PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Marc Tong Panong (ranked 2740 p4p, 2216 weight class) and Kasparas Spirikavicius (ranked 315 p4p, 264 weight class). Tong Panong kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genius that is Tetris Song. Both these guys have really solid chins. Will we see a standup war or will they both decide that a knockout is unlikely and try to win the fight elsewhere?

Tong Panong
vs
Spirikavicius

183 cm
24
192
8 - 7 - 0

185 cm
24
185
3 - 4 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Good low kicks
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 8 - 7 - 0, fighting out of New York, Marc Tong Panong!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Kasparas Spirikavicius!
The judges for this bout are Hugh Johnson, Francis DeMontford and Steve Erwin.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Tong Panong throws a hook to the side of Spirikavicius's head but Spirikavicius sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Spirikavicius stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Spirikavicius wants it to stay on the feet.
Tong Panong dives in for a single leg takedown but Spirikavicius sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Spirikavicius fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Tong Panong throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Spirikavicius blocks an elbow strike from Tong Panong.
Tong Panong is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Spirikavicius gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Marc Tong Panong. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Tong Panong jumps guard and drags Spirikavicius to the mat. He's obviously going to be looking for submissions off his back.

Tong Panong has an omoplata and is looking to use it perhaps as a submission or perhaps to transition. Spirikavicius is in a bit of discomfort here, but he's managed to free himself and has dived into side control! That didn't work out too well for Tong Panong.
Tong Panong is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Spirikavicius tries to get to his feet but he's trapped momentarily.
Tong Panong defending against the ground and pound.
Tong Panong is trying to improve his position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Spirikavicius wants to stand but Tong Panong has his arm trapped.

Spirikavicius is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Tong Panong has escaped the position, nice work there.
Tong Panong manages to work his way to half guard, despite Spirikavicius's best efforts.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Tong Panong looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.

Spirikavicius seems to be working for a kimura but Tong Panong defends the submission attempt.
Tong Panong is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.

Tong Panong looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Spirikavicius tries to stand and escape but Tong Panong is controlling the position.

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.
Spirikavicius missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.

Tong Panong looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Tong Panong tries to get to full guard but Spirikavicius has control of the leg.
Tong Panong works his way to full guard. Good work.
Spirikavicius tries to stand but Tong Panong is controlling from the bottom.
Tong Panong is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Spirikavicius wanted to stand there but Tong Panong had control of the position.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
Tong Panong is adopting a defensive guard.
Spirikavicius must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Spirikavicius trying to stand up but can't free himself from Tong Panong's guard.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Spirikavicius thows a left - swing and a miss!
Tong Panong moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Spirikavicius misses with a looping left.
Tong Panong shoots and misses
and Spirikavicius counters with a nice uppercut.
Spirikavicius swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Tong Panong has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Spirikavicius finds it's way round the side to connect with Tong Panong's head.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Spirikavicius swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Tong Panong closes the distance but Spirikavicius moves to the side
and Spirikavicius counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Tong Panong avoids a punch combination nicely.
Spirikavicius misses with a straight left.
Tong Panong is trying hard to land a takedown here. Spirikavicius sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Spirikavicius looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Marc Tong Panong seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Nice takedown defense from Spirikavicius. No joy for Tong Panong on that attempt.

Tong Panong drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Tong Panong is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Spirikavicius is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
Tong Panong grinds an elbow into Spirikavicius's temple.

Tong Panong thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
Spirikavicius throwing some weak shots from the bottom that do no damage.
Tong Panong working the ground and pound but he's contacting the mat, not the fighter.

