PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Al Ghouti (ranked 1565 p4p, 1243 weight class) and Showtime Sitsongrit (ranked 177 p4p, 151 weight class). Ghouti's entrance music is DAM - JASADIK-HOM. A fine choice. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Ghouti
vs
Sitsongrit

177 cm
24
155
5 - 2 - 0

177 cm
24
148
4 - 2 - 0

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Excellent grappler
World class MT
Granite chin

Conviction

Ma Balls Is Hot Clothing
Aspire Clothing

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 5 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Al Ghouti!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Showtime Sitsongrit!
The judges for this bout are Paul Aken, Wagner Zegers and Patrick Alders.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A solid leg kick lands there for Sitsongrit.
Sitsongrit throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Sitsongrit misses with a kick to the body

and Ghouti counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Ghouti prevents Sitsongrit from improving his position.
Sitsongrit wants to control but Ghouti is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Sitsongrit moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Ghouti not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Ghouti works over Sitsongrit with some ground and pound from guard.
Sitsongrit trying to keep a closed guard but Ghouti is proving a slippery customer.

Sitsongrit looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Sitsongrit looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Sitsongrit wants to sweep here but Ghouti controlling him for the moment.
Ghouti wants to control from the top but Sitsongrit keeps moving.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sitsongrit is controlling Ghouti's posture.

Sitsongrit looking for a guillotine here but Ghouti defends easily.
Ghouti stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Sitsongrit swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Ghouti throws a big elbow that misses.

Ghouti got a little sloppy there for a moment and Sitsongrit has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Ghouti has managed to get both his arms back between Sitsongrit's legs - danger averted.
Ghouti trying to control but Sitsongrit is working from the bottom.
Ghouti is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Ghouti works over Sitsongrit with some ground and pound from guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Sitsongrit not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.

The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Sitsongrit throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Ghouti works over Sitsongrit with some ground and pound from guard.
Ghouti scoring with punches to the head and body.
Ghouti wants to control from the top but Sitsongrit keeps moving.
Sitsongrit looking to control.
Ghouti throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Ghouti trying to control the position from guard on top but Sitsongrit is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Sitsongrit is trying to keep Ghouti in close.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ghouti sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Ghouti works over Sitsongrit with some ground and pound from guard.
Sitsongrit wants to sweep here but Ghouti controlling him for the moment.
Ghouti is looking to work some ground and pound but Sitsongrit has wrist control.
Ghouti slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Ghouti trying to control the position from guard on top but Sitsongrit is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Ghouti is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Sitsongrit is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Sitsongrit blocks a jab.
Sitsongrit throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Ghouti walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Ghouti misses with a hook.
Showtime Sitsongrit seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Ghouti swings for the body but Sitsongrit moves out of range.
Ghouti throws a hook but Sitsongrit blocks it.
Sitsongrit takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Sitsongrit avoids the body shot from Ghouti.
Sitsongrit takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
A shot to the liver by Sitsongrit. Beautiful body shot.
Sitsongrit is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Ghouti works the jab nicely.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Sitsongrit darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!

Ghouti bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
Ghouti scoring with punches and elbows.
Sitsongrit struggling a bit here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Al Ghouti dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Ghouti lands with an uppercut that bounces Sitsongrit off the cage and back into range.
Showtime Sitsongrit has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Ghouti.
Sitsongrit looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Sitsongrit misses with a wild body shot.

Ghouti takes the fight into the clinch.
Ghouti has been working on his balance at Chakuriki LA Gym, so perhaps that has help him stuff some of the takedown attempts by Sitsongrit.
Sitsongrit lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Sitsongrit tries a body shot but Ghouti blocks it.
Sitsongrit swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Ghouti goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Ghouti swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Ghouti is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Sitsongrit can do to turn this around?
Ghouti swings wildly with an uppercut but Sitsongrit uses good head movement to avoid it.
Ghouti lands a hook that snaps the head of Sitsongrit backwards.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ghouti takes a shot to the head.
Sitsongrit prevents a body shot from Ghouti.

Ghouti escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Sitsongrit ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Ghouti moves away.
Ghouti looks to land a right hand but Sitsongrit moved out of range.
Sitsongrit ducks right into an uppercut from Ghouti.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sitsongrit keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Ghouti.
Sitsongrit moves away from the strike by Ghouti.
Ghouti uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Sitsongrit.
Sitsongrit pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Sitsongrit looks to land a body kick but Ghouti moved away.
Ghouti lands a body shot.
A slapping body kick lands there for Sitsongrit.
A solid leg kick lands there for Sitsongrit.
Sitsongrit is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Ghouti rather than just go for the knockout.
Sitsongrit misses with a low kick.
A combination from Ghouti does no damage.
Sitsongrit uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Ghouti.
Sitsongrit looks to land a left hand but Ghouti moved out of range nicely.
Ghouti walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Ghouti bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Sitsongrit bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Ghouti's head.
Showtime Sitsongrit seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Sitsongrit tests Ghouti's chin there with a solid looking shot.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Ghouti throws a series of punches but Sitsongrit moves out of range.
Ghouti misses the shot to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ghouti misses with a hook.
Sitsongrit with the inside leg kick.
Ghouti lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.
Ghouti uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Sitsongrit.
Sitsongrit takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Ghouti takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Sitsongrit throws a solid leg kick but Ghouti takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Sitsongrit.
Sitsongrit misses the shot to the body.
Ghouti chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Sitsongrit can pounce on him.
Sitsongrit misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Ghouti.
Good exchange - Ghouti coming out on top.
Nice defenses there by Sitsongrit.
Ghouti misses with a hook.
Sitsongrit blocks a jab.
Ghouti thuds a left hand into Sitsongrit's body.
Ghouti ducks under a wild hook from Sitsongrit.
Ghouti takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Ghouti works Sitsongrit's body with a nice hook.
Sitsongrit cracks Ghouti with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sitsongrit is looking to chop away at Ghouti's legs.
Ghouti misses with a wild body shot.
Sitsongrit let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
A nice leg kick from Sitsongrit, right into the meat of the thigh.
Sitsongrit throws a body kick that misses.
Ghouti throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Ghouti shoots for a takedown but Sitsongrit saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Ghouti takes a swing at Sitsongrit's ribcage but misses.
Ghouti lunges at Sitsongrit with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Sitsongrit's hand.
Sitsongrit avoids the body shot from Ghouti.
Sitsongrit throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
An inside leg kick from Sitsongrit misses.
Ghouti was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
Sitsongrit throws a nice outside leg kick.
Sitsongrit fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Ghouti manages to avoid it.
Sitsongrit thows a left - swing and a miss!
Sitsongrit is looking to chop away at Ghouti's legs.
Sitsongrit throws a body kick that misses
enabling Ghouti to counter with a crisp jab.
Sitsongrit lands with a nice body punch.
Sitsongrit scores with a leg kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Ghouti takes a jab right on the kisser.
Ghouti moves out of range as Sitsongrit throws a body kick.
Ghouti lands a right hook to the body.
Ghouti thuds a left hand into Sitsongrit's body.

