PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Maki Tantor (ranked 2442 p4p, 2978 weight class) and Malachi Lawrence (ranked 317 p4p, 383 weight class). Malachi Lawrence has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Tantor
vs
Lawrence

182 cm
30
180
18 - 11 - 0

180 cm
30
174
15 - 15 - 0

Good wrestling
World class MT
Insanely flexible

Olympic wrestler
World class MT
Granite chin

Knockaround Guys Fight Gear

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 18 - 11 - 0, fighting out of London, Maki Tantor!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 15 - 15 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Malachi Lawrence!
The judges for this bout are Jack Bonds, Frank Antenori and Don Winkell.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Tantor lands with a light punch inside.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
Tantor jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Lawrence walks away with a smile on his face. Tantor gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.

Tantor closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Lawrence to the mat! Lawrence manages to get full guard.
Tantor slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
Lawrence is trying to control Tantor's posture but Tantor avoids it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Lawrence might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Tantor haven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.
Tantor is staying tight to Lawrence's torso, preventing him from escaping.
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.
Lawrence is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Tantor's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.
Lawrence wants to control but Tantor is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Tantor is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Tantor trying to mount his opponent but Lawrence defends it.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.
We've been hearing good reports from Tantor'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.
Lawrence is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Lawrence throws a combination that misses
and Tantor counters with a left and a right that stings Lawrence.
Lawrence thows a left - swing and a miss!
Lawrence punishes Tantor's body with a nice straight punch.
Tantor lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Tantor misses with a takedown attempt - Lawrence sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lawrence moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Lawrence throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Tantor.
Lawrence swings widly with a right hand
and Tantor counters with a stiff right hand.

It looks like Malachi Lawrence has been cut.
Tantor lands with a kick to the temple. Lawrence shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
Tantor doesn't manage to clinch there - Lawrence circles away.
Tantor throws a head kick but Lawrence moves out of range.
Malachi Lawrence seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Tantor fails with a takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Maki Tantor. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Nice sprawl there from Lawrence as Tantor shoots in.
Tantor takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Lawrence swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Lawrence looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Lawrence lunges at Tantor with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Tantor's hand.
Tantor shoots in for a takedown but Lawrence shows good takedown defense.
Lawrence doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Lawrence misses the shot to the body.
Tantor throws a big counter combination but Lawrence scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
A big right from Lawrence misses.
Tantor tries to score a power double leg takedown but Lawrence sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Tantor somewhat.
Lawrence throws a right and a left that Tantor avoids nicely.
Tantor uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Lawrence.
Tantor scores with a leg kick.
Lawrence throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
As Lawrence backs away, Tantor returns fire with a leg kick that just misses.
Lawrence scores with a jab.
Tantor slips a jab from Lawrence.
Tantor fails with the takedown.

Lawrence drops Tantor with a left and a right! Oh, Tantor is hurt - Lawrence dives into side control looking to finish!

Tantor is rocked!
Lawrence trying to control the position but Tantor is working away.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Malachi Lawrence dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Malachi Lawrence's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Lawrence misses with a hook
and Tantor counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.

Lawrence cracks Tantor with a big right hand and Tantor goes down!
Oh Tantor is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!
Lawrence throws a big elbow that misses.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Lawrence trying to control but Tantor is working from the bottom.
Tantor seems to have got his legs back now.

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

Tantor showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Tantor pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Lawrence is keeping the position for now.
Tantor has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lawrence is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
Tantor content to stall in guard here.
Tantor trying to control but Lawrence is working from the bottom.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Lawrence is trying to keep Tantor in close.
Lawrence controlling the position.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Lawrence misses with a wild body shot.
Lawrence lands the left hand.
Lawrence throws out a powerful jab.
Maki Tantor is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Tantor shoots for a double leg takedown but Lawrence sprawls well. He's pushed Tantor's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Lawrence has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Lawrence throws a combination that misses
and Tantor counters with a two punch combo.
Lawrence lands with an overhand left.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lawrence paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Lawrence slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Malachi Lawrence seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Tantor tries to close the distance and clinch but Lawrence swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Tantor tries to clinch up but Lawrence circles away and keeps his distance.
Lawrence throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.

