PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Emilio Rojas (ranked 1014 p4p, 119 weight class) and Xavier Merlin (ranked 2439 p4p, 264 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Rojas
vs
Merlin

175 cm
35
168 lbs
18 - 15 - 0

170 cm
28
162 lbs
16 - 19 - 0

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Excellent grappler
Excellent MT
Good gas tank

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 18 - 15 - 0, fighting out of New York, Emilio Rojas!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 16 - 19 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Xavier Merlin!
The judges for this bout are Alan Glass, Wesley Smith and Stewart Dunkirk.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Rojas bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Merlin's head backwards.

Merlin darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
Rojas pushes Merlin off looking to stand but Merlin dives back in and keeps control.
Merlin thows a huge punch but Rojas dodges it nicely.
Merlin is trying to control the action in half guard but Rojas is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Rojas pushes Merlin off but Merlin dives into side control.
Merlin controlling from side mount.
Rojas is trying to get back to his feet.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Merlin sitting in side control, looking to soften his opponent up with elbows and hammerfists but Rojas is avoiding damage well and looking to escape the position.

Merlin wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Rojas, who protects the arm well.
Merlin looking to punish the body of his opponent here but Rojas is avoiding damage well.

That's one minute gone in the round.
The ground and pound from Merlin seems to be hitting the mat more than his opponent.
Merlin working the ground and pound but Rojas is defending the strikes.
Rojas is trying to stand back up. He's worked his way up against the cage but Merlin has just dragged him back down to the mat.

Merlin is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Rojas is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.

Rojas bucks up and manages to escape back to his feet!
Rojas connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Rojas stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Merlin.
Merlin ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Merlin shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.

Merlin throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Rojas was covering up waiting for the punch and Merlin finishes the takedown easily into guard.
Rojas wants to stand up but Merlin is controlling him.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Rojas pushes Merlin off and scrambles back to his feet.
Merlin uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Rojas.
Rojas loads up on a big right hand but Merlin slips the punch.
Rojas chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Merlin moves out of range as Rojas throws a body kick.
Merlin lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Rojas backs up against the cage.

Merlin closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.

Rojas explodes and escapes back to his feet! Nice escape there!
Rojas connects with a body shot.
Merlin doesn't succeed with the takedown
enabling Rojas to counter with a crisp jab.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Merlin takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Merlin shoots in looking for a takedown. Rojas tries to sprawl out of it but Merlin keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Rojas manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Rojas is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Merlin.
Rojas leaves Merlin with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Emilio Rojas has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Xavier Merlin.
Merlin ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Merlin shoots in and drives through. Rojas sprawls well.
A little feinted left hand from Rojas on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Rojas throws a low kick but Merlin moves out of range easily.
Merlin shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Rojas sprawls well. Rojas wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Merlin gets slowly back to his feet.
Rojas lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Decent striking displayed by Rojas there.
Emilio Rojas seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Rojas clinches.
Rojas misses with some punches.

The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Rojas escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Merlin takes one to the side of the head.
Merlin takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Rojas darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Merlin fails with the takedown.
Merlin shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Rojas pinned against the cage. Rojas gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
A jab from Rojas does it's job there.
Rojas swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Merlin.
Merlin tries to close the distance and clinch but Rojas swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Merlin stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Rojas.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Emilio Rojas dominated that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Merlin takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.

Merlin dives in and scores a takedown into Rojas's guard.
Rojas wants to get back to his feet but Merlin is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Rojas trying desperately to get back to his feet here but he's not having any joy at all. He's going to tire himself out if he's not careful.
Merlin trying to control but Rojas is working from the bottom.
Rojas wants to stand and escape but Merlin is having none of it.

The fighters are working up against the cage. Rojas manages to wriggle his way back to his feet, so the fighters are now clinched against the cage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rojas tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.

Rojas manages to break the clinch.
That kick from Rojas tenderised Merlin's leg. Merlin is trying to keep his angry face on.
Merlin throws a leg kick but Rojas sees it coming and moves out of range.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Merlin shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Rojas sprawls well. Rojas wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Merlin gets slowly back to his feet.
Merlin avoids a punch combination nicely.
Emilio Rojas is winning the standup battle so far.
Rojas misses with a looping right.
Merlin misses with a double jab.
Rojas misses with a hook. Merlin ducked under it nicely.
Rojas displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Merlin.
Merlin dives in for a single leg takedown but Rojas sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Emilio Rojas has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Xavier Merlin.
A left lands for Rojas.

