PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between KJ Wassermann (ranked 1458 p4p, 2414 weight class) and Eric Ries (ranked 190 p4p, 301 weight class). 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?

Wassermann
vs
Ries

179 cm
26
157
8 - 3 - 0

169 cm
26
160
4 - 4 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
Granite chin

Good wrestler
Decent boxing
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 8 - 3 - 0, fighting out of The Island, KJ Wassermann!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 4 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Eric Ries!
The judges for this bout are Bart Greer, Peter Branson and David Hoff.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Wassermann has closed the distance and engaged Ries in a clinch.
Wassermann misses with a punch on the inside.
Wassermann misses with a short punch on the inside.
Ries wants to get back to striking at distance but Wassermann won't allow it.
A head punch on the inside from Ries fails to land.
Wassermann misses with a short punch on the inside.
Ries misses with a hook from the clinch.
I was talking to Wassermann's coach per-fight and he was telling me that they'd been working on the clinch in the runup to this fight.
A nice right hand lands inside from Ries.
Wassermann tries a body shot but Ries blocks it.
Ries is looking to break free of the clinch but Wassermann has double underhooks.
Ries lands a hook to the side of the head.
We've been informed that Ries has been sparring a lot of Muay Thai in the buildup to this fight so let's see if that has an impact on the result.
Wassermann misses with the head strike.
Wassermann tries to stall but Ries uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Ries has Wassermann pushed against the cage.
Ries blocking some punches.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Wassermann throws a punch but it's blocked by Ries.
Ries lands a right hand that snaps the head of Wassermann backwards.
Ries blocks an uppercut.
Wassermann tries to throw a body punch but Ries avoids it by throwing Wassermann back against the cage.
A short right from Ries.
Ries working some nice short punches in the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ries misses with a punch to the body.
A short uppercut from Ries.
Wassermann has a couple of punches blocked by Ries.
Wassermann blocking some punches.
Wassermann misses with a punch to the body.
A right handed body shot lands from Ries.
Wassermann lands with a right to the head.
Wassermann tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Wassermann can't find room to land a body shot as Ries controls the action.
Wassermann works on Ries's body with a couple of short punches.
Wassermann scores with a shoulder strike.
Wassermann working aggressively here.
A nice right hand lands inside from Ries.
Ries working aggressively here.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Wassermann is trying to maintain a safe position but Ries gets an underhook and turns Wassermann into the cage.
Wassermann tries a body shot but Ries blocks it.
Wassermann misses with a short punch on the inside.
Wassermann scores with a hook to the body.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Wassermann.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Wassermann lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
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!
Ries is pushing Wassermann up against the cage, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.
Wassermann throws a head punch that misses.
Ries working aggressively here.
Wassermann lands a right hand that snaps the head of Ries backwards.
Ries misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Ries tries to circle away but Wassermann has him pinned against the cage.
Wassermann tries a body shot but Ries blocks it.
Nice body punch from Wassermann - that landed with a thud.
Ries blocking some punches.
Wassermann doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
A short body shot lands from Wassermann as the two fighters clinch.

Ries manages to break the clinch.
Wassermann lands a nice looking body shot.
The crowd cheers as Ries lands an impressive looking overhand right. Wassermann doesn't seem phased though.
Wassermann keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ries walks into a jab.
Ries ducks under a wild hook from Wassermann.
Ries let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
Ries throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Wassermann counters with a stiff right hand.
Wassermann misses with a hook. Ries ducked under it nicely.
Wassermann lands a glancing blow to the side of Ries's head.
Wassermann uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Ries.

Ries rushes Wassermann and presses him up against the cage.
Wassermann misses with a hook to the ribs.
Ries blocking some punches.
Wassermann lands a shot to the body.
Ries is looking to break free of the clinch but Wassermann has double underhooks.
A right hand to the body from Wassermann.
Wassermann lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Ries tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Wassermann trying to control the position but instead, Ries has worked for underhooks and has pushed Wassermann into the cage.
Ries lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A right handed body shot lands from Ries.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Wassermann tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Ries's elbow.

Ries breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Wassermann tries to clinch up but Ries circles away and keeps his distance.
Ries misses with a wild body shot.
Wassermann lands a body shot.

Wassermann closes the distance and clinches.
Wassermann misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Wassermann blocks a body shot from Ries.
Wassermann throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Wassermann lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Ries backwards.
Ries can't find room to land a body shot as Wassermann controls the action.

Ries's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Nice uppercut lands for Ries. That snapped Wassermann's head back.
Wassermann clobbers Ries with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Wassermann!
A big right from Ries misses.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