Ghouti shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Sitsongrit is trying to defend but Ghouti finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
Ghouti trying to control the action but Sitsongrit is working from the bottom.
Sitsongrit blocking the ground and pound attempt from Ghouti.
Ghouti wants to free his trapped foot but Sitsongrit is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Ghouti in particular looking to stall.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Ghouti not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Ghouti is thwarting Sitsongrit's attempts to control the position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Showtime Sitsongrit will probably get the nod - 10:9.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action. This is the final round!

Sitsongrit drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Sitsongrit misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Ghouti.
Ghouti appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Sitsongrit throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Sitsongrit looks to throw the jab but Ghouti is out of range.
A slow jab from Sitsongrit misses its intended target.
Ghouti tries to counter by clinching up but Sitsongrit breaks away and moves out of range.
Sitsongrit bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
Ghouti throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Sitsongrit tries a quick counter leg kick but Ghouti is wise to it.
Ghouti keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Sitsongrit.
Sitsongrit swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Sitsongrit throws the left hand but Ghouti avoids the punch easily.
Sitsongrit misses with a left hand
and Ghouti counters with a left to the body.
Ghouti lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ghouti missing with a left hand there. Sitsongrit was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Sitsongrit connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Ghouti cracks Sitsongrit with a good jab.
Ghouti on the wrong end of a nice hook.
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 good leg kick by Sitsongrit.
Sitsongrit takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Showtime Sitsongrit is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sitsongrit on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Ghouti tries to close the distance and clinch up but Sitsongrit swats him away and circles back towards the center.

Ghouti rushes Sitsongrit and presses him up against the cage.
Sitsongrit doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
A short right from Sitsongrit.
Ghouti tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Ghouti working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Ghouti has a couple of punches blocked by Sitsongrit.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Sitsongrit.

Ghouti breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
No joy there for Sitsongrit, who threw a few shots but didn't land.

Ghouti looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Ghouti is looking to take a break and control but Sitsongrit is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Al Ghouti overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Ghouti working the head and body with strikes.
Sitsongrit trying to control here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Sitsongrit tries to roll over but Ghouti keeps him under control.
Sitsongrit wants to control but Ghouti is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Sitsongrit is holding on to half guard well.
Sitsongrit taking some punishment here, with Ghouti in his half guard.
Well, if Ghouti is going to just lie there, perhaps we should talk about what we're having for dinner tonight… I'm having a ham and pineapple pizza… Yum. Can't wait.
Sitsongrit tries to roll over but Ghouti keeps him under control.
Ghouti trying to control from half guard but Sitsongrit is working away.
Sitsongrit trying to hold on to Ghouti's head to control him but Ghouti postures up.
Ghouti controlling the action here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Ghouti connects with a nice short shot to Sitsongrit's temple.
Ghouti takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Sitsongrit pushes Ghouti off looking to stand but Ghouti dives back in and keeps control.
Sitsongrit is concentrating on defense, preventing Ghouti from advancing position.
Sitsongrit is not content to let Ghouti control the position.
Ghouti working Sitsongrit over with strikes.
Sitsongrit is trying to get back to full guard.
Sitsongrit is looking to control Ghouti's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Sitsongrit avoid being mounted?

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ghouti thows a huge punch but Sitsongrit dodges it nicely.
Ghouti drops an elbow to the side of Sitsongrit's head.
Sitsongrit on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Sitsongrit trying to control but Ghouti postures up.
Ghouti wants to take a breather but Sitsongrit is having none of it.
Sitsongrit has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Ghouti is working away from the top position though.
Sitsongrit keeping hold of Ghouti's head, controlling as best he can.
Sitsongrit tries to roll over but Ghouti keeps him under control.

Ghouti is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.

And that's the end of the fight!
Al Ghouti showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Ghouti has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Paul Aken scores the fight 29:28
Judge Wagner Zegers scores the fight 29:28
Judge Patrick Alders scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Al Ghouti!
After the fight, Al Ghouti was humble in paying tribute to his opponent but made it clear he wants to go on to bigger and better things. It seemed to go down well with the crowd who cheered him loudly.
Showtime Sitsongrit was interviewed post fight and said 'Out with Bolsonaro!'.