PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Rick Richardson (ranked 782 p4p, 1088 weight class) and Yakubu Okoroji (ranked 46 p4p, 63 weight class). Chooooooooon! I think Richardson might be my favorite fighter, now he's come out to Alma Enamorada (Chalino Sánchez). Yakubu Okoroji has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Richardson
vs
Okoroji

175 cm
25
145
12 - 4 - 0

165 cm
22
140
6 - 4 - 1

Abu Dhabi Champ
World class boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
World class boxer
Fast

Bondi MMA 🏝️
Ma Balls Is Hot Clothing

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 12 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Rick Richardson!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 4 - 1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Yakubu Okoroji!
The judges for this bout are Frank Antenori, Percy O'Donnell and Don Winkell.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Richardson missing with a left hand there. Okoroji was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Okoroji feints the counter takedown.
Richardson throws a looping overhand right but Okoroji ducks down to avoid it.
Richardson throws out a loose jab but Okoroji uses good head movement to avoid it.
Okoroji uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Richardson.
Okoroji digs a good body shot into Richardson's ribs.
Richardson thuds his right hand into Okoroji's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Okoroji moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Okoroji attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Richardson catches Okoroji with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!

It looks like Yakubu Okoroji has been cut.
Richardson misses with an uppercut. Okoroji saw that one coming.
Okoroji is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Richardson drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Okoroji cracks Richardson with a right hand to the side of the head.
Richardson throws the left hand but Okoroji avoids the punch easily.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Nice defenses there by Okoroji.
Richardson throws a hook but Okoroji avoids it easily.
Okoroji with the counter takedown but Richardson avoids it easily.
Rick Richardson seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
That kick from Okoroji tenderised Richardson's leg. Richardson is trying to keep his angry face on.
Okoroji with a nice calf kick.
Okoroji dips down and scores with a jab to the body.

Okoroji manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Richardson on his heels. He'll look to pass Richardson's guard now, I'm sure.
Okoroji throws an elbow that misses. Richardson uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Okoroji's guard. Nice move by Richardson!

Richardson wants to control from the top but Okoroji keeps moving.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Richardson is really struggling to control Okoroji but he's trying to hold on to the position.

Okoroji working for a triangle but Richardson defends it easily.
Okoroji wants to sweep but no luck.
Richardson is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Richardson stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Okoroji swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Richardson is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Okoroji controls Richardson momentarily but Richardson frees himself.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Richardson stays in close to Okoroji's body and controls the position.
Richardson tries to free his leg and advance position but Okoroji is retaining full guard.
Richardson wants to control from the top but Okoroji keeps moving.
Okoroji looking to control.
Richardson forces his way into half guard.
Richardson is pressing down on Okoroji's thigh, looking to free his foot. Okoroji is holding on for now.

Richardson wants to work for an arm triangle but Okoroji is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
We've been hearing good reports from Richardson'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.
Okoroji wants to get back to full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Richardson wants to pass the guard but Okoroji is defending well.
Richardson keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
Okoroji is looking to improve his position.

Richardson is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.
Richardson wants to take a breather but Okoroji is having none of it.
Richardson is taking a breather. Okoroji says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.
Okoroji is doing well to control the position and prevent Richardson from advancing to side control.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Okoroji looks for a takedown but Richardson sprawls well.
Okoroji throws a body shot but no joy.
Nice defenses there by Okoroji.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nice body punch from Okoroji.
Rick Richardson is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Okoroji takes one to the chin there.

Okoroji looking for a takedown here - he's got it.

Richardson throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Okoroji missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Okoroji makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Okoroji trying to control but Richardson is working from the bottom.
Okoroji is in close to Richardson's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Richardson utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Yakubu Okoroji will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Yakubu Okoroji's cut.
That's time! Back to the action!

Okoroji connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Okoroji connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Okoroji connects with a nice looking jab.
Richardson loads up on a big right hand but Okoroji slips the punch.
Okoroji throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Richardson on the side of the head.
Okoroji lands a nice looking body shot.
Okoroji has been working his punching technique in the buildup to the fight and it appears to be paying off.
A lazy left from Richardson finds it's target.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Richardson takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Richardson avoids the body shot from Okoroji.
Richardson uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Okoroji.
Okoroji is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Richardson rather than just go for the knockout.
Nice defenses there by Okoroji.
Okoroji shoots in looking for a takedown but Richardson manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Okoroji's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
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!
Richardson throws a big shot that misses.
Okoroji ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Richardson thows a left - swing and a miss!
Good standup being displayed there by Richardson as he connects with a hook.
Richardson throws a lazy uppercut

and Okoroji counters with a shoot takedown. Richardson fights it but they end up in guard.
Okoroji postures up in Richardson's guard and throws a big left but Richardson blocks it.
Okoroji throws an elbow that misses. Richardson uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Okoroji's guard. Nice move by Richardson!

