silva lands with a hook. Payakarakatong tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Da Silva misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Da Silva takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Payakarakatong misses with a straight right.
Payakarakatong throws a wild body kick that Da Silva sees coming a mile off.
Payakarakatong pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Da Silva throws out a counter right but Payakarakatong avoids it with no problem.

Da Silva shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in side control! That's better than Da Silva was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
Da Silva working away.

Da Silva is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Payakarakatong is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
Da Silva takes a little break here. Payakarakatong wants to take advantage but he is being controlled well.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Da Silva is looking to take a break and control but Payakarakatong is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Payakarakatong tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Da Silva wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Da Silva tries to move into full mount but can't pass Payakarakatong's legs.
Da Silva tries to advance to mount but Payakarakatong instead regains half guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Da Silva controlling the pace.
Payakarakatong slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Da Silva trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Payakarakatong has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.
Da Silva trying to control but Payakarakatong is working from the bottom.
Da Silva looking to pass the guard.
Payakarakatong seems keen to control Da Silva's posture.
Payakarakatong looking to control.
Da Silva stands and throws Payakarakatong's legs to the side, diving into side control.
Payakarakatong prevents Da Silva from moving into mount.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Da Silva has knee on belly and now moves to full mount! Trouble for Payakarakatong!
Da Silva wants to take his opponent's back but he's not managed it.
Payakarakatong tries to improve his position but instead Da Silva has taken his back!

Payakarakatong preventing the rear naked choke attempt from Da Silva.
Da Silva keeps control of the position easily here as Payakarakatong tries to buck him off.
Payakarakatong trying to control the hands but Da Silva breaks the grip.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Da Silva is working hard for the rear naked choke here.
Da Silva has the hooks in. Payakarakatong is trying to push off one leg but he has to do so cautiously to avoid being submitted.

Da Silva looking to break Payakarakatong's wrist control so he can sink in the choke. Payakarakatong remaining controlled and patient though - he really has to keep calm otherwise Da Silva will wrap this one up with the rear naked choke!
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Payakarakatong showing good submission defense here.

Da Silva working for the choke.
Payakarakatong wants to escape the position.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Da Silva not allowing Payakarakatong to control his hands.
Payakarakatong tries to escape the position - he's now mounted. Is that better or worse? Hard to tell!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Leonardo Da Silva dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Da Silva shoots in and gets a takedown into Payakarakatong's guard.

Payakarakatong is looking for a triangle here but Da Silva uses the submission attempt to pass into side control.

Da Silva working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
Da Silva moves into full mount!
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Payakarakatong is looking to get to half guard.
Da Silva trying to control but Payakarakatong is having none of it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Payakarakatong is controlling an arm, preventing Da Silva from taking his back. Although keeping him in mount is no better to be honest.
Da Silva looking to control but Payakarakatong is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Payakarakatong really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
Da Silva trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Payakarakatong is in all sorts of trouble here.

Da Silva looking for a guillotine from mount but Payakarakatong is having none of it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Da Silva looking to control but Payakarakatong is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Payakarakatong tries to control Da Silva's body but Da Silva pushes him off. Payakarakatong squirms to his side and now Da Silva has his back!
Palaktingpuet Payakarakatong has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Da Silva wants to control but Payakarakatong is keeping busy.
Da Silva is hanging on to Payakarakatong's back as he tries to escape.

Payakarakatong defending nicely against the rear naked choke attempt.
Payakarakatong is defending well here and trying to improve his position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Payakarakatong is having to fend off submission attempts from Da Silva, who is looking to sink in the choke. Da Silva doesn't have the hooks in though and Payakarakatong manages to reverse position! He's now on top, in his opponent's guard.
Da Silva working a defensive guard here.
Da Silva looking to hit a scissor sweep but Payakarakatong is one step ahead there.
Da Silva has been the more effective fighter overall so far.

Payakarakatong is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! Da Silva is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! Da Silva has escaped and now he's on top!

Payakarakatong is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Da Silva is looking to advance position but Payakarakatong has hit a scissor sweep - now he's on top in mount!

Payakarakatong jumps to side control looking for an arm triangle but Da Silva manages to avoid the submission attempt.
Da Silva is trying to get back to half guard.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!

