PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Islam Bayat (ranked 6012 p4p, 25654 weight class) and Hubert Rubert (ranked 536 p4p, 654 weight class). Islam Bayat had real problems making weight for this fight. After initially coming in at 156.6lbs, he had two hours to make the official fight weight. He made it but it will have taken a lot out of him to cut those extra few pounds. This should be fireworks!

Bayat
vs
Rubert

178 cm
25
160
0 - 1 - 0

150 cm
25
155
0 - 2 - 0

Good takedowns
Brawler
Good chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent boxer
Solid chin

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 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of London, Islam Bayat!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Hubert Rubert!
The judges for this bout are Aafke Stam, Patrick Alders and Albert Achterberg.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Rubert throws a leg kick but Bayat checks it.
Bayat looks exhausted already! Oh dear, he should have come in in better shape than this!
Rubert throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Rubert misses with a straight left.
Bayat tries to counter by moving into the clinch but Rubert manages to circle out of the way.
Bayat avoids the body shot from Rubert.
Rubert looks to score with a jab to the body but Bayat is just out of range.
A low kick from Rubert is predictable there

and Bayat counters with a nice double leg into half guard.

Rubert manages to escape and get back to his feet!
Bayat checks the leg kick nicely there.
Bayat appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Rubert misses with an uppercut. Bayat saw that one coming.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Rubert looks for the body kick but Bayat saw that one coming.
Rubert waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Bayat.
Bayat appears to be looking for a big counter.
Rubert looks for the body kick but Bayat saw that one coming.
Rubert misses with a wild body shot.
As Rubert looks to move away, Bayat throws a big counter combo but Rubert just gets out of the way.
Rubert throws a head kick that misses.
Rubert throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Bayat blocks a head kick by Rubert.
Bayat displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Rubert throws out the jab.
Rubert misses with a hook.
Hubert Rubert is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rubert jabbing away but nothing is landing.

The fight moves into the clinch position.

Bayat has Rubert pressed up against the cage. He's trying to work for a single leg takedown. Bayat pulls back from the cage and twists to the side, sending Rubert tumbling to the mat - Bayat dives into Rubert's guard.
Rubert keeping full guard, as Bayat tries to pass.
Bayat trying to control but Rubert is working from the bottom.
Rubert is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Bayat is controlling him.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Rubert kicks Bayat off and gets to his feet.
Bayat looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Rubert misses with a wild body shot.
Rubert throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Rubert throws a push kick but Bayat slaps the foot to one side.
Bayat drops down looking for a counter takedown but Rubert sprawls and moves away.
Rubert throws a half hearted mid kick.
Rubert tries a head kick but it misses.
Rubert throws a head kick but Bayat moves out of range.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Rubert throws a head kick that misses.
Rubert throws a body punch but Bayat moves out of range.
Rubert throws a head kick but Bayat moves out of range.
A counter left hand to the body from Bayat misses its target.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bayat blocks a jab.

Rubert gets caught napping as Bayat dives in and scores a takedown. Rubert manages to retain guard.
Rubert keeping moving, preventing Bayat from controlling successfully.
Rubert wants to stand and escape but Bayat is having none of it.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Bayat is looking to work some ground and pound but Rubert has wrist control.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Rubert looks to score with a jab to the body but Bayat is just out of range.
Rubert throws a big shot that misses.
Rubert misses with a kick to the body

and Bayat counters with a shoot takedown. Rubert fights it but they end up in guard.

Rubert has his feet on Bayat's hips. He pushes off and gets to his feet. Nice work.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Rubert tries a head kick but it misses.
Rubert waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Bayat.
Bayat moves out of range of the body kick.
Bayat keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Rubert misses with a head kick.
Rubert just misses with a punch to the body.
Rubert tries a head kick but it misses.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Hubert Rubert dominated that round.
That's time! Bayat's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Rubert throws a head kick that misses.
As Rubert looks to move away, Bayat throws a big counter combo but Rubert just gets out of the way.
Rubert has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Rubert tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Bayat uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Rubert.
Rubert swings for the body but Bayat moves out of range.
Bayat changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.

Bayat darts in and clinches Rubert up against the cage.
Bayat has Rubert pressed against the cage, preventing Rubert from circling away and getting back to striking at range.

Bayat manages to break the clinch.
Bayat slips under a jab.
Rubert throws a body kick that misses.
Rubert blocks a low kick nicely.
Rubert throws a head kick that misses.
Hubert Rubert seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rubert misses with a hook. Bayat ducked under it nicely.
Rubert throws a head kick that misses.
Bayat changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.

Bayat gets a clinch.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
A frustrated look appears on Rubert's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Rubert tries to circle away but Bayat has him pinned against the cage.