The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Richardson slips nicely into half guard.
Okoroji trying to control but Richardson postures up.
Richardson is trying to control. Okoroji wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Richardson content to control rather than advance.
Okoroji is staying active underneath Richardson, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Richardson wants to pass the guard but Okoroji is defending well.
Richardson keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Richardson trying to control the action but Okoroji is working from the bottom.
Okoroji is looking to control Richardson's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Okoroji avoid being mounted?
Okoroji is looking for a sweep. Richardson is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Okoroji is trying to control but can't.
Richardson controlling the action here.
Richardson wants to control but Okoroji is keeping him busy.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Richardson in particular looking to stall.
Okoroji is trying to control but can't.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Okoroji lands with a nice body punch.
Rick Richardson is winning the standup battle so far.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Richardson is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Okoroji.
Richardson takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Richardson throws a big shot that misses.
Okoroji cracks a nice hook into Richardson's ribs.
Richardson takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Richardson takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Richardson lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
A left lands for Okoroji.
No luck for Okoroji with that takedown attempt.
A little feinted left hand from Richardson on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Okoroji steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Richardson.
Richardson throws a shot from downtown. Okoroji moves away and avoids it.
Okoroji keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Richardson.
Okoroji scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
A telegraphed right hand from Richardson misses the target.
Okoroji fails with a takedown attempt.
Rick Richardson has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Yakubu Okoroji.
The fighters circling - Richardson throws out the jab but it was never going to land.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Richardson is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Okoroji.
Richardson looks to land a left hand but Okoroji moved out of range nicely.
Okoroji moves out of range of the strikes.
Richardson takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Richardson takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Richardson takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
A slow jab from Richardson misses its intended target.
Richardson throws an overhand right that lands on Okoroji's shoulder, as Okoroji tries to avoid the shot.
Okoroji digs a good hook to Richardson's body.
A left lands for Okoroji.
Okoroji dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Good shot there by Richardson.
Okoroji lands a body shot.
Okoroji blocks a jab.
Okoroji displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Richardson throws out the jab.
Richardson throws an ugly left hook that misses

and Okoroji counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Richardson!
Okoroji tries to advance position but instead Richardson slips a leg back in to half guard.

Okoroji is trying to work for a kimura but Richardson is defending well.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Yakubu Okoroji showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Yakubu Okoroji's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Okoroji scores with a body shot.
Okoroji will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Okoroji uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Richardson.
A looping hook to the body misses from Okoroji. Richardson does a little dance to reset his feet.
A jab from Richardson misses.
Okoroji slips a straight right by Richardson.
Richardson throws a right hand that misses

and Okoroji counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Okoroji makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Okoroji lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Okoroji working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Okoroji throws an elbow that misses. Richardson uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Okoroji's guard. Nice move by Richardson!

Richardson is looking to advance position but Okoroji has hit a scissor sweep - now he's on top in mount!

Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Okoroji looking to ground and pound his opponent to a finish here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Okoroji lands a nice shot to the head.
Okoroji scoring with strikes but Richardson is staying in there.
Okoroji in mount throwing good strikes here, bouncing his opponent's head off the canvas.
Richardson takes a big shot to the head but keeps on trying to improve his position.
Okoroji lands a big elbow.
Okoroji lands a heavy elbow.
Yakubu Okoroji has got the better of the ground game so far.
Richardson is bucking up trying to escape but Okoroji cracks him with another couple of good strikes.
Okoroji with shots to the head and body - Richardson looks very uncomfortable down there.
Okoroji has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Okoroji in mount throwing good strikes here, bouncing his opponent's head off the canvas.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Okoroji in mount throwing good strikes here, bouncing his opponent's head off the canvas.
Rick Richardson has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Okoroji raining down hammerfists from mount.
Okoroji looking to control but Richardson is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Okoroji landing punches.
Okoroji scoring with some good ground and pound from mount here. Will he manage to finish Richardson?
Richardson is trying to escape the mount.
Okoroji landing punches.
BOOM! Okoroji connects with a massive shot to the dome!
Okoroji landing strikes, looking to finish!
Okoroji looking to control but Richardson is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Okoroji pausing momentarily but resumes with a couple of decent strikes that do a bit of damage.
Okoroji looking to ground and pound his opponent to a finish here.
Richardson keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
Okoroji can't control as he wanted to and Richardson manages to get the fight back to his half guard.
Okoroji scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Yakubu Okoroji is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Okoroji controlling the action here.
Okoroji seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Richardson does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Okoroji is in a good position here but he's just trying to control... And he's not even managing to do that successfully.
Okoroji controlling the action here.
Okoroji is trying to control the action in half guard but Richardson is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.

And that's the end of the fight!
Yakubu Okoroji comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Okoroji 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 Frank Antenori scores the fight 27:30
Judge Percy O'Donnell scores the fight 27:30
Judge Don Winkell scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Yakubu Okoroji!
During a confident post fight interview, Yakubu Okoroji thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.