Payakarakatong tries for a kimura but Da Silva is defending well.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Leonardo Da Silva showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

Da Silva scores with a nice strike.
Payakarakatong lands with a thumping leg kick.
Payakarakatong avoids a kick to the body.
Da Silva moves into range and connects with a jab.
Payakarakatong pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Da Silva looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Payakarakatong throws a half hearted mid kick.
A slapping body kick lands there for Payakarakatong.
Da Silva misses with a straight left.
Da Silva moves out of range of the leg kick from Payakarakatong.
Payakarakatong throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Da Silva sees it coming and avoids it easily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Payakarakatong throws a body punch but Da Silva moves out of range.
Palaktingpuet Payakarakatong seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Payakarakatong connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Da Silva momentarily.
Da Silva fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Payakarakatong swings for the body but Da Silva moves out of range.
Payakarakatong tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Da Silva was well out of range. Poor timing from Payakarakatong.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Da Silva comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Payakarakatong walks into a jab.
Da Silva misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Payakarakatong.
Da Silva takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Da Silva tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Payakarakatong paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Da Silva throws a half hearted mid kick.
A solid leg kick lands there for Payakarakatong.
Payakarakatong scoring well with a low kick there.
Payakarakatong with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Payakarakatong misses with a telegraphed body shot
and Da Silva counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Da Silva throws a predictable looking body shot
and Payakarakatong counters with a thumping low kick.
Da Silva slips a straight right by Payakarakatong.
A little jabbing left from Da Silva on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Payakarakatong shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Da Silva counters with a lovely straight right hand!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Da Silva goes for a double leg but Payakarakatong avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Payakarakatong continues to drive forward.
Payakarakatong misses with a low kick as Da Silva jumps back.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Payakarakatong throws a shot from downtown. Da Silva moves away and avoids it.
Da Silva fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Payakarakatong on the side of the head.
Da Silva fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Payakarakatong tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Da Silva is able to avoid easily.
Da Silva moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Payakarakatong tests Da Silva's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Payakarakatong misses with a hook.
Payakarakatong keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Payakarakatong misses with a low kick.
Da Silva feints and then cracks Payakarakatong's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Payakarakatong down.
Payakarakatong misses with a body shot.
Da Silva throws a body punch but Payakarakatong moves out of range.
Payakarakatong fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Da Silva manages to avoid it.
Some bone on bone action there as Da Silva checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Payakarakatong throws a body shot but no joy.
Payakarakatong lands a jab.

It looks like Leonardo Da Silva has been cut.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Payakarakatong looks to throw the jab but Da Silva is out of range.
Payakarakatong takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Payakarakatong's corner calls for a 1-2. Payakarakatong obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Palaktingpuet Payakarakatong is winning the standup battle so far.
Da Silva is looking to clinch.
Da Silva doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Payakarakatong shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Da Silva catches Payakarakatong with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Payakarakatong tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Da Silva avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Leonardo Da Silva is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Da Silva digs a good hook to Payakarakatong's body.
Da Silva moves out of range as Payakarakatong throws a body kick.
Da Silva throws a jab when Payakarakatong was well out of range.
Payakarakatong throws the left hand but Da Silva avoids the punch easily.
Da Silva connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Payakarakatong shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Da Silva as he avoids it easily.
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!

Payakarakatong closes the distance and clinches.
Payakarakatong goes for a body shot but it's blocked.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Payakarakatong lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Da Silva or not.
Da Silva can't find room to land a body shot as Payakarakatong controls the action.
Payakarakatong blocks a body shot from Da Silva.
A nice left hand lands by Payakarakatong.
Payakarakatong throws a punch but it's blocked by Da Silva.
Payakarakatong misses with a punch to the body.
Da Silva tries to throw a body punch but Payakarakatong avoids it by throwing Da Silva back against the cage.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Da Silva.
Da Silva tries to work over Payakarakatong's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Da Silva can't find room to land a body shot as Payakarakatong controls the action.
Payakarakatong struggles to land a body shot inside as Da Silva controls his hands.
Payakarakatong makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Payakarakatong misses with a body punch.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Payakarakatong.
A head punch on the inside from Payakarakatong fails to land.
Payakarakatong has a couple of punches blocked by Da Silva.
Payakarakatong tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.

And that's the end of the fight!
Palaktingpuet Payakarakatong showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Da Silva has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Sosuke Kotani scores the fight 28:29
Judge Shirou Masuda scores the fight 28:29
Judge Ren Mimura scores the fight 28:29

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