PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Lars Lagerback (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Luke Skywalker (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Lagerback comes to the cage accompanied by Bubbles - Bidibodi Bidibu. These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Lagerback
vs
Skywalker

189 cm
22
180 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

187 cm
20
195 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Prefers standup

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Granite chin

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 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Lars Lagerback!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Luke Skywalker!
The judges for this bout are , and .

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Skywalker misses with a jab, cross combination.
Skywalker drops his hands momentarily and Lagerback takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Skywalker throws a right and a left that both miss.
Lagerback avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Lagerback lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!

It looks like Luke Skywalker has been cut.
Lagerback lands a body shot.
Skywalker throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped

and Lagerback moves into the clinch.
Skywalker wants to stall.
Skywalker has had enough of the clinch but Lagerback keeps him there for the moment.
Skywalker crunches a lovely knee into Lagerback's ribcage.

Skywalker breaks from the clinch.
The fight stays on the outside here - Lagerback looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Lagerback is looking to slow Skywalker down with leg kicks.
Lagerback wants to clinch but Skywalker slips to the side

and Skywalker counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Skywalker looks gassed!
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Lagerback is trying to maintain the position but Skywalker is very close to passing his half guard.
Skywalker throwing shots but Lagerback is blocking nicely.
Lagerback is not content to let Skywalker control the position.
Skywalker has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Skywalker missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Skywalker thows a huge punch but Lagerback dodges it nicely.
Skywalker throws a strike but Lagerback avoids it easily and moves to full guard.
Lagerback is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Skywalker is controlling him.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Skywalker throws a strike but Lagerback rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
Skywalker looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.

Skywalker clinches up with Lagerback and pushes him back against the cage.
Skywalker takes an elbow to the forehead.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Lagerback with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Skywalker with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Lagerback crunches a lovely knee into Skywalker's ribcage.
Skywalker is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Lagerback gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Lagerback on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Skywalker is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Lagerback pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Skywalker trying to land knees to the body.
Skywalker using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Skywalker lands a body shot.
Lagerback lands a nice knee to the body.
Skywalker wants to get back to striking at distance but Lagerback won't allow it.
Skywalker looking to slow down the pace here.
Lagerback lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Skywalker tries a knee to the head but Lagerback blocks it.
Nice elbow from Lagerback.
Lagerback scores a nice knee to the body.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.
Skywalker wants to break free but Lagerback has control.
Skywalker jumps guard but Lagerback stands there with Skywalker around his waist. Skywalker gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Lars Lagerback has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Luke Skywalker.
Lagerback managing to block the knees to the body from Skywalker.
Lagerback tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Lagerback landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Skywalker slows down the pace here.
Skywalker tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Skywalker with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Lagerback connects with a nasty looking knee right to Skywalker's face.
Lagerback lands an elbow that stopped Skywalker in his tracks for a moment.
Lagerback softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Lagerback is trying to maintain a safe position but Skywalker gets an underhook and turns Lagerback into the cage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Skywalker misses with a knee strike.
Skywalker tries for a takedown. No joy.
Lagerback connects with a nasty looking knee right to Skywalker's face.
Skywalker blocking some punches.
Lagerback prevents the takedown attempt.
Lagerback lands a nice knee to the body.
Skywalker tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Lagerback lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Skywalker lands a nice shot to the body.
Lagerback landing knees to the body.
Skywalker content to slow the pace in the clinch.
Lagerback lands a knee to the head.

That has opened up Luke Skywalker's cut even more.
Lagerback lands a knee to the body.
Lagerback gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Skywalker.
Lagerback lands a body shot in the clinch.
Skywalker wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Lagerback has him pressed against the cage.
Lagerback on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Skywalker takes an elbow to the forehead.
Lagerback scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Skywalker tries to land knees in the clinch but Lagerback avoids the damage to the body.
Lagerback landing knees to the body.
Skywalker tries to land knees in the clinch but Lagerback avoids the damage to the body.
Lagerback on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Skywalker misses with a punch on the inside.

