PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between John Saunders (ranked 3046 p4p, 3142 weight class) and Isai Rosario (ranked 369 p4p, 377 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Saunders
vs
Rosario

185 cm
26
180
5 - 3 - 0

190 cm
26
180
5 - 1 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
Good chin

Good wrestler
Brawler
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 3 - 0, fighting out of The Island, John Saunders!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 1 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Isai Rosario!
The judges for this bout are Peter Branson, David Hoff and Santiago Holmes.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Rosario doesn't succeed with the takedown

and Saunders holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Rosario has Saunders pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Saunders manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Rosario prevents a body shot from Saunders.
Saunders digs a right hand into Rosario's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Rosario's gas tank.
Saunders lands a body shot in the clinch.
Saunders is defending well against a takedown attempt.
John Saunders has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Isai Rosario.
Saunders scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Rosario wants a takedown but no success here.
Nice body punch from Saunders.
Saunders lands an uppercut.
Saunders working some nice short punches in the clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Saunders lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Rosario backwards.
Rosario jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Saunders walks away with a smile on his face. Rosario gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Nice shot lands for Saunders.
Rosario tries to close the distance and clinch but Saunders swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.

Saunders forces Rosario back against the cage and clinches.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Saunders lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Saunders lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Rosario tries to stall but Saunders uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Rosario is trying to break the clinch but Saunders has him pressed against the cage.
Rosario wants to break the clinch but can't.
Saunders lands a right hand.
Saunders lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Rosario backwards.
Saunders lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Saunders lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
A short left from Saunders.
Rosario can't get the takedown.
Rosario misses with a hook to the ribs.
Saunders gets underhooks to prevent Rosario's takedown attempt.
Rosario tries for a takedown but Saunders manages to get underhooks.
Saunders makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Saunders lands a right hand that snaps the head of Rosario backwards.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Rosario jumps guard but Saunders turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Rosario is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Saunders lands a left hand.
Saunders scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Rosario fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Saunders keeps control of Rosario as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Saunders makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Saunders scores with a nice hook to the head.
Saunders is leaning against Rosario and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Saunders pushes Rosario back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Rosario fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Saunders lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Rosario.
Saunders working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Rosario goes for a takedown in the clinch but Saunders prevents it.
Saunders lands with a short head shot on the inside.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Saunders working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Saunders lands with a right to the head.
Saunders lands a left hand that snaps the head of Rosario backwards.
Rosario has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Saunders lands a hook that snaps the head of Rosario backwards.
Rosario fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Rosario looking for a takedown.
Saunders stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Saunders lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Rosario or not.
Saunders lands a body shot.
A body shot lands from Saunders.
Saunders scores with a shoulder strike.
Rosario fails to pull guard.
Rosario is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Saunders gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Rosario looks winded!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Saunders scores with a nice hook to the head.
Rosario is looking for a takedown.
Rosario is trying to push Saunders away but Saunders has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Saunders lands with a left to the head.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Saunders lands a right hand.
Rosario fails to pull guard.
Rosario tries to land knees in the clinch but Saunders avoids the damage to the body.

Saunders manages to break the clinch.
Saunders jabs at Rosario's body.
Rosario moves in looking to clinch but Saunders pushes him off.
Rosario is looking to clinch.
Rosario looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.

Saunders moves into the clinch successfully.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Saunders creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Rosario is trying to break the clinch but Saunders has him pressed against the cage.
A short left from Saunders.
Rosario's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

John Saunders dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Saunders lands with a right hand.
Rosario takes one on the button.
Rosario fails to land the takedown.

Saunders has closed the distance and engaged Rosario in a clinch.
Rosario jumps guard but Saunders turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Rosario drops down looking for an ankle pick but Saunders pulls his leg out and moves away.
John Saunders has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Isai Rosario.
No luck for Rosario with that takedown attempt.
Saunders throws a good cross that connects.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Saunders clinches with his opponent.
Saunders doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Rosario tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
A right handed body shot lands from Saunders.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Saunders lands a right hand.
Rosario goes for a takedown in the clinch but Saunders prevents it.
Rosario is trying to pull guard but Saunders turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
A body shot lands from Saunders.
Rosario is trying to break the clinch but Saunders is controlling him.
Saunders scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Saunders throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Rosarios head.
Rosario tries to break free but Saunders pushes him back against the cage.
Rosario's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
A quick uppercut on the inside from Saunders.
Saunders lands a right hand.
Saunders lands a shot to the body.
Saunders softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Nice body punch from Saunders.
Rosario is breathing heavily.
Saunders stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nice body punch from Saunders - that landed with a thud.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Saunders lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Rosario drops down looking for an ankle pick but Saunders pulls his leg out and moves away.
Rosario wants to clinch up but Saunders keeps it at a distance.
Rosario pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Saunders works Rosario's body with a nice hook.
Nice shot by Saunders.

