PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Aboubacar Mandiang (ranked 703 p4p, 196 weight class) and Keith Rodgers (ranked 89 p4p, 25 weight class). Mandiang comes to the cage accompanied by Oliver Twist. The atmosphere really building for this one as we go over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Mandiang
vs
Rodgers

190 cm
35
189
29 - 20 - 1

184 cm
38
185
23 - 10 - 1

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Granite chin

Olympic wrestler
World class boxer
Granite chin

Conviction

30th Century Beer Store

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 29 - 20 - 1, fighting out of Los Angeles, Aboubacar Mandiang!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 23 - 10 - 1, fighting out of London, Keith Rodgers !
The judges for this bout are Chris Edwards, Andrew Berry and James Ackerman.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Rodgers digs a good hook to Mandiang's body.
Rodgers throws a shot to the body.
Rodgers has been spending a lot of time sparring his boxing in the run up to the fight, trying to sharpen up those hands and look for a knockout.
Mandiang lands a jab to the nose.
Mandiang takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Mandiang scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.

Rodgers rushes Mandiang and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Mandiang is looking to break free of the clinch but Rodgers has double underhooks.
A head punch on the inside from Rodgers fails to land.
Rodgers drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Rodgers is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Mandiang pulls him back up using the underhooks.

Mandiang breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Mandiang throws out a loose jab but Rodgers uses good head movement to avoid it.
Mandiang ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Rodgers moves away.
Rodgers throws out a counter right but Mandiang avoids it with no problem.
A looping hook to the body misses from Mandiang. Rodgers does a little dance to reset his feet.
Mandiang scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Both fighters circling a little - Rodgers finishes the exchange with a kick to the body.
Rodgers uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Mandiang.
Nice shot by Mandiang.
Rodgers uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Mandiang.
Rodgers swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Rodgers slips under a jab from Mandiang.
Aboubacar Mandiang is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rodgers moves into range and lands a nice body kick.
Mandiang throws a half hearted mid kick.
A cross from Rodgers lands.

Rodgers rushes Mandiang and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Mandiang working hard to break the clinch.

Mandiang breaks from the clinch.
We've been told by Mandiang's head coaches at Catch Wrestling L.A. that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Rodgers misses with a wild body shot.
Rodgers throws a leg kick which misses Mandiang's front leg but catches the back leg as Mandiang tries to avoid it.
Mandiang blocks the body kick.
Mandiang lands a body shot.
Rodgers throws a front kick that sends Mandiang stumbling back into the cage.
Mandiang throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Mandiang misses the jab.
Mandiang misses with a straight right.
Rodgers is trying to counter with his kicks.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Mandiang throws a nice looking combination but Rodgers bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Rodgers throws an overhand right that lands on Mandiang's shoulder, as Mandiang tries to avoid the shot.
Rodgers blocks a head kick by Mandiang.
A telegraphed right hand from Mandiang misses the target.
Mandiang ducks right into an uppercut from Rodgers .
Rodgers connects with a nice looking jab.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rodgers moves away from the strike by Mandiang.
Mandiang tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Rodgers pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Mandiang cracks a nice hook into Rodgers 's ribs.
Rodgers lands with a cross.
Rodgers tries to land a front kick but Mandiang steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Mandiang on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Rodgers . Rodgers obviously looking to wear him down.
Rodgers ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Rodgers lands a nice looking body kick.
Nice takedown defense from Mandiang. No joy for Rodgers on that attempt.
Aboubacar Mandiang has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Keith Rodgers .
Rodgers looks to land a left hand but Mandiang moved out of range nicely.
An attempted straight right counter from Mandiang misses the target.
Good shot there by Rodgers .
Rodgers slips a jab from Mandiang.
Rodgers scores with the left hand. Mandiang knows he should have avoided that one.
Rodgers is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Rodgers slips under a jab.
Rodgers scores with a kick to the midsection.
Mandiang just misses with a punch to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rodgers tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Mandiang defends well and Rodgers ends up having to push Mandiang into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Mandiang thinks about countering with a head kick.
Mandiang throws a big shot that misses.
A jab from Mandiang misses.
Rodgers darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Mandiang waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Rodgers .
Mandiang tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Rodgers scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Mandiang doesn't seem bothered though.
Rodgers gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Mandiang.
A low kick lands for Rodgers .
Mandiang throws a lazy right hand but Rodgers sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Rodgers connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Mandiang's hands.
Rodgers shoots in but no luck this time.
An attempted straight right counter from Mandiang misses the target.
Keith Rodgers seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Mandiang swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Rodgers .
Mandiang circles away from the clinch attempt.

Rodgers looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Rodgers landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Rodgers moves into full mount! Mandiang won't be happy about that!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mandiang holding onto his opponent's waist for dear life, as Rodgers tries to land some strikes to get him to release his grip.
Rodgers working the ground and pound effectively.
Mandiang is trying to get back to his feet but can't.
Rodgers putting on the heat here with some good ground and pound!
Rodgers scoring with strikes but Mandiang is staying in there.
Mandiang wants to use the cage to get back to his feet here.

