PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Mehdi Alanavi (ranked 5218 p4p, 25340 weight class) and Bheng Fokker (ranked 544 p4p, 656 weight class). Bheng Fokker has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Alanavi
vs
Fokker

189 cm
20
185
1 - 2 - 0

189 cm
18
169
1 - 2 - 0

Good wrestling
Solid boxing
Cardio machine

BJJ White Belt
Basic striking
Solid chin

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 1 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Mehdi Alanavi!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Bheng Fokker!
The judges for this bout are Gregory Folan, Elvis Blanc and Trevor Gratis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Fokker throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Fokker is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
Alanavi staying out of range there.
Fokker throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Alanavi is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Fokker connects with a single shot there.
Bheng Fokker seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Alanavi ducks under a wild hook from Fokker.
A quick step to the side and Alanavi tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
Alanavi slips a jab from Fokker.
Alanavi lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
We've been informed that Fokker 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.
Alanavi uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Fokker has time to react.
Fokker lands an overhand right.
Alanavi throws a looping overhand right but Fokker ducks down to avoid it.
Fokker throws a lazy uppercut
and Alanavi connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Fokker circles away from the clinch attempt.
Alanavi slips under a jab from Fokker.
Fokker throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Alanavi counters with a nice uppercut.
Alanavi slips under a jab from Fokker.
Fokker misses with a double jab
and Alanavi counters with a left and a right that stings Fokker.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Fokker misses the jab.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Alanavi steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Fokker.
Alanavi throws a big counter combination but Fokker scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
Alanavi displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Fokker throws out the jab.
Fokker misses with a left hand
and Alanavi connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Fokker misses with a two punch combination.
Fokker ducks under a wild hook from Alanavi.
Fokker misses the jab.
Fokker throws a shot from downtown. Alanavi moves away and avoids it.
Alanavi was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Fokker's jab looks to have found its range, popping Alanavi under the eye.
Alanavi uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Fokker.
Fokker connects with a single shot there.
Alanavi gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Fokker.
Fokker misses with a straight left.
Alanavi was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Fokker is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Alanavi keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Fokker.
Fokker throws out a loose jab but Alanavi uses good head movement to avoid it.
Fokker misses with a looping right.
Fokker might want to mix his strikes up a bit more. He's just going for head shots at the moment and that can become a bit predictable.
Fokker thows a left - swing and a miss!
Alanavi throwing a counter right hand but Fokker manages to avoid it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Fokker throws a shot from downtown. Alanavi moves away and avoids it.
Fokker misses with an uppercut
and Alanavi counters with a nice uppercut.
Fokker misses with a lunging right hand
and Alanavi counters with a right hand to the body.
Fokker throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Alanavi counters with a stiff right hand.
Fokker jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Fokker jabbing away but nothing is landing.
A counter left hand to the body from Alanavi misses its target.
The fighters circling - Fokker throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Alanavi swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
A jab from Fokker misses.
Alanavi slips a jab and a cross from Fokker.
Fokker has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Alanavi finds it's way round the side to connect with Fokker's head.
Alanavi pushes forward with a 1-2 combination that forces Fokker back to the cage. Alanavi follows up with a solid lead hook to the liver.
Alanavi throws a jab but it's blocked by Fokker.
Alanavi lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Fokker backs up against the cage.
Fokker misses with a jab, cross combination.
It looked like Alanavi wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Fokker throws a big shot that misses.
Alanavi connects with a body shot that sends Fokker's belly button to the back.
Fokker swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Alanavi.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Alanavi scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Alanavi looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Fokker throws a jab when Alanavi was well out of range.
Nice defenses there by Alanavi.
Alanavi avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Fokker misses with an uppercut.
Alanavi lands a jab to Fokker's midsection.
A big left from Fokker misses.
Alanavi slips under a jab.
Fokker swings widly with a right hand
and Alanavi connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Alanavi comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Alanavi ducks under a wild hook from Fokker.
Alanavi just misses with a punch to the body.
Alanavi throws a big shot that misses.
Fokker feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Alanavis jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Fokker misses with an uppercut.
Alanavi misses the jab.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Fokker looks to land a right hand but Alanavi moved out of range.
Fokker throws a hook but Alanavi blocks it.
Fokker throws a jab when Alanavi was well out of range.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Alanavi displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Fokker throws out the jab.
A jab from Fokker misses.
A jab from Fokker misses.
Alanavi is really peppering his opponent's head with punches.
Fokker misses with a hook.
Alanavi went nuts there looking for a big combo counter but none of the flurry connected.
Fokker throws a poor cross that misses
letting Alanavi counter with a right hand.
Fokker scores with a nice strike.