Tong Panong looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Spirikavicius is trying to control Tong Panong's posture but Tong Panong avoids it.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Kasparas Spirikavicius will probably get the nod.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Spirikavicius throws a hook to the side of Tong Panong's head but Tong Panong sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Tong Panong misses with a telegraphed body shot
and Spirikavicius counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Spirikavicius throws a body punch but Tong Panong moves out of range.
Spirikavicius throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Tong Panong stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Spirikavicius stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Spirikavicius wants it to stay on the feet.
Spirikavicius avoids the body shot from Tong Panong.
Tong Panong tries to close the distance and clinch but Spirikavicius swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Kasparas Spirikavicius seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Spirikavicius looks to land a right hand but Tong Panong moved out of range.
Tong Panong shoots in looking for a takedown. Spirikavicius tries to sprawl out of it but Tong Panong keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Spirikavicius manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
A big left from Spirikavicius misses.
Tong Panong seem to be loading up, looking for a big counter.
Spirikavicius fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Tong Panong tries for a takedown but Spirikavicius circles away easily
and Spirikavicius counters with a lovely straight right hand!
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Marc Tong Panong. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Tong Panong tries to clinch up but Spirikavicius circles away and keeps his distance.
Tong Panong defending well as Spirikavicius loads up on a big left hand.
Tong Panong throws a lazy uppercut
and Spirikavicius counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Tong Panong comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Spirikavicius keeps the fight on the outside.
Spirikavicius has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Nice cross by Tong Panong.
Left hook, right uppercut from Spirikavicius.
Tong Panong on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Tong Panong tries to close the distance and clinch up but Spirikavicius swats him away and circles back towards the center.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Spirikavicius softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Spirikavicius lands a left hand that snaps the head of Tong Panong backwards.
Tong Panong blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Spirikavicius scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Spirikavicius lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Tong Panong fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Spirikavicius misses with the head strike.
Spirikavicius lands a left hand.
Tong Panong blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Spirikavicius fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Spirikavicius scores with a shot to the side of Tong Panong's head.
Tong Panong is working Spirikavicius over against the cage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Spirikavicius stops a takedown attempt from Tong Panong.
Spirikavicius lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Spirikavicius avoiding damage as Tong Panong throws knees to the body.

Tong Panong wants the takedown. Spirikavicius is fighting it off but Tong Panong persists and manages to bring the fight to the ground, ending up in Spirikavicius's guard against the cage.
Tong Panong looking to pass the guard.
Tong Panong trying to control but Spirikavicius is working from the bottom.
Tong Panong won't allow Spirikavicius to get back to his feet.
Spirikavicius utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Spirikavicius is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.

Spirikavicius has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Tong Panong can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tong Panong wants to control from the top but Spirikavicius keeps moving.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters, thinking about a standup.
Tong Panong won't allow Spirikavicius to sweep him here.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
The fight stays on the outside here - Tong Panong looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Tong Panong tries to move into range but Spirikavicius moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Tong Panong swings and misses with a hook to the body.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Spirikavicius! But no joy.
Tong Panong slips a straight right by Spirikavicius.
It looked like Tong Panong was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.
Tong Panong throws a looping overhand right but Spirikavicius ducks down to avoid it.
Kasparas Spirikavicius is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Spirikavicius waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Tong Panong.
Tong Panong uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Spirikavicius.
Spirikavicius scores with a punch to the head.
Nice jab there from Spirikavicius.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A slow jab from Spirikavicius misses its intended target.
Tong Panong avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Tong Panong half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Tong Panong lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Tong Panong scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Spirikavicius misses with a looping right.
Spirikavicius misses with a straight right.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Spirikavicius swings for the body but Tong Panong moves out of range.
Tong Panong tries to clinch but Spirikavicius moves out of range.
Tong Panong gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Spirikavicius.
Spirikavicius lands with an uppercut that bounces Tong Panong off the cage and back into range.
Good standup being displayed there by Tong Panong as he connects with a hook.
Tong Panong fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Spirikavicius is out of range.
Tong Panong tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Spirikavicius manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Good shot there by Spirikavicius.
Tong Panong uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Spirikavicius.

Tong Panong closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Tong Panong drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Tong Panong tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Kasparas Spirikavicius showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!

Tong Panong wants to clinch up but Spirikavicius keeps it at a distance.
A decent looking cross lands there for Spirikavicius.
A punch lands to the side of Tong Panong 's head but he takes it in his stride.
No joy there for Tong Panong, who threw a few shots but didn't land.

