PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Uriel Tartarus (ranked 123 p4p, 595 weight class) and Ben Passel (ranked 15 p4p, 70 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Tartarus
vs
Passel

181 cm
23
160
12 - 1 - 0

177 cm
24
162
6 - 0 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Excellent grappler
Decent boxing
Good gas tank

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NARCOS

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 12 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Uriel Tartarus!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Ben Passel!
The judges for this bout are William Peck, Robert Douchet and Elvis Blanc.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Passel shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Tartarus as he avoids it easily.
Passel throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Tartarus is looking to counter punch.

Passel closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Tartarus's guard.

Tartarus manages to escape and get back to his feet.
Ben Passel seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Tartarus, as that shot connected.
A swing and a miss from Passel.
Tartarus was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Tartarus jabbing away but nothing is landing.

Passel feints and as Tartarus raises his hands in defense, Passel changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.

Tartarus manages to wriggle out and sneak his way back up to his feet, so the fighters are now clinched up against the cage.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Tartarus tries to work over Passel's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Tartarus pushes Passel back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Passel prevents a body shot from Tartarus.
Passel scores with a hook to the body.
Tartarus lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Passel or not.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tartarus lands a nice shot to the body.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Passel.
Passel is looking to take this one to the mat.
A short uppercut from Passel.
Tartarus is struggling to control the position.
Passel misses with some punches.
Tartarus goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Tartarus digs a right hand into Passel's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Passel's gas tank.
Tartarus misses with a body punch.
A left hand lands to the body for Tartarus.
Tartarus blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Passel is looking to take this one to the mat.
Uriel Tartarus has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ben Passel.
Tartarus pushes Passel back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Passel throws a head punch that misses.

Tartarus breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Passel doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Tartarus connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A jab from Tartarus finds it's way through Passel's defenses.
Tartarus with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Passel throws a hook but Tartarus blocks it.
It looked like Tartarus wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Uriel Tartarus is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Passel tests Tartarus's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Passel lands the left hand.
The fighters circle momentarily. Passel darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Passel rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Tartarus counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Tartarus misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Tartarus connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Passel looks to land a right hand but Tartarus moved out of range.
Passel swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Tartarus is looking to counter with a body kick.
Passel keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.

Passel closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Tartarus quickly recovers to half guard.
In the pre-fight buildup videos we saw Passel working his ground and pound in the gym. He isn't landing a great percentage of his ground strikes so far though.
Tartarus is looking to improve his position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Tartarus is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Passel scores with a couple of nice shots.
Passel throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Tartarus is trying to maintain the position but Passel is very close to passing his half guard.
Passel wants to take a breather but Tartarus is having none of it.
Tartarus is holding on to half guard well.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tartarus works his way to full guard. Good work.
Passel working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Passel wants to control from the top but Tartarus keeps moving.
Passel throws a big elbow that misses.
Passel is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Tartarus working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Passel.
Tartarus keeping moving, preventing Passel from controlling successfully.
Passel won't allow Tartarus to sweep him here.
Passel trying to control but Tartarus is working from the bottom.
Passel throwing strikes but missing.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Tartarus can't keep his opponent in guard - Passel advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Tartarus keeping control of the leg, stopping his opponent passing to mount.
Passel wants to control but Tartarus is keeping him busy.
Passel scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Passel looks to land a strike but Tartarus avoids it nicely and regains full guard.
Passel has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Passel won't allow Tartarus to sweep him here.
Passel postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Tartarus looking for a sweep. Not yet Tartarus, not yet.
Tartarus is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Passel is controlling him.
Tartarus wants to sweep but no luck.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Passel lands a couple of elbows.
Passel throws a big elbow that misses.
Passel wants to control from the top but Tartarus keeps moving.
Passel passes easily into side control. Nice work.
Tartarus is trying to control Passel's posture but Passel avoids it.
Passel lands a nice forearm strike.
Tartarus is looking for a sweep.
Passel working the ground and pound but Tartarus is defending the strikes.
Passel cracks Tartarus with a big elbow.
Passel creates some space and throws a big elbow, but Tartarus sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Passel scores with a couple of nice shots to the head there. The referee takes a look at Tartarus to see if he's OK.
Passel throwing shots but missing, from side control.
Tartarus is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Passel off and has taken his back!
Passel is very frustrated here, being controlled quite effectively by Tartarus.
Tartarus struggling to keep hold of the position.
I really don't envy Passel right now.
Tartarus controlling the position well here. Passel rolled but Tartarus kept the hooks locked in and stayed in the dominant position.
Passel looking very determined here, making life difficult for Tartarus.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
I would not like to be Passel right now.
Passel tries to escape the position - he's now mounted. Is that better or worse? Hard to tell!
Tartarus controlling the position easily from mount.
Passel tries to hold on but Tartarus postures up.
Tartarus looking to control but Passel is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Passel stops Tartarus from taking his back. Still, being mounted isn't any better.
Passel tries to hold on but Tartarus pushes him away.
Passel is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
Tartarus can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Passel is looking to escape.

