PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Tiaoali Lvavatai (ranked 3047 p4p, 3747 weight class) and Joseph Futeran (ranked 297 p4p, 341 weight class). This should be fireworks!

Lvavatai
vs
Futeran

171 cm
23
151
4 - 5 - 0

176 cm
24
146
6 - 7 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
World class MT
Granite chin

Good wrestler
World class boxer
Good gas tank

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 4 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Tiaoali Lvavatai !
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 7 - 0, fighting out of London, Joseph Futeran!
The judges for this bout are Colin Fotheringham, Richard Clark and Daniel Bishop.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Lvavatai tries to clinch up.
Lvavatai tries to clinch up but Futeran circles away and keeps his distance.
Futeran uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Futeran cracks a nice hook into Lvavatai 's ribs.
Futeran lands a jab-cross combination.

Futeran shoots in and bounces Lvavatai off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
Lvavatai seems to have improved his submission grappling technique since last time we saw him. Let's see if he can pull off a submission.
Futeran showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Futeran would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.
Futeran stopping the sweep attempt from Lvavatai .
Futeran is looking to stand up but Lvavatai won't let him.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Futeran slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Lvavatai lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

Lvavatai stops Futeran from standing up.
Lvavatai stopping the sweep attempt from Futeran.
Lvavatai wants to pass the guard but Futeran is keeping the position.

Futeran has his feet on Lvavatai 's hips. He pushes off and gets to his feet. Nice work.

Futeran instigates a clinch.
Lvavatai goes for a takedown attempt but Futeran pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Lvavatai is trying hard to land a takedown here. Futeran sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Donk. Futeran catches Lvavatai right on the button with a cross.
Joseph Futeran seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Lvavatai takes a jab right on the kisser.
Lvavatai fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Tiaoali Lvavatai . That's going to take a lot out of him.
Lvavatai takes a shot to the body in his stride.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Lvavatai shoots in for a double leg but Futeran sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Lvavatai on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Futeran lands with a shot to the body.
Futeran with a jab.
Good work by Futeran as he checks the leg kick.
Futeran throws out a counter right but Lvavatai avoids it with no problem.
Horrible takedown attempt by Lvavatai or perhaps it was just good defense by Futeran, which made it look bad.
Lvavatai darts in looking for a takedown but Futeran gets double underhooks and turns Lvavatai into the cage.
Lvavatai is looking for a takedown.

Futeran breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Lvavatai tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Futeran manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
It seemed like Futeran was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Futeran punishes Lvavatai 's body with a nice straight punch.
Futeran tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Lvavatai was well out of range. Poor timing from Futeran.
Lvavatai takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Lvavatai shoots in looking for a takedown. Futeran tries to sprawl out of it but Lvavatai keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Futeran manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Futeran lands a nice shot that snaps Lvavatai 's head back.

Futeran fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Lvavatai sprawls well initially but Futeran persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
Lvavatai wants to improve his position but Futeran is controlling well.
Lvavatai regains full guard, whilst avoiding punches from Futeran.
Lvavatai controls Futeran momentarily but Futeran frees himself.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Futeran throwing strikes from guard but Lvavatai blocks nicely.
Futeran tries to free his leg and advance position but Lvavatai is retaining full guard.
Futeran sitting in guard, not really doing much.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Lvavatai keeping moving, preventing Futeran from controlling successfully.
Lvavatai can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Futeran controls the pace.

Lvavatai working away from the bottom but not quite defensive enough there because Futeran has passed into half guard!
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Joseph Futeran dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Lvavatai takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Lvavatai misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Futeran now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
Futeran has been working his punching technique in the buildup to the fight and it appears to be paying off.

Futeran darts in and clinches Lvavatai up against the cage.
Futeran prevents a body shot from Lvavatai .
Lvavatai goes for a takedown attempt but Futeran pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Futeran displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Lvavatai .
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Tiaoali Lvavatai . That's going to take a lot out of him.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Futeran fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.

Futeran moves into the clinch.
Futeran has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Lvavatai is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Futeran is defending well.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Futeran gets underhooks to prevent Lvavatai 's takedown attempt.
Lvavatai makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Futeran stops a takedown attempt from Lvavatai .
Futeran is working Lvavatai over against the cage.
Lvavatai tries for a takedown but Futeran manages to get underhooks.

Futeran has dropped down and is working for a takedown. Lvavatai is trying to keep an underhook but Futeran manages to get the takedown into half guard.
Futeran landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Lvavatai has hold of Futeran's hands but Futeran slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Futeran scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Joseph Futeran has got the better of the ground game so far.
The fighters are battling for position here. Lvavatai manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Lvavatai looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.