Merlin changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Rojas looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Rojas is pushing Merlin's head away, looking to escape. Merlin manages to hold on to the position though.
We've been hearing good reports from Rojas's training camp. Apparently he has been rolling around with some good quality BJJ practitioners and has been sharpening his skills. Let's see if that has an impact on the fight today.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Merlin creates a bit of distance and throws down some hard shots.
Sloppy strikes there by Merlin.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Rojas wants to get back to his feet.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Rojas explodes and escapes back to his feet! Nice escape there!
Merlin displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Rojas throws out the jab.
Merlin throws out a counter right but Rojas avoids it with no problem.
Rojas pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Merlin scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Merlin lands a nice short elbow.
Rojas is trying to stand back up but Merlin is controlling him
Emilio Rojas overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Merlin is figuring out what he wants to do next.
Rojas wants to get back to his feet.
Rojas regains full guard, whilst avoiding punches from Merlin.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Merlin is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
Merlin throws an elbow that misses. Rojas uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Merlin's guard. Nice move by Rojas!

Rojas decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Merlin, up you get!
Merlin shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Rojas pinned against the cage. Rojas gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Rojas went nuts there looking for a big combo counter but none of the flurry connected.
Rojas lands with a right hand.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Rojas paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Xavier Merlin is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Decent striking displayed by Rojas there.
Merlin misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Rojas misses with a low kick as Merlin jumps back.
Merlin unleashes a big counter combination but Rojas bobs and weaves and avoids any damage.
Merlin closes this distance looking for a takedown but Rojas circles away.

Merlin bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.

Rojas throws his opponent off and manages to get back to his feet! Nicely done!
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Rojas lands a really nice looking cross but Merlin seems unphased.

Merlin shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Rojas manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.

Rojas wriggles free and stands up.
Rojas defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Merlin.
Emilio Rojas has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Xavier Merlin.

Merlin shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
Merlin takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Merlin is looking to work some ground and pound but Rojas has wrist control.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Rojas manages to escape and get back to his feet.
Donk. Rojas catches Merlin right on the button with a cross.
Rojas uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Merlin has time to react.
Merlin slips a jab from Rojas.
Merlin is trying hard to land a takedown here. Rojas sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Merlin looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Rojas is fending him off so far but Merlin persists. Nope, Rojas circles away and we're back to standing.
Rojas closes the distance but Merlin moves to the side
and Merlin counters with a nice body shot.
Rojas moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.
Rojas feints and then cracks Merlin's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Merlin down.
Merlin takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Merlin shoots in for a takedown but Rojas shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
A cross from Rojas lands.
Rojas connects with a single shot there.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Good leg kick by Rojas there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Rojas misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Merlin.
Rojas closes the distance but Merlin moves to the side
and Merlin counters with a thumping low kick.
Rojas cracks Merlin with a right hand to the side of the head.
Merlin misses with a double jab.
Rojas throws out a powerful jab.
Rojas catches Merlin with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Rojas connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Rojas lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Merlin at a distance.
Rojas lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Rojas throws the left hand but Merlin avoids the punch easily.
Merlin looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Rojas lands a glancing blow to the side of Merlin's head.
Rojas lands a leg kick that knocks Merlin off balance momentarily.
Rojas throws a head kick that misses.

Merlin closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Emilio Rojas is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Merlin is trying to work for a kimura but Rojas is defending well.
Merlin is looking to pass Rojas's guard but actually Rojas recovers to full guard.

Rojas uses the cage to get back to his feet.
Merlin shoots in for a double leg but Rojas sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
It looked like Rojas was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Merlin.
Rojas moves into range and connects with a jab.
Merlin shoots in and drives through. Rojas sprawls well.
Rojas keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Rojas getting the better of the striking in that exchange.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rojas misses with a leg kick.
Merlin doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Rojas feints and then cracks Merlin's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Merlin down.
Merlin has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Rojas throws out a loose jab but Merlin uses good head movement to avoid it.

Rojas gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
This has been an exciting period of action!

Rojas breaks from the clinch.
Merlin fails to land the takedown.
Rojas leaves Merlin with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.

Rojas rushes Merlin and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Rojas works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Merlin tries for a takedown. No joy.
Xavier Merlin has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Rojas looks to throw an elbow but misses.

And that's the end of the fight!
Emilio Rojas showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Rojas 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 Alan Glass scores the fight 30:27
Judge Wesley Smith scores the fight 30:27
Judge Stewart Dunkirk scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Emilio Rojas!
Our winner, Emilio Rojas, 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.