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

Ries darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Ries swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Wassermann is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Wassermann fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Ries manages to avoid it.
Ries is clearly trying to counter these attacks from Wassermann with a body shot.
Wassermann throws a one two combo.
Ries misses with an uppercut. Wassermann saw that one coming.
A quick step to the side and Wassermann tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
Wassermann fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Ries staying out of range there.
Ries on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Wassermann tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Ries manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Ries looks to score with a jab to the body but Wassermann is just out of range.
Wassermann swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.
Ries misses with a low kick.
We are yet to see a takedown attempt from Ries in the fight. On paper you would think he is the more dominant ground fighter so let's see if these unusual tactics pay off.
Ries lands with a good body shot.
Ries misses with a leg kick.
KJ Wassermann is winning the standup battle so far.
Ries digs a good body shot into Wassermann's ribs.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Ries misses with a combination
and Wassermann counters with a nice uppercut.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ries on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Wassermann throws a body shot but no joy.
Ries swinging wildly here.
Ries lands a slapping body shot.
Wassermann checks a low kick from Ries.
Good shot there by Ries.
Nice uppercut there from Wassermann.
Ries changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Ries takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Wassermann bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Ries's head backwards.
Ries avoids the body shot from Wassermann.
Wassermann ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Ries moves away.
Wassermann throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Ries stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
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!
Wassermann looks to score with a jab to the body but Ries is just out of range.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Wassermann tries to clinch but Ries moves out of range.
Wassermann throws a lazy right hand but Ries sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Ries moves out of range of the strikes.
Wassermann scores with a jab to the body.
Wassermann waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Ries.
Wassermann blocks a leg kick.
Wassermann is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Ries throws a right and a left that both miss.
Ries swings for the body but Wassermann moves out of range.
Ries is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Wassermann rather than just go for the knockout.
Wassermann connects with a looping right hand.
Wassermann lands with a hook. Ries tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Wassermann with a jab.
Wassermann is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Ries can do to turn this around?
Wassermann tries to close the distance and clinch up but Ries swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Wassermann tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Ries was well out of range. Poor timing from Wassermann.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Wassermann misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Ries.
Wassermann lands with a good body shot.
Wassermann cracks Ries with an open hand slap.
KJ Wassermann seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Wassermann takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Wassermann misses with a wild body shot.
Wassermann fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Wassermann doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
A big right from Wassermann misses.
Wassermann throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Wassermann doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Wassermann throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Wassermann loads up on a big right hand but Ries slips the punch.
Ries ducks under a wild hook from Wassermann.
Ries keeps the fight on the outside.
Wassermann dips down and scores with a jab to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Wassermann takes a swing at Ries's ribcage but misses.
A shot to the liver by Wassermann. Beautiful body shot.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Wassermann takes the fight into the clinch.
Ries lands a nice shot to the body.
Ries lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Wassermann or not.
Ries wants to break the clinch but can't.
Ries blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Wassermann is stalling here.
Ries blocks an uppercut.
Ries misses with a short punch on the inside.
Ries goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Ries doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Ries tries to break the clinch but Wassermann is controlling the position.
Ries tries to work over Wassermann's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Wassermann throws a head punch that misses.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

KJ Wassermann dominated that second round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Wassermann misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Ries.
Ries looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Ries throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Wassermann sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Wassermann misses with a body shot.
A swing and a miss from Ries.
Ries catches Wassermann with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Wassermann lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Ries just misses with a punch to the body.
Ries on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Ries on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Wassermann misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Ries.
Wassermann fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Wassermann lands a nice shot to the body.
Wassermann's corner calls for a 1-2. Wassermann obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Wassermann scores with a one two! Ries had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Wassermann fails to land with a series of punches.
Wassermann misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Ries.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Wassermann takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Ries lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
Ries looks to score with a jab to the body but Wassermann is just out of range.
A little feinted left hand from Wassermann on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Wassermann scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Ries moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Ries tries to clinch but Wassermann is having none of it.
Wassermann takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Ries misses with an uppercut.
Wassermann jabs Ries to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Wassermann lands with a right hand.
A lazy left from Ries finds it's target.
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!
Wassermann throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Wassermann keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Wassermann lands with a nice body punch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Wassermann lands with a hook. Ries tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Wassermann fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Ries manages to avoid it.
Wassermann tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Ries was well out of range. Poor timing from Wassermann.
Wassermann throws a jab when Ries was well out of range.
Wassermann avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Wassermann looks to score with a jab to the body but Ries is just out of range.
Ries has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Ries cracks a nice hook into Wassermann's ribs.
Wassermann misses with a hook
and Ries counters with a straight right hand.
KJ Wassermann is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Wassermann connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Ries momentarily.
Ries has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Ries there as he acknowledges the shot.
Ries lands a body shot.
Wassermann looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Ries misses with a kick to the body
and Wassermann cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Wassermann lands with a nice body punch.
Wassermann moves in looking to clinch but Ries pushes him off.
Ries appeared to try and counter that last move with a leg kick.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ries tries to land a leg kick but Wassermann saw it coming and moves away.
Wassermann throws a hook but Ries avoids it easily.
Ries loads up on a big right hand but Wassermann slips the punch.
Ries throws a low kick but Wassermann avoids it.
Ries needs to keep his hands up - Wassermann had a free shot at his head there.
Ries misses with a low kick.
Wassermann is looking to counter punch.
Ries throws a head kick that misses.
Wassermann fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Ries tries to move into range but Wassermann moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Wassermann drops his hands momentarily and Ries takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Ries tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Wassermann manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Ries swings for the body but Wassermann moves out of range.
Wassermann scores with a shot to the body.
A shot to the body from Wassermann misses
and Ries counters with a left to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ries takes one on the button.
Ries scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Wassermann misses with a looping left.
Ries scores with a jab to the body.
Ries wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Wassermann scores with a crisp jab that stopped Ries in his tracks.
Wassermann swinging wildly here.
Wassermann sizes up Ries with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Ries takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Wassermann is looking to clinch.
Nice straight punches there by Wassermann. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Wassermann.
Eric Ries has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Ries fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Wassermann manages to avoid it.
Ries gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Wassermann.

And that's the end of the fight!
KJ Wassermann showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Wassermann 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 Bart Greer scores the fight 30:27
Judge Peter Branson scores the fight 30:27
Judge David Hoff scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... KJ Wassermann!
KJ Wassermann opened up his post fight interview with a scream to camera that he wants a title shot! Whether he deserves the shot will be up to the management of the organization, so I guess he'll have to wait and see.