PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Li Gong (ranked 1772 p4p, 1734 weight class) and Barnabus Sanitario (ranked 138 p4p, 133 weight class). Li Gong could well score a knockout today. He has the power to get to Barnabus Sanitario's chin.

Gong
vs
Sanitario

173 cm
22
146
5 - 1 - 0

150 cm
20
135
5 - 3 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Decent boxing
Good gas tank

Advance Sport Supplements

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 5 - 1 - 0, fighting out of London, Li Gong!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Barnabus Sanitario!
The judges for this bout are Aleksandr Martynov, Aleksei Zolotukhin and Dmitry Maklakov.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Sanitario throws an overhand right that lands on Gong's shoulder, as Gong tries to avoid the shot.
It looked like Gong wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Sanitario avoids the body shot from Gong.
Sanitario moves out of range of the leg kick from Gong.
Sanitario fails to land the takedown.
Gong appeared to be looking to counter that last move with a leg kick.

Sanitario drives through with a takedown into guard.
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.
Sanitario lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Sanitario missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Sanitario missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Sanitario with a flurry of punches that miss.
Gong not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sanitario missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Sanitario postures up in Gong's guard and throws a big left but Gong blocks it.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.
Sanitario missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Sanitario throwing strikes but missing.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Gong has been working on his boxing with his coaches at Stormcrow Centre in the buildup to the fight.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gong stuffs the takedown.

Sanitario changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Gong looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Gong manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!
Gong seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.
Sanitario has found himself in a tricky position here. He's been working his transitions in training so let's see if he can work his way out of it.
Gong is trying to get back to his feet now but his leg is trapped.
Gong controlling the action here.
Gong wants to get back to his feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gong controlling the action here.
Gong wants to pass to mount but Sanitario is defending the position.
Sanitario gets back to full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gong stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Sanitario swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Gong is pushing down on Sanitario's leg trying to pass to half guard. Sanitario is fighting to maintain full guard but Gong has managed to sneak the leg through.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.
Gong tries to pass the half guard into mount. Sanitario knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
It looks like Gong is going to stand back up.

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

That's four minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Sanitario dives in and grabs Gong's left leg, looking for a takedown. Gong pushes down on Sanitario's head and hops out.
Gong feinted there with a counter leg kick.
Li Gong has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Barnabus Sanitario.
The crowd cheers as Gong lands an impressive looking overhand right. Sanitario doesn't seem phased though.
Gong throws a shot to the body.
Sanitario with a lazy takedown attempt
and Gong connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Gong throws a quick inside leg kick.
Gong takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Gong lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Gong throws a body shot but no joy.
Gong tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Sanitario was well out of range. Poor timing from Gong.
Sanitario moves out of range of the body kick from Gong.
Sanitario tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Gong defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Sanitario.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!

Sanitario darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Sanitario scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Sanitario misses with a head shot. Gong uses the momentum to regain guard.
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 Li Gong will probably get the nod.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Sanitario misses with a takedown attempt
and Gong counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Sanitario thinking.
Sanitario misses with an uppercut
and Gong counters with a straight right hand.
Sanitario fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Gong is looking to wear down Sanitario with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Sanitario scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Sanitario tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Gong swivels and escapes.
Li Gong has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Barnabus Sanitario.
Sanitario walks into a straight right hand from Gong.
Gong stuffs the takedown attempt from Sanitario. Sanitario gets slowly back to his feet.
Sanitario takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Sanitario ducks under a wild hook from Gong.
Sanitario shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Gong as he jumps to the side.
A quick step to the side and Gong tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Gong lands with a hook. Sanitario tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Gong throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Sanitario sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Gong fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Sanitario manages to avoid it.

Sanitario gets a double leg takedown into Gong's guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Sanitario works over Gong with some ground and pound from guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gong seems keen to control Sanitario's posture.
Sanitario loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Gong manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Sanitario manages to get himself to full guard.

Gong wants to stand and escape but instead Sanitario has hit a sweep and he's now on top in guard.