Skywalker breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Skywalker shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Lagerback as he avoids it easily.
Skywalker shoots in but Lagerback avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Lagerback doesn't manage to clinch there - Skywalker circles away.
Skywalker throws a head kick that misses
and Lagerback makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Lagerback moves into range and clinches up with Skywalker.
Lagerback makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Skywalker tries to land knees in the clinch but Lagerback avoids the damage to the body.
Lagerback using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Skywalker jumps guard but Lagerback stands there with Skywalker around his waist. Skywalker gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Skywalker wants to get back to striking at distance but Lagerback won't allow it.
Skywalker misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Lagerback.
Skywalker lands an elbow that stopped Lagerback in his tracks for a moment.
Skywalker tries to stall but Lagerback uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Lagerback connects with a knee to the head.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Skywalker tries to land a knee to the head but Lagerback blocks with his arms.
Lagerback landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Skywalker looking to stall.
Skywalker is trying to slow the pace down but that's a couple of times in a row that he's tried to get underhooks and Lagerback has denied him.
Lagerback slows down the pace here.
A knee to the head by Lagerback.
Lagerback avoiding damage as Skywalker throws knees to the body.
Lagerback lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Lagerback lands a knee to the head.
Skywalker throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Lagerback blocks it with crossed arms.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Lagerback lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Lagerback content to slow the pace in the clinch.
Skywalker trying to land knees to the body.
Lagerback managing to block the knees to the body from Skywalker.
Lagerback managing to block the knees to the body from Skywalker.
Skywalker landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Skywalker crunches a lovely knee into Lagerback's ribcage.
Skywalker trying to land knees to the body.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Lars Lagerback dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Luke Skywalker's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Lagerback tries to clinch but Skywalker is having none of it.
Skywalker avoids a punch combination nicely.
Skywalker will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Skywalker swings wildly with a couple of big hooks

and Lagerback counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Lagerback.
Skywalker looking to stall.
Lagerback connects with a nasty looking knee right to Skywalker's face.
Lagerback crunches a lovely knee into Skywalker's ribcage.
Skywalker using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Lagerback taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
Lagerback gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Skywalker.
Skywalker goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Lagerback with a knee to the head.
Skywalker tries to work over Lagerback's body with a swooping hook but it's wide of the mark. Not good footwork there.

Lagerback has managed to clinch.
A knee to the head by Lagerback.
Knees in the clinch landing for Lagerback.
Lagerback with a knee to the head.
Lagerback lands a knee to the body.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Skywalker takes a knee right on the jaw!
Skywalker is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Lagerback is keeping busy.
Lagerback is pressed up against the cage. Skywalker has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Lagerback down to the mat. Lagerback avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Lars Lagerback has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Luke Skywalker.
Skywalker has his takedown stuffed
and Skywalker takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Lars Lagerback is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Lagerback tries to clinch there but Skywalker circles away.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Skywalker will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.

Skywalker decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
Lagerback wants to get back to his feet.
Lagerback is trying to maintain the position but Skywalker is very close to passing his half guard.

Skywalker is looking for a kimura here.
Lagerback is looking to control Skywalker's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Lagerback avoid being mounted?
Lagerback knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Skywalker on the ground.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Lagerback wants to get back to full guard.
Skywalker moves into full mount! Lagerback won't be happy about that!
Skywalker pausing momentarily but resumes with a couple of decent strikes that do a bit of damage.
Lagerback tries to lock up and control but Skywalker gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Skywalker with the ground and pound from mount.
Skywalker lands a shot to the body, followed up by a shot to the exposed head of his trapped opponent.

Lagerback is rocked!
Skywalker landing strikes from the mount.
Oh Lagerback is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!
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!