Tong Panong looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
Spirikavicius controlling Tong Panong's posture.
Tong Panong won't allow Spirikavicius to get back to his feet.
Spirikavicius being controlled here, momentarily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Tong Panong prevents Spirikavicius from getting back to his feet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tong Panong tries to free his leg and advance position but Spirikavicius is retaining full guard.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
Spirikavicius is looking to stand up but Tong Panong isn't so interested in that idea.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Tong Panong ducks under a wild hook from Spirikavicius.
Spirikavicius takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Spirikavicius scores with a jab to the jaw.
Spirikavicius throws a big shot that misses.
Spirikavicius lands a jab to the nose.
Tong Panong ducks under a wild hook from Spirikavicius.
Spirikavicius stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Spirikavicius wants it to stay on the feet.
Spirikavicius 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.
Spirikavicius fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.

Tong Panong forces Spirikavicius back against the cage and clinches.
Spirikavicius tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Tong Panong jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Spirikavicius walks away with a smile on his face. Tong Panong gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Tong Panong tries to close the distance and clinch but Spirikavicius swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Kasparas Spirikavicius 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.
Spirikavicius misses with a straight right.
Spirikavicius throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Tong Panong on the side of the head.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Tong Panong shoots in but no luck this time.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Marc Tong Panong. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Spirikavicius clobbers Tong Panong with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Tong Panong wants to clinch up but Spirikavicius keeps it at a distance.
Tong Panong gets off balance looking for a body kick
enabling Spirikavicius to counter with a crisp jab.
A big left from Spirikavicius misses.
Tong Panong throws a combination that misses
and Spirikavicius cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Spirikavicius waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Tong Panong.

Tong Panong closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Spirikavicius quickly recovers to half guard.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Spirikavicius is looking to escape.
Spirikavicius felt the need to train up his defensive grappling in the buildup to the fight. Presumably he was expecting to be in a difficult position like this, so let's see if he can get out of it.
Tong Panong wants to control but Spirikavicius is keeping him busy.
Spirikavicius is pressing down on Tong Panong's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Tong Panong trying to control the position from guard on top but Spirikavicius is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Spirikavicius wants to sweep here but Tong Panong controlling him for the moment.
Tong Panong pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Spirikavicius is keeping the position for now.
Spirikavicius pulls Tong Panong in close to prevent any damage.
Tong Panong prevents Spirikavicius from getting back to his feet.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Spirikavicius feints and then cracks Tong Panong's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Tong Panong down.
Tong Panong throws a low kick but Spirikavicius moves out of range easily.
Spirikavicius takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Spirikavicius moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Spirikavicius stuffs the takedown attempt from Tong Panong. Tong Panong gets slowly back to his feet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nice cross by Spirikavicius.
Tong Panong is looking to clinch but Spirikavicius is avoiding it.
Spirikavicius scores with a hook.
Tong Panong tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Spirikavicius paws at him with a jab and circles away.
A punch combination from Tong Panong misses.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Spirikavicius, as that shot connected.
Spirikavicius scores with a decent looking hook.
Nice body punch from Spirikavicius.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Spirikavicius misses with an uppercut.
Tong Panong doesn't succeed with the takedown
enabling Spirikavicius to counter with a crisp jab.
Tong Panong ducks under a wild hook from Spirikavicius.
Tong Panong's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Spirikavicius connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Tong Panong scrambles back to his feet.
Tong Panong bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Spirikavicius's head.
Marc Tong Panong has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Tong Panong tries to clinch but fails miserably
and Spirikavicius counters with a straight right hand.

And that's the end of the fight!
Kasparas Spirikavicius comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Spirikavicius 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 Hugh Johnson scores the fight 27:30
Judge Francis DeMontford scores the fight 27:30
Judge Steve Erwin scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Kasparas Spirikavicius!
Marc Tong Panong was interviewed post fight and said 'the guy did not do anything else than few lucky shots...'.