PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Giles Edwards (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ryan Evans (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The crowd giving both fighters a great reception on their way into the arena. That's good to see.

Edwards
vs
Evans

200 cm
23
130 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

200 cm
19
135 lbs
1 - 3 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Dangerous knees
Self confident

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Solid chin

Cage Wars: Rocha Nutrition
Bird Of Prey 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 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Giles Edwards!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Ryan Evans!
The judges for this bout are Paulo Santos, Mauricio Rocha and Seu Braga.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Edwards keeps the fight on the outside.
Edwards looks exhausted already! Oh dear, he should have come in in better shape than this!
Evans shoots in looking for a takedown. Edwards tries to sprawl out of it but Evans keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Edwards manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Evans fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Horrible takedown by Evans or perhaps it was just good defense by Edwards which made him look bad.
Giles Edwards has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ryan Evans.
Evans shoots in looking for a takedown. Edwards tries to sprawl out of it but Evans keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Edwards manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Ryan Evans seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Evans shoots for a double leg takedown but Edwards sprawls well. He's pushed Evans's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Evans misses with a takedown attempt - Edwards sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.

Edwards moves into range and clinches up with Evans.

That's one minute gone in the round.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
Edwards changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Evans fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Edwards throws a nice head kick!

Edwards clinches up with Evans and pushes him back against the cage.
Edwards misses with a short punch on the inside.
Edwards throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Evans blocks it with crossed arms.
Evans manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.
Edwards goes for a takedown in the clinch but Evans prevents it.

That's two 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.
Evans has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Edwards avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Evans gets through Edwards's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.

Evans has Edwards pressed up against the cage. He's trying to work for a single leg takedown. Evans pulls back from the cage and twists to the side, sending Edwards tumbling to the mat - Evans dives into Edwards's guard.
Edwards really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Edwards trying to punch from his back but it's not doing any damage.
Edwards throws a couple of shots from the bottom but they don't land.
Evans wants to stand but Edwards is controlling his posture from full guard.
Evans throwing strikes from guard but Edwards blocks nicely.
Edwards wants to sweep but no luck.
Edwards avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Evans postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Evans looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Edwards is fending him off so far but Evans persists. Nope, Edwards circles away and we're back to standing.
Evans closes the distance looking to clinch

and Edwards counters with a nice single leg takedown and he's in Evans's guard now.
Edwards landing some decent shots from guard.
Edwards throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Evans avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.

Evans is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Edwards has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Evans throws some sloppy strikes off his back.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Edwards with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Edwards loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Evans preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Evans throwing some rather feeble looking strikes off his back.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Edwards accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.

Evans has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Edwards can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Edwards loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Evans with a poor takedown

and Edwards counters by moving into the clinch.
Evans jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Edwards walks away with a smile on his face. Evans gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Evans darts in trying to clinch
and Edwards counters with a kick to the head that grazes his opponent. Evans is lucky that one didn't land flush.

Edwards looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Edwards missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Giles Edwards dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Evans shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Edwards counters with a flying knee. Nice.
Evans tries to clinch up
and Edwards counters with a kick to the head that grazes his opponent. Evans is lucky that one didn't land flush.

Evans shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
Evans is looking to work some ground and pound but Edwards has wrist control.
Evans postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Edwards is on top in guard.
Edwards chips away with some ground and pound.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Edwards postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Edwards throwing strikes but missing.
Evans throwing strikes off his back to little effect.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Evans working for a triangle but Edwards defends it easily.
Edwards throws a big right hand that misses.

Evans throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Edwards throwing strikes but missing.
Evans striking off his back but it's not causing Edwards any problems.

Evans is active off his back here, looking for submissions.

Evans looking for a guillotine here but Edwards defends easily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Edwards is looking to work some ground and pound but Evans has wrist control.
Edwards slips nicely into half guard.
Edwards wants to free his trapped foot but Evans is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Evans gets back to full guard.
Edwards stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Evans swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Edwards is looking to work some ground and pound but Evans has wrist control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Evans working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Edwards.