Skywalker working to secure an arm triangle but it's not happening for him just yet.
Lagerback is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Skywalker tries to control but Lagerback wriggling away.
Lagerback seems to have got his legs back now.
Lagerback really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
Skywalker looking to finish Lagerback with some ground and pound. This is bad for Lagerback!
Lagerback wriggling around on the bottom manages to avoid the strikes thrown by Skywalker.
Lagerback wriggling around on the bottom manages to avoid the strikes thrown by Skywalker.
Skywalker unloads with some shots from mount but Lagerback bucks and avoids them well.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Lagerback wants to try and get back to his feet.
Skywalker punching from mount but Lagerback doing a good job of avoiding damage.
Skywalker thowing strikes but they're hitting the gloves, not doing any damage.
Lagerback is squirming around, avoiding Skywalker's attempts to control the action.
Skywalker sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment.
Skywalker is in the full mount, landing strikes.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Skywalker looking to ground and pound but Lagerback is blocking nicely.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Lagerback moves in looking to clinch but Skywalker pushes him off.

Lagerback fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Skywalker, pushing him back against the cage.
Lagerback pressing his opponent against the cage.
Lagerback scores a nice knee to the body.
Lars Lagerback has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Lagerback lands a right hand that snaps the head of Skywalker backwards.
Skywalker leaning against his opponent.
Skywalker fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Lagerback makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Knees in the clinch landing for Lagerback.
Skywalker takes a knee right on the jaw!
Skywalker has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Lagerback avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Skywalker fails to pull guard.
Lars Lagerback has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Luke Skywalker.
Skywalker trying to land knees to the body.
Lagerback trying to stall but Skywalker improves his position.
Lagerback lands with a left to the head.
Skywalker trying to land knees to the body.
Skywalker wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.

Skywalker breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.

Skywalker shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
Skywalker keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Lagerback's head.
Lagerback controlling Skywalker's posture.
Skywalker stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Lagerback swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Skywalker takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Skywalker throws a strike but Lagerback rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
Lagerback wants to control from the top but Skywalker keeps moving.
Lagerback won't allow Skywalker to sweep him here.
Lagerback trying to control the position from guard on top but Skywalker is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Skywalker bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Lagerback's guard.

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.
Lagerback utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Skywalker accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Skywalker looking to sit in guard and control but Lagerback gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Skywalker looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Skywalker trying to control the position.

Skywalker had isolated an arm as going for an omaplata. Lagerback is defending the submission well but is in a very vulnerable position. Skywalker Is leaning forward trying to finish the omaplata but decides to abandon it, and take Lagerback's back instead.
Skywalker somehow managing to miss with a strike from the back.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Skywalker lands punches and elbows.
Skywalker wants to control but Lagerback is keeping busy.
Skywalker throwing lazy shots from the back mount that aren't doing any damage.

Lagerback manages to get to his feet, escaping the difficult position.
Skywalker avoids the head kick by Lagerback.
Lagerback blocks a leg kick.
The fight stays on the outside here - Lagerback looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Lagerback is looking to clinch.
Skywalker rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Lagerback moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Lagerback smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Lagerback slips a straight right by Skywalker.
Skywalker circles away from the clinch attempt.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Skywalker misses with a few strikes there.
Skywalker tries to clinch up
and Lagerback counters with a lovely straight right hand!
A nice leg kick lands there from Lagerback.
Lagerback throws out a powerful jab.
Lagerback chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Skywalker keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Skywalker swings wildly with a couple of big hooks

and Lagerback holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Skywalker fails to pull guard.
Lagerback connects with a nasty looking knee right to Skywalker's face.
Skywalker looking to slow down the pace here.
Lagerback lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Skywalker drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Lagerback lands a nice elbow.
Lagerback landing knees to the head.

The cut above Luke Skywalker's eye is starting to cause him problems now.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Skywalker tries to pull guard but Lagerback won't allow it.
Lagerback connects with a knee to the head.
Lagerback landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
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!
Lagerback landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Skywalker looking to stall.
Lagerback avoiding damage as Skywalker throws knees to the body.
Lagerback connects with a nasty looking knee right to Skywalker's face.

And that's the end of the fight!
Lars Lagerback showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Lagerback has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Andi Peters scores the fight 29:28
Judge Gordon Ramsey scores the fight 29:28
Judge Frank Skinner scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Lars Lagerback!