Tartarus is standing up, even though he is in mount.
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 Uriel Tartarus will probably get the nod.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Passel swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Passel throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Tartarus on the side of the head.
Passel lands a nice hook to Tartarus's body. Tartarus takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Passel darts in looking for a takedown but Tartarus gets double underhooks and turns Passel into the cage.

Passel shoots in and gets a takedown into Tartarus's guard.
Tartarus has momentary wrist control but Passel slips an elbow through the middle.
Passel throwing strikes from guard but Tartarus blocks nicely.
Passel trying to control the position from guard on top but Tartarus is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Tartarus wants to stand up but Passel is controlling him.
Tartarus seems keen to control Passel's posture.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Passel wants to control from the top but Tartarus keeps moving.
Tartarus looking for a sweep. Not yet Tartarus, not yet.
Tartarus keeping moving, preventing Passel from controlling successfully.
Tartarus trying to control the position here.
Tartarus keeping moving, preventing Passel from controlling successfully.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Tartarus missing with a left hand there. Passel was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Tartarus uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Passel.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Passel misses with a hook. Tartarus ducked under it nicely.
Passel just manages to avoid a counter high kick fromTartarus.
Passel scores with a jab to the head.
Tartarus is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Passel.
Passel looks to land a left hand but Tartarus moved out of range nicely.
Passel misses with a right hand
letting Tartarus counter with a right hand.
Passel lands with a right hand.
Tartarus misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Passel.
Passel throws an off balance right hand
and Tartarus counters with a big head kick but Passel shrugs it off.
Tartarus lands with a slapping head kick.
Tartarus takes one on the chin but seems OK.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tartarus walks into a stiff left hand from Passel.
Passel throws a lazy uppercut
and Tartarus counters with a left and a right that stings Passel.

Passel is rocked!
Uriel Tartarus is winning the standup battle so far.
Tartarus takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Passel is still on wobbly legs! Can Tartarus finish him?
Passel throws out a loose jab but Tartarus uses good head movement to avoid it.
Passel looks to throw the jab but Tartarus is out of range.
Passel misses with a looping right.
Tartarus looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Tartarus is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Passel.
Passel feints the counter takedown.
Passel seems to have recovered his senses.
Passel throws a jab but it's blocked by Tartarus.
Passel moves forwards but Tartarus connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Passel connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Passel gets cracked there but stands up to it.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Passel misses with a straight left.
A little feinted left hand from Tartarus on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Passel checks a leg kick.
Passel shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Tartarus defends it nicely.
Tartarus was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
A big left from Passel misses.
Tartarus misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Passel blocks a jab.
Passel throws an off balance right hand

and Tartarus counters with a crisp one two that drops Passel! Tartarus thinks about following him to the mat for a moment but instead steps back and waves Passel to his feet! Passel is in big trouble!
Passel tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Tartarus was well out of range. Poor timing from Passel.
Tartarus appears to be looking for a big counter.
Passel ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Passel slips under a jab from Tartarus.
Passel tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Tartarus swivels and escapes.
Uriel Tartarus has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ben Passel.
Passel misses with a hook. Tartarus ducked under it nicely.
Tartarus ducks under a wild hook from Passel.
Passel throws a hook but Tartarus avoids it easily.
Tartarus looked to counter with a high kick but didn't commit.
Passel scores with a hook.
Tartarus misses with a head kick.
Tartarus gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Tartarus throws a head kick that misses.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Tartarus misses with a looping right.
Tartarus wants to slow Passel down by chopping away at his legs.
Tartarus slips a jab from Passel.
As Passel backs away, Tartarus returns fire with a leg kick that just misses.
Passel misses with a body punch
and Passel takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Passel with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Passel slips under a jab from Tartarus.