Evans looking for a guillotine here but Edwards defends easily.
Edwards lands a couple of digs.

Evans working for a triangle but Edwards defends it easily.
Evans has momentary wrist control but Edwards slips an elbow through the middle.
Evans throwing some rather feeble looking strikes off his back.
Edwards missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Evans avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Evans throwing strikes off his back to little effect.

That's four 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.
Edwards distracts Evans with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.

Edwards avoids a guillotine attempt easily.

Evans wriggles free and stands up.
Evans shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Edwards counters with a big head kick but Evans shrugs it off.
Evans misses with a takedown attempt
and Edwards counters with a head kick.
Giles Edwards has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ryan Evans.
Evans fails with the takedown
and Edwards counters with a head kick. That will keep Evans thinking before he tries any more sloppy attacks!

Edwards shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Evans's guard.
Edwards in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Edwards makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Edwards landing some decent shots from guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ryan Evans showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!

Evans changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Edwards tries to avoid it but Evans manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Edwards to the ground. Edwards escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Evans blocks a head kick by Edwards.
Edwards misses with a head kick.
The fight stays on the outside here - Evans looks like he's thinking about clinching though.

Evans drives through and clinches with Edwards against the cage.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Evans.
Evans looking for a takedown.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Edwards looking to throw knees to the head but Evans is blocking nicely.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
A right handed body shot lands from Evans.
Edwards misses with a knee to the head.
Evans tries to score a body lock takedown but Edwards shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Giles Edwards has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ryan Evans.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Edwards tries to land a knee to the head but Evans blocks with his arms.
Edwards misses with an elbow strike.
Edwards can't get the takedown.
Evans keeps control of Edwards as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.

Evans lands a takedown into guard.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Evans's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Edwards striking off his back but it's not causing Evans any problems.
Evans won't allow Edwards to sweep him here.
Evans distracts Edwards with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Edwards doesn't do any damage with a couple of strikes from the bottom.
Edwards looking to hit a scissor sweep but Evans is one step ahead there.
Evans postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Edwards striking off his back but it's not causing Evans any problems.
Ryan Evans has got the better of the ground game so far.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Evans closes the distance but Edwards moves to the side

so Edwards counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Edwards pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Evans is keeping the position for now.

Evans looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.

Evans looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Edwards passes Evans's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Edwards tries to pass the half guard into mount. Evans knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Edwards is looking to pass the guard... He's managed it - he's now in full mount!
Evans is in all sorts of trouble here.
Edwards dominating with strikes here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Edwards landing strikes from the mount.
Evans tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Evans bucks up and manages to get a nice reversal! He's in guard on the top - nicely done!
Evans wants to get up but he can't break Edwards's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.
Edwards bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Evans's guard.
Edwards forces his way into half guard.
Edwards throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Edwards scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Edwards missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Edwards thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Evans's head.
Edwards working over Evans with some ground and pound. Evans looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Edwards throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Edwards looks to score some points with some ground and pound.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Evans lands one or two decent shots to the body here. Although from his own half guard, he's not going to be causing too much damage.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Evans doesn't succeed with the takedown

and Edwards counters with a nice double leg into side control. Evans won't be happy with that.
Evans takes a big shot right to the temple there but he's taken it well.
Edwards in side control, trying to ground and pound but not landing this time.
Evans regains half guard.
Evans avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Edwards.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Edwards connects with a nice short shot to Evans's temple.
Edwards not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Evans tries to strike from the bottom but it doesn't land.
Edwards sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Evans defending well though.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Edwards throws a sloppy head kick and Evans moves out of range easily.
Evans fails with the takedown
and Edwards counters with a head kick.

And that's the end of the fight!
Giles Edwards showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Edwards has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... 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 Paulo Santos scores the fight 29:28
Judge Mauricio Rocha scores the fight 29:28
Judge Seu Braga scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Giles Edwards!