Mandiang bucks Rodgers off and manages to get back to his feet!
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Mandiang tries a head kick but it misses.
Rodgers fails with a takedown attempt.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Keith Rodgers will probably get the nod.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Rodgers closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Rodgers lands in his opponent's guard.
Rodgers stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Mandiang swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Mandiang avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Mandiang wants to stand and escape but Rodgers is having none of it.
Rodgers throws a strike but Mandiang rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

Rodgers looks to be working for a triangle here. Oh, it looks like he might have it! Mandiang has picked Rodgers up and slammed him! Rodgers can't keep hold of the triangle and Mandiang manages to pass to side control!
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Mandiang wants to control but Rodgers is keeping him busy.
You can see the frustration on Rodgers 's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Rodgers is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.
Rodgers has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rodgers tries to roll over but Mandiang keeps him under control.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Rodgers is still trying to improve position.
Rodgers has a hand on Mandiang's thigh, trying to get back to full guard. Mandiang takes advantage of the position though and mounts him!

Mandiang gets to his feet and calls his opponent to stand. Here come the fireworks!
Mandiang throws a big shot that misses.
Mandiang tests Rodgers 's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Mandiang misses with a head kick.
Rodgers tries to close the distance and clinch up but Mandiang swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Mandiang tried to counter with a leg kick but Rodgers avoided it.
Rodgers tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Mandiang swivels and escapes.
Mandiang throws a sloppy head kick and Rodgers moves out of range easily.
Mandiang thows a left - swing and a miss!
A jab from Rodgers does it's job there.
Aboubacar Mandiang is winning the standup battle so far.
Rodgers is looking to take this fight into the clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Mandiang throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Rodgers throws a good cross that connects.
Rodgers connects with an inside leg kick.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Rodgers thows a left - swing and a miss!
Mandiang takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Mandiang misses with an attempted mid kick.
Rodgers throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Rodgers bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Mandiang's head.
A lazy left from Mandiang finds it's target.
Both fighters circling a little - Rodgers finishes the exchange with a kick to the body.
Rodgers avoids a punch combination nicely.
Rodgers uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Mandiang.
Mandiang takes a body kick right on the floating rib. Ouchie.

Rodgers scores with a takedown into Mandiang's guard.
Rodgers throwing strikes but missing.
Rodgers missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rodgers tries to free his leg and advance position but Mandiang is retaining full guard.
Rodgers stands up over Mandiang, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Rodgers is working Mandiang over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Mandiang working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Rodgers .
Rodgers loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Rodgers trying to control but Mandiang is working from the bottom.
Rodgers makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Rodgers working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Mandiang avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Keith Rodgers has got the better of the ground game so far.
Rodgers scoring with some ground and pound.
Mandiang utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rodgers tries to free his leg and advance position but Mandiang is retaining full guard.
Rodgers wants to control from the top but Mandiang keeps moving.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Rodgers accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Mandiang preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Rodgers loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Rodgers trying to control the position from guard on top but Mandiang is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Rodgers throwing strikes from guard but Mandiang blocks nicely.
Rodgers passes easily into side control. Nice work.
Rodgers lands a knee to the body and follows it up with some ground and pound to the head. That will wear Mandiang down.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Keith Rodgers showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action. Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Rodgers stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Rodgers slips a jab from Mandiang.
Rodgers misses with a straight right.
Rodgers is looking to slow Mandiang down with leg kicks.

Rodgers closes the distance and clinches.
Mandiang blocking some punches.
Mandiang will be looking to protect his midsection after taking some solid kicks to the body.
Rodgers scores with a shoulder strike.
Mandiang blocks a couple of punches on the inside.

Mandiang breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Rodgers tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Mandiang with a jab.
Rodgers fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Mandiang.
Rodgers thuds his right hand into Mandiang's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Rodgers throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Rodgers drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Rodgers slips under a jab from Mandiang.
Mandiang throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Mandiang tries a head kick but it misses.

Rodgers has closed the distance and engaged Mandiang in a clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A short left from Rodgers .
Rodgers pushes Mandiang back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.

Rodgers lands a nice trip takedown into half guard.

Mandiang manages to escape and get back to his feet!
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Mandiang chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Rodgers can pounce on him.
Rodgers throws a front kick aimed at Mandiang's knee but Mandiang avoids it well.
Mandiang misses with a hook. Rodgers ducked under it nicely.
Mandiang takes one to the side of the head.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Rodgers scores with a nice right hand.
A swing and a miss from Mandiang.
Rodgers tried to score with a low kick but Mandiang checks it.
Mandiang throws a body shot but no joy.
Nice shot by Rodgers .
Nice defenses there by Mandiang.
Rodgers misses with a hook.

Rodgers drives through and clinches with Mandiang against the cage.

Mandiang breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Rodgers lunges at Mandiang with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Mandiang's hand.
Keith Rodgers 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.
Rodgers throws a shot from downtown. Mandiang moves away and avoids it.
Mandiang is looking to counter punch.

Rodgers shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Mandiang is trying to defend but Rodgers finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
Rodgers has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Rodgers stalling.
Let's hope that Rodgers has the urge to step up the pace any second now because for the last 15 or 20 seconds he's just been holding on tight.
Aboubacar Mandiang has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Rodgers tries to pass to full mount but Mandiang defends it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rodgers slows the pace down in half guard.
We're seeing a lot of stalling here from Rodgers .
Rodgers trying to control from half guard but Mandiang is working away.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Mandiang blocks a jab.

Mandiang gets caught flat footed, as Rodgers shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Rodgers is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Rodgers trying to control but Mandiang is working from the bottom.
Rodgers looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

And that's the end of the fight!
Keith Rodgers comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Rodgers 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 Chris Edwards scores the fight 27:30
Judge Andrew Berry scores the fight 27:30
Judge James Ackerman scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Keith Rodgers !
A very excited looking Keith Rodgers rambled incoherently for about 5 minutes post fight about how awesome he is. It was kinda funny for a while but then everyone got annoyed.