Passel gets a takedown into half guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Tartarus is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Passel trying to pass the guard but Tartarus defending well.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Passel thows a huge punch but Tartarus dodges it nicely.
Tartarus controlling the position for now.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Tartarus is refusing to be controlled, as Passel sits in half guard.
Tartarus gets full guard.
Passel throwing strikes but missing.

That's eight 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.
Passel trying to control the position from guard on top but Tartarus is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Passel pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Tartarus is keeping the position for now.
Tartarus looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

Passel has gone for a leg lock! Tartarus slips out almost immediately though and dives into Passel's guard.

Passel has his foot on Tartarus's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Tartarus works his way back into a safe position though.

Tartarus got a little sloppy there for a moment and Passel has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Tartarus has managed to get both his arms back between Passel's legs - danger averted.
Tartarus controlling from the top position.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Tartarus would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.

Passel working for a triangle but Tartarus defends it easily.
Passel is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Ben Passel showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

Passel doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Tartarus counters with a head kick. That will keep Passel thinking before he tries any more sloppy attacks!
A swing and a miss from Tartarus.
Passel is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Passel misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Tartarus.
Passel lands a nice hook to Tartarus's body. Tartarus takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Tartarus blocks a jab.
Passel connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A shot to the body from Passel misses
and Passel takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Passel blocks a head kick by Tartarus.
Tartarus bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Passel slips under a jab from Tartarus.
Passel is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Passel.
Passel has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Tartarus.
Tartarus moves out of range as Passel strikes.
Passel throws a right hand that misses
enabling Tartarus to counter with a crisp jab.
Tartarus bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Tartarus is looking to counter punch.
A shot to the liver by Passel. Beautiful body shot.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Passel lands a jab to Tartarus's midsection.
Passel lands a slapping body shot.
Tartarus throws a sloppy head kick and Passel moves out of range easily.
Passel darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Tartarus fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Passel checks it well.
Tartarus throws a right hand that Passel ducks under and follows up with a left that Passel also avoids with ease.

Passel shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Tartarus is trying to defend but Passel finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
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!
Passel stalling.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Passel throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Tartarus wants to get back to full guard.
Tartarus looks like he's trying to stand up.
Tartarus is trying to get back to full guard.
Tartarus is pressing down on Passel's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Passel trying to control but Tartarus is working from the bottom.
Passel postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.

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.
Passel won't allow Tartarus to sweep him here.
Tartarus is trying to control the position but Passel postures up.
Passel stopping the sweep attempt from Tartarus.
Passel looking to sit in guard and control but Tartarus gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

Passel working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Tartarus doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Tartarus manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Tartarus looking to pass the guard.
Passel looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Tartarus tries to free his leg and advance position but Passel is retaining full guard.
Tartarus won't allow Passel to sweep him here.
Tartarus controlling from the top position.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.
Tartarus has controlled the position for a good 20 seconds, which will no doubt be starting to frustrate his opponent.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Tartarus takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Tartarus loads up on a big right hand but Passel slips the punch.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Passel staying out of range there.
Tartarus throws a leg kick

and Passel counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
Passel thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Tartarus's head.
Passel throws a strike but Tartarus avoids it easily and moves to full guard.
Passel postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Tartarus keeping moving, preventing Passel from controlling successfully.
Tartarus controlling the position.
Passel throws a big elbow that misses.
Passel scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Passel slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Tartarus gets one leg under and gets the fight to half guard.
Passel wants to lay and pray for a moment but Tartarus keeps working.
Passel missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Tartarus wants to improve his position but Passel is controlling well.
Passel is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Passel winds up and cracks Tartarus with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Passel looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.

Passel is working for a kimura but Tartarus is defending it quite comfortably.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Passel is looking to take a break and control but Tartarus is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Tartarus wants to improve his position but Passel is controlling well.
Tartarus slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Tartarus is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
Passel wants to control from the top but Tartarus keeps moving.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Passel stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Tartarus swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Tartarus is pulling down on Passel's head to control his posture.
Passel trying to control the position from guard on top but Tartarus is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.

Passel throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Tartarus was covering up waiting for the punch and Passel finishes the takedown easily into guard.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Tartarus pulls Passel in close to prevent any damage.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Ben Passel.
I think Passel has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 William Peck scores the fight 28:29
Judge Robert Douchet scores the fight 27:30
Judge Elvis Blanc scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Ben Passel!
Ben Passel is the new lightweight champion!
An out of breath Ben Passel thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.