Tantor gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Tantor tries for a takedown but Lawrence manages to get underhooks.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Lawrence.
Lawrence scores with a hook to the body.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Tantor.
Lawrence goes for a takedown attempt but Tantor pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Lawrence throws a lazy uppercut
and Tantor counters with a two punch combo.
Tantor throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Lawrence.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Lawrence throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.

Tantor moves into the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Lawrence tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Tantor using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Lawrence has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Tantor scores with a shot to the side of Lawrence's head.
Lawrence tries to break free but Tantor pushes him back against the cage.
Lawrence's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!

Lawrence's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Lawrence lands with a good body shot.
Tantor wants to clinch.
Tantor takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Tantor looks to land a combination. Lawrence sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
Lawrence swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Malachi Lawrence will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Malachi Lawrence's cut.
That's time! Tantor's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Tantor looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Lawrence misses with an uppercut. Tantor saw that one coming.
Lawrence misses with a right hand
and Tantor counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Tantor fails in his attempt to clinch.
Lawrence tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Tantor was well out of range. Poor timing from Lawrence.
Lawrence throws a right hand that misses
and Tantor counters with a solid body kick.
Lawrence misses with a wild body shot.
Tantor appears to be looking for a big counter.
Lawrence waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Tantor.
Lawrence with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Tantor to score with a decent uppercut.
Lawrence throws a hook but Tantor blocks it.
Nice sprawl there from Lawrence as Tantor shoots in.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Lawrence fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.

Tantor rushes Lawrence and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Lawrence lands a left hand that snaps the head of Tantor backwards.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Lawrence manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.
Lawrence has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Tantor is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tantor lands a hook to the side of the head.
Lawrence gets underhooks to prevent Tantor's takedown attempt.
Tantor tries to land a knee to the head but Lawrence blocks with his arms.

Tantor manages to pull guard.
Tantor tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Lawrence throws a strike but Tantor rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

Lawrence wants to stand up but Tantor is controlling him.

Tantor decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Lawrence, up you get!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The fight stays on the outside here - Tantor looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Tantor fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Maki Tantor. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Lawrence fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Lawrence connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Tantor tries to close the distance and clinch up but Lawrence swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Tantor has a takedown stuffed.
Lawrence pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Tantor shoots in looking for a takedown. Lawrence tries to sprawl out of it but Tantor keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Lawrence manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Lawrence throws a series of punches but Tantor avoids them all with ease.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Tantor clinches.
Lawrence tries to stall but Tantor uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
A nice left hand lands by Lawrence.

Lawrence breaks from the clinch.
Tantor tries to clinch but Lawrence moves out of range.
Tantor uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Lawrence.
Lawrence moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.
Tantor throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Lawrence's waist but Lawrence gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Tantor off to one side.
Lawrence swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Tantor is trying hard to land a takedown here. Lawrence sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Lawrence now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
Lawrence rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Tantor moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Lawrence misses with a body shot.
Lawrence misses with a looping left.
Tantor darts in trying to clinch
and Lawrence cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Malachi Lawrence is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tantor fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Lawrence avoids it really well and circles away.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Tantor takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Tantor tries to clinch up but Lawrence circles away and keeps his distance.
Lawrence throws a right hand that misses
and Tantor counters with a two punch combo.
Tantor tries to close the distance and clinch up but Lawrence swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Lawrence throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Lawrence comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Tantor on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Maki Tantor has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Malachi Lawrence is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Lawrence throws a jab but it's blocked by Tantor.
Lawrence smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.

And that's the end of the fight!
Malachi Lawrence comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Lawrence winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 Jack Bonds scores the fight 27:30
Judge Frank Antenori scores the fight 27:30
Judge Don Winkell scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Malachi Lawrence!