Bayat has clasped his hands together around Rubert's back... aaand, he's got a takedown into side control. Nicely done.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rubert wants to get back to his feet but Bayat drags him back down.
Bayat wants to lay and pray for a moment but Rubert keeps working.
Bayat creates some space and throws a big elbow, but Rubert sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike.
Bayat prevents Rubert from escaping the position.
Bayat trying to control the action but Rubert is working from the bottom.
The ground and pound from Bayat seems to be hitting the mat more than his opponent.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Rubert throws a head kick that misses.
Rubert fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Bayat manages to avoid it.
Bayat seemed to be looking to counter by closing the distance.
Rubert just misses with a punch to the body.
Rubert pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Rubert tries to land a front kick but Bayat steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Rubert is really struggling to land any decent head shots against his taller opponent.
Rubert waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Bayat.
Rubert looks to land a right hand but Bayat moved out of range.
Bayat checks a leg kick nicely.
Bayat throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Rubert.
Nice defenses there by Bayat.
A big right from Rubert misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rubert is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Bayat.
Rubert misses with an attempted mid kick.
Rubert tries to land a front kick but Bayat steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Rubert misses with a low kick.
Islam Bayat is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Bayat keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Bayat avoids the head kick by Rubert.
Rubert tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Hubert Rubert seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Rubert misses with an uppercut. Bayat saw that one coming.
Rubert throws a sloppy head kick and Bayat moves out of range easily.
Bayat thinks about countering with a body kick.
Rubert looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Rubert tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Bayat was well out of range. Poor timing from Rubert.
Rubert misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
A jab from Rubert misses.
Bayat uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Rubert.
Rubert swings for the body but Bayat moves out of range.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Bayat avoids the head kick by Rubert.
Rubert throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Rubert misses with a body shot.
Rubert tries to land a front kick but Bayat steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Rubert throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Rubert fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Bayat manages to avoid it.
Rubert throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Rubert throws a body kick, spinning off balance
and Bayat counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Rubert pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Bayat drives through with a takedown into Rubert's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
Bayat controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Rubert keeping moving, preventing Bayat from controlling successfully.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Hubert Rubert showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Bayat's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!

Rubert throws a body shot but no joy.
Rubert misses with a head kick.
Bayat tries to counter with a takedown but Rubert is quick to defend against it.

Bayat changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Rubert looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.

Rubert bucks up and manages to escape back to his feet!
Rubert throws out a leg kick but Bayat moves out of range and Rubert only half commits.
Bayat blocks a head kick by Rubert.
Bayat defending well as Rubert loads up on a big left hand.
Bayat slips a jab from Rubert.
Rubert tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
A clash of legs there as Bayat blocks the low kick.
A head kick misses from Rubert.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Rubert tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Bayat blocks a head kick by Rubert.
Rubert misses with a head kick.
Rubert throws a hook but Bayat blocks it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rubert misses with a straight right.
Rubert throws a head kick that misses.
Rubert throws a wild body kick that Bayat sees coming a mile off.
Bayat keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
A head kick by Rubert misses

and Bayat counters with a single leg into guard. Rubert didn't expect that.
Rubert wants to stand but Bayat is controlling the position.
Bayat is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Bayat accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Rubert has his feet on Bayat's hips. He pushes off and gets to his feet. Nice work.
A head kick misses from Rubert.
A head kick misses from Rubert.
Rubert throws a leg kick but Bayat moved away.
Rubert misses with a head kick.
Bayat uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Rubert.
Rubert tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Bayat was well out of range. Poor timing from Rubert.
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!
Rubert waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Bayat.
Rubert pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Rubert pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
A little feinted left hand from Bayat on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Rubert throws a chopping leg kick but Bayat manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Rubert throws a hard body shot but it just misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A head kick misses from Rubert.
Rubert tries a low kick but Bayat avoids it.
Rubert motions for Bayat to come forward. Rubert throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Bayat seem to be loading up, looking for a big counter.
Bayat looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Rubert throws a sloppy head kick and Bayat moves out of range easily.
Bayat uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Rubert.
Bayat keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Rubert.
Rubert tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Bayat was well out of range. Poor timing from Rubert.
Bayat went nuts there looking for a big combo counter but none of the flurry connected.
Rubert throws a leg kick

and Bayat counters with a nice double leg into guard.
Bayat trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Bayat seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
Bayat throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Bayat tries to free his leg and advance position but Rubert is retaining full guard.
Bayat trying to control but Rubert is working from the bottom.
Bayat stops Rubert from standing up.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.
Bayat wants to pass the guard but Rubert is keeping the position.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Islam Bayat has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Hubert Rubert is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Rubert looks to score with a jab to the body but Bayat is just out of range.

And that's the end of the fight!
Hubert Rubert comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Rubert 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 Aafke Stam scores the fight 27:30
Judge Patrick Alders scores the fight 27:30
Judge Albert Achterberg scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Hubert Rubert!
Hubert Rubert made sure to give a little speech post fight, saying 'I love the fight like to win but I love putting on a show I love you all! '.