Rosario gets tackled into the cage by Saunders. Saunders maintains the clinch.
Saunders has Rosario pressed against the cage, preventing Rosario from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Saunders lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Rosario backwards.
Saunders is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Rosario can do to turn this around?
Still in the clinch, Saunders scores with a nice short uppercut.
A right handed body shot lands from Saunders.
Saunders is working Rosario over against the cage.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Saunders.
Saunders lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Rosario or not.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Saunders is pressed up against the cage. Rosario has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Saunders down to the mat. Saunders avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Saunders scores with a hook to the body. Rosario takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.

Saunders fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Rosario, pushing him back against the cage.
A short left from Saunders.
Saunders lands a body punch.
Saunders lands a hook that snaps the head of Rosario backwards.
Rosario wants to break free but Saunders has control.
Rosario changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Saunders fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Saunders scores with a decent looking hook.

Rosario is rocked!
Saunders scores with a punch to the head.
Rosario is still on wobbly legs! Can Saunders finish him?
John Saunders seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Saunders gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Rosario is trying to pull guard but Saunders turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Rosario seems to have recovered his senses.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Saunders.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rosario has had enough of the clinch but Saunders keeps him there for the moment.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Saunders.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Saunders lands a left hand that snaps the head of Rosario backwards.
Saunders lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Rosario backwards.
Saunders lands an uppercut.
A nice left hand lands by Saunders.
Saunders lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Rosario.
Saunders scores with a shoulder strike.
A shot in the inside from Saunders.
Rosario fails to pull guard.
Saunders lands with a short shot to the head.
Saunders slowing the pace effectively.
Saunders lands a nice uppercut.
Saunders makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

John Saunders dominated that second round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!

Saunders drives through and clinches with Rosario against the cage.
Saunders lands a nice uppercut.
A body shot lands from Saunders.
Saunders lands with a left to the head.
Saunders scores with a hook to the body.
Rosario is trying to break the clinch but Saunders has him pressed against the cage.
A short left from Saunders.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Saunders.
Saunders lands an uppercut.
Saunders lands a hook that snaps the head of Rosario backwards.

Saunders escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Saunders is looking to clinch.
Rosario appeared to try and counter that last move with a leg kick.

Saunders rushes Rosario and presses him up against the cage.
Rosario missing with knees to the body.
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!
Rosario is trying to stall.
Saunders lands a right hand.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Saunders lands a left hand.
A hook to the body from Saunders.
Rosario takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Saunders lands a left hand that snaps the head of Rosario backwards.
Saunders lands a nice uppercut.
Saunders gets through Rosario's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.

Saunders escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Saunders tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Rosario paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Rosario doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Rosario fails to land the takedown.
Saunders lands a nice looking body shot.
Rosario looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Saunders is fending him off so far but Rosario persists. Nope, Saunders circles away and we're back to standing.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Saunders jabs at Rosario's body.
Rosario throws a body shot but no joy.
Rosario shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Rosario gets tackled into the cage by Saunders. Saunders maintains the clinch.
Saunders makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Saunders pushes Rosario back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Saunders working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Saunders lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Rosario backwards.
Rosario wants to break the clinch but can't.
Saunders is leaning against Rosario and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Saunders scores with a nice hook to the head.
Saunders digs a right hand into Rosario's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Rosario's gas tank.
Still in the clinch, Saunders scores with a nice short uppercut.
Rosario tries to pull guard but Saunders holds him up against the cage and eventually Rosario drops back down to his feet.
John Saunders has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Isai Rosario.
Rosario is trying to force a seperation but Saunders has the dominant position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Saunders pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.

Saunders closes the distance and pushes Rosario back into the cage.
Saunders throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
John Saunders has scored more points in the clinch so far.
A short body shot lands from Saunders as the two fighters clinch.
Saunders lands a right hand.
Saunders lands a left hand that snaps the head of Rosario backwards.
John Saunders is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Saunders digs a right hand underneath Rosario's ribcage. Rosario let out a lung full of air as it connected.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Saunders.
Rosario struggles to land a body shot inside as Saunders controls his hands.
Rosario tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Saunders managing to block the knees to the body from Rosario.
Saunders lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Rosario wants a takedown but no success here.
Rosario tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Rosario is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Saunders is defending well.
Rosario has had enough of the clinch but Saunders keeps him there for the moment.
Saunders throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Rosarios head.
Saunders lands a nice shot to the body.
Isai Rosario has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Rosario throws an elbow that misses.

And that's the end of the fight!
John Saunders showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Saunders 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 Peter Branson scores the fight 30:24
Judge David Hoff scores the fight 30:24
Judge Santiago Holmes scores the fight 30:24

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... John Saunders!
An out of breath John Saunders thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.