Lvavatai throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Lvavatai wants to sweep but no luck.

Futeran has gone for a leg lock! Lvavatai slips out almost immediately though and dives into Futeran's guard.

We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Lvavatai postures up in Futeran's guard and throws a big left but Futeran blocks it.
Futeran has a butterfly guard looking to sweep but Lvavatai has passed into side control.

Futeran explodes and escapes back to his feet! Nice escape there!
Futeran stuffs the takedown attempt from Lvavatai . Lvavatai gets slowly back to his feet.
Futeran's corner calls for a 1-2. Futeran obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Joseph Futeran seems to be getting the better of the standup.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lvavatai tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Futeran defends well and Lvavatai ends up having to push Futeran into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Futeran throws out a counter right but Lvavatai avoids it with no problem.
Lvavatai is trying to drag Futeran to the mat but Futeran just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Lvavatai tries for a takedown. No joy.
Lvavatai looking to stall.

Futeran breaks the clinch.
Lvavatai dives in and grabs Futeran's left leg, looking for a takedown. Futeran pushes down on Lvavatai 's head and hops out.
Futeran keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Futeran scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Futeran lands a jab to Lvavatai 's midsection.
Lvavatai misses with a hook. Futeran ducked under it nicely.
Futeran cracks a nice hook into Lvavatai 's ribs.
Futeran connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.

Futeran moves into range and clinches up with Lvavatai .

Futeran's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.

Futeran moves into the clinch successfully.
Lvavatai wants to take the fight to the mat but Futeran manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Futeran stops a takedown attempt from Lvavatai .
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Lvavatai drops down looking for an ankle pick but Futeran pulls his leg out and moves away.
Futeran connects with a good right hand that stumbles Lvavatai . Lvavatai circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Good standup being displayed there by Futeran as he connects with a hook.

Futeran fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Lvavatai sprawls well initially but Futeran persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Joseph Futeran showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

Lvavatai gets caught flat footed, as Futeran shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Futeran won't allow Lvavatai to sweep him here.

Lvavatai looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Futeran trying to control the position from guard on top but Lvavatai is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Futeran stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Lvavatai swivels though and keeps the full guard.

Lvavatai has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Futeran can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Lvavatai working for a triangle but Futeran defends it easily.
Futeran trying to stand up but can't free himself from Lvavatai 's guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Futeran looking to pass the guard.
Futeran is looking to work some ground and pound but Lvavatai has wrist control.
Futeran looking to control the position here, rather than advance.

Lvavatai is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Futeran defends well.
Joseph Futeran is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Lvavatai controls Futeran momentarily but Futeran frees himself.
Lvavatai has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Lvavatai shoots and misses
and Futeran counters with a nice uppercut.
Futeran works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Lvavatai tries for a takedown but Futeran circles away easily
and Futeran cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Futeran connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Futeran misses with a body kick.
Futeran scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Lvavatai looks for a takedown but Futeran sprawls well.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Tiaoali Lvavatai . That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lvavatai tries for a takedown but Futeran circles away easily
and Futeran connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Lvavatai shoots in but no luck this time.
Futeran connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
A looping hook to the body misses from Futeran. Lvavatai does a little dance to reset his feet.
Futeran scores with a shot to the body.
Futeran lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Futeran smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Lvavatai misses with a looping right.
Lvavatai fails with a takedown attempt.
Lvavatai is looking to clinch but Futeran is avoiding it.
Futeran swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Lvavatai fails with a takedown attempt.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Lvavatai takes a shot to the body in his stride.
A nice inside leg kick there by Futeran. That's going to slow Lvavatai down.
Futeran jabs Lvavatai to the body, keeping him at a distance.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Futeran connects with a nice looking jab.
Lvavatai misses with a straight left.
Futeran scores with a punch to the head.
Lvavatai avoids the body shot from Futeran.
Futeran stuffs the takedown.
Lvavatai on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Lvavatai takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Lvavatai takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
This is turning into a torrid day at the office for Lvavatai . He's trying desperately to land a takedown but he's failing miserably and getting slapped silly on the feet to compound his misery.
Lvavatai takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Tiaoali Lvavatai has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

Futeran fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Lvavatai , pushing him back against the cage.
Lvavatai tries to land knees in the clinch but Futeran avoids the damage to the body.

And that's the end of the fight!
Joseph Futeran comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Futeran has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 Colin Fotheringham scores the fight 26:30
Judge Richard Clark scores the fight 27:30
Judge Daniel Bishop scores the fight 26:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Joseph Futeran!
A less than humble Joseph Futeran misjudged his post fight interview somewhat and came across a little too arrogant whilst trying to hype up his own abilities.