Sanitario postures up.
Gong will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Gong looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Sanitario postures up in Gong's guard and throws a big left but Gong blocks it.
Sanitario throws a strike but Gong rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gong wants to stand but Sanitario is controlling his posture from full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gong wants to pass the guard but Sanitario is keeping the position.
Gong trying to stand up but can't free himself from Sanitario's guard.
Sanitario keeping moving, preventing Gong from controlling successfully.
Gong is looking to stand up but Sanitario won't let him.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Li Gong is winning the standup battle so far.
Sanitario misses with a takedown attempt - Gong sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
A little feinted left hand from Gong on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Nice sprawl there from Gong as Sanitario shoots in.
Gong pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Sanitario shoots for a takedown but Gong saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Sanitario takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Gong fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
A decent looking cross lands there for Sanitario.
Gong throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Sanitario shoots for a double leg takedown but Gong sprawls well. He's pushed Sanitario's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Gong throws a leg kick but Sanitario sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Sanitario fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Gong avoids it really well and circles away.
Sanitario looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Gong throwing a counter right hand but Sanitario manages to avoid it.
Gong misses with a looping right.
Gong lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Gong misses with the combination.
Gong is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Nice uppercut lands for Gong. That snapped Sanitario's head back.
Sanitario gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Gong.
Sanitario goes for a double leg but Gong avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Gong continues to drive forward.
Sanitario takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Li Gong dominated that second round.
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. This is the final round!

Good exchange - Gong coming out on top.
Barnabus Sanitario has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Sanitario shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Gong defends it nicely.
Sanitario shoots in for a takedown but Gong shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Gong was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Sanitario drops his hands momentarily and Gong takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Sanitario misses with a lunging right hand
and Sanitario takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Barnabus Sanitario seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Gong lands a glancing blow to the side of Sanitario's head.
Sanitario slips a straight right by Gong.
Sanitario looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Gong is fending him off so far but Sanitario persists. Nope, Gong circles away and we're back to standing.
Li Gong has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Barnabus Sanitario.
Gong scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Sanitario has his takedown stuffed
and Gong counters with a straight right hand.
Gong tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Sanitario was well out of range. Poor timing from Gong.
Gong leaves Sanitario with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Gong misses the shot to the body.
Sanitario shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Gong but Gong pushes him off and we're back to square one.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Gong misses with a straight left.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sanitario darts in looking for a takedown but Gong gets double underhooks and turns Sanitario into the cage.
Gong jabs at Sanitario's body.
Sanitario dives in and grabs Gong's left leg, looking for a takedown. Gong pushes down on Sanitario's head and hops out.
Sanitario takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Sanitario misses with a takedown attempt
enabling Gong to counter with a crisp jab.
Sanitario takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Gong connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Sanitario momentarily.
Gong misses with an attempted mid kick.
Sanitario with the counter takedown but Gong avoids it easily.
A cross from Gong lands.
Gong tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Sanitario takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Gong throws the left hand but Sanitario avoids the punch easily.
Sanitario changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Gong moves into range and connects with a jab.
Sanitario shoots in looking for a takedown but Gong manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Sanitario's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Sanitario throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Gong is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
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!
Sanitario tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Gong swivels and escapes.
Gong swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Sanitario.
Gong scores with a nice head shot.
Gong lands with a good body shot.
Li Gong is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Sanitario takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Gong lands with a shot to the body.
Gong looks to score with a jab to the body but Sanitario is just out of range.
Gong ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Sanitario shoots in but no luck this time.
Gong lands with a straight right. Sanitario didn't see that one coming.
Sanitario fails with the takedown
and Gong counters with a nice uppercut.
Sanitario takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Gong leaves Sanitario with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Gong is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Sanitario can do to turn this around?
Gong fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Sanitario on the side of the head.
Gong throws a shot to the body.
Gong lands with a kick to the ribs.
Nice straight punches there by Gong. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Gong.
Gong throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Sanitario drops his hands momentarily and Gong takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sanitario shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Gong defends it nicely.
Gong lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Sanitario takes a body punch but keeps moving.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Gong.
Sanitario shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Gong defends it nicely.
Gong throws a big counter combination but Sanitario scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
Gong connects with a body shot.
Sanitario shoots in for a takedown but Gong shows good takedown defense.
Sanitario misses with a takedown attempt - Gong sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Gong lands with a good body shot.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gong lands with a kick to the ribs.
The crowd cheers as Gong lands an impressive looking overhand right. Sanitario doesn't seem phased though.
Sanitario takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Sanitario shoots and misses
and Gong counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Sanitario thinking.
Gong scoring well with a low kick there.
Sanitario drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Gong lands a leg kick that knocks Sanitario off balance momentarily.
Sanitario drops his hands momentarily and Gong takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Sanitario drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Gong lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
A shot to the liver by Gong. Beautiful body shot.
Gong connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Sanitario momentarily.
Gong thuds a left hand into Sanitario's body.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Sanitario moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Gong tests Sanitario's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Sanitario takes a shot to the body in his stride.

And that's the end of the fight!
Li Gong showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Gong, 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 Aleksandr Martynov scores the fight 30:26
Judge Aleksei Zolotukhin scores the fight 30:26
Judge Dmitry Maklakov scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Li Gong!
The defeated Barnabus Sanitario had this to say: 'Forever uncleeeeean'.