Alanavi gets a clinch.

Alanavi breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Alanavi looks to score with a jab to the body but Fokker is just out of range.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Alanavi lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Fokker at a distance.
Fokker misses with an uppercut. Alanavi saw that one coming.
Fokker lands with a right hand.
Alanavi moves forwards but Fokker connects with a nice, crisp jab.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Mehdi Alanavi will probably get the nod.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare each other down, ready to get back to the action.

Fokker jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Fokker throws a hook to the side of Alanavi's head but Alanavi sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Fokker misses with a lunging right hand
and Alanavi counters with a series of strikes. Fokker will be more careful next time no doubt.
Fokker swinging wildly here.
Alanavi lands with an overhand left.
Fokker throws a right and a left that both miss.
Fokker connects with a single shot there.
Alanavi slips under a jab from Fokker.
Alanavi jabs Fokker right on the nose. Fokker blinks but takes it well.
Alanavi cracks Fokker with a right hand to the side of the head.
Fokker throws a series of punches but Alanavi moves out of range.
Fokker scores with a jab. Alanavi acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Alanavi thows a left - swing and a miss!
Alanavi with a jab.
Alanavi tries to move into range but Fokker moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.

That's one minute gone in the round.
The fighters circling - Fokker throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Alanavi avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Fokker sizes up Alanavi with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Alanavi slips a jab from Fokker.
Alanavi appeared to be looking to counter that last move with a leg kick.
Alanavi slips a straight right by Fokker.
Alanavi uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Fokker.
Danga de danga de dang - Fokker scores with a four punch combination!
Fokker misses with a hook
and Fokker takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Fokker throws a hook to the side of Alanavi's head but Alanavi sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
A nice leg kick from Alanavi, right into the meat of the thigh.
Alanavi throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Fokker with a jab.
Fokker pushes forward with a 1-2 combination that forces Alanavi back to the cage. Fokker follows up with a solid lead hook to the liver.
Bheng Fokker seems to be getting the better of the standup.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Alanavi slips under a jab.
Alanavi swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Fokker moves out of range of the body kick from Alanavi.
Alanavi steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Fokker.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Fokker throws a right hand that Alanavi ducks under and follows up with a left that Alanavi also avoids with ease.
A cross from Fokker lands.
Alanavi moves out of range as Fokker strikes.
Some wild striking there from Fokker.
A jab from Fokker misses.
Alanavi slips a jab and a cross from Fokker.
Fokker is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Alanavi.
Fokker misses the jab.
Alanavi was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Fokker misses with a looping left.
A little feinted left hand from Alanavi on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Fokker throws a poor cross that misses
and Alanavi counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Fokker uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
A telegraphed right hand from Fokker misses the target.
A punch combination from Alanavi misses.
Fokker throws a shot from downtown. Alanavi moves away and avoids it.
Alanavi closes the distance and lands a one-two.
Fokker throws a right hand that misses
enabling Alanavi to counter with a crisp jab.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Fokker thows a left - swing and a miss!
Alanavi wants to take advantage of his opponent's missed offense by moving into the clinch.
Alanavi lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Fokker misses with a looping right.
Alanavi throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Fokker lands a really nice looking cross but Alanavi seems unphased.
Alanavi bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Fokker looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Fokker throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Fokker misses with a right hand
and Alanavi counters with a stiff right hand.
Fokker throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Alanavi moves out of range as Fokker strikes.
Alanavi throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.

Alanavi gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Alanavi content to slow the pace in the clinch.
Alanavi lands a shot to the body.
Fokker is breathing heavily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A shot in the inside from Alanavi.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Alanavi works on Fokker's body with a couple of short punches.
Alanavi throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Fokkers head.
Alanavi slowing the pace effectively.
Alanavi is leaning against Fokker and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
The pace slowing considerably in the clinch, as Alanavi takes a break from that fighting nonsense to think about the finer things in life.
Alanavi lands a right hand that snaps the head of Fokker backwards.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Alanavi manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.
A shot in the inside from Alanavi.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Mehdi Alanavi will probably get the nod.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Fokker moves into range and connects with a jab.
Alanavi lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Alanavi drops his hands momentarily and Fokker takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Alanavi avoids a punch combination nicely.

Alanavi fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Fokker, pushing him back against the cage.
Fokker tries to circle away but Alanavi has him pinned against the cage.
A nice right hand lands inside from Alanavi.
Alanavi struggles to land a body shot inside as Fokker controls his hands.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Fokker breaks the clinch.
Fokker swats away the attempt to clinch by Alanavi.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Fokker! But no joy.
Alanavi throws a lazy right hand but Fokker sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Alanavi misses with a wild combination.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Fokker misses with an uppercut.
Nice shot by Fokker.
Fokker misses with an uppercut
and Alanavi counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Alanavi cracks Fokker with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Fokker jabbing away but nothing is landing.
An attempted straight right counter from Alanavi misses the target.
Alanavi misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Fokker.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Fokker! But no joy.
Alanavi slips under a jab from Fokker.
Alanavi jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Alanavi moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Fokker rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Alanavi moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Alanavi tries to close the distance and clinch up but Fokker swats him away and circles back towards the center.

Alanavi rushes Fokker and presses him up against the cage.
Alanavi is stalling here.

Alanavi escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Fokker bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Alanavi looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
A nice combination there by Fokker.
A big left from Fokker misses.
Fokker throws a hook to the side of Alanavi's head but Alanavi sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Fokker lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
Alanavi uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Fokker.
Fokker throws a jab when Alanavi was well out of range.
A telegraphed right hand from Fokker misses the target.
Fokker throws a right hand that misses
and Alanavi counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Fokker throws a big shot that misses.
Alanavi slips a straight right by Fokker.
Fokker lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Nice defenses there by Alanavi.
Alanavi tries to counter by moving into the clinch but Fokker manages to circle out of the way.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Fokker looks to land a combination but Alanavi avoids it well.
Alanavi lands a nice looking body shot.
Alanavi lands a glancing blow to the side of Fokker's head.
Alanavi gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Fokker.
Alanavi misses with a double jab.
A big right from Fokker misses.
Fokker loads up on a big right hand but Alanavi slips the punch.
Alanavi throwing a counter right hand but Fokker manages to avoid it.
Fokker throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
enabling Alanavi to counter with a crisp jab.
Mehdi Alanavi is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Alanavi steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Fokker.
Fokker with a nice cross.
Fokker fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Alanavi on the side of the head.
Alanavi scores with a nice head shot.
Alanavi avoids a punch combination nicely.
Alanavi jinks towards his opponent looking like he wants to counter with a mid kick but doesn't commit.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Fokker misses with a hook
enabling Alanavi to counter with a crisp jab.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Alanavi digs a good body shot into Fokker's ribs.
Fokker misses the jab.
Fokker circles away from the clinch attempt.
Alanavi doesn't manage to clinch there - Fokker circles away.
Alanavi tries to clinch but Fokker moves out of range.
Fokker misses with a hook
and Alanavi counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Alanavi connects with a body shot that sends Fokker's belly button to the back.
Alanavi uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Fokker.
Fokker throws a right hand that Alanavi ducks under and follows up with a left that Alanavi also avoids with ease.
Fokker swings widly with a right hand
and Alanavi counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Alanavi defending well as Fokker loads up on a big left hand.
It looked like Alanavi wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Fokker throws a lazy uppercut
and Fokker takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Fokker has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Fokker throws the left hand but Alanavi avoids the punch easily.
Alanavi slips under a jab from Fokker.
It looked like Alanavi wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Bheng Fokker has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Fokker missing with a left hand there. Alanavi was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Alanavi on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Mehdi Alanavi.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Alanavi, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 Gregory Folan scores the fight 30:27
Judge Elvis Blanc scores the fight 30:27
Judge Trevor Gratis scores the fight 28:30

In favor of your winner, by split decision... Mehdi Alanavi!
Mehdi Alanavi spent the whole post fight interview bigging himself up. It didn't go down that well with the fans after a while as they thought it was a bit arrogant.