PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Frankie Figgs (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Arthur Saraiva (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Arthur Saraiva looks lathargic as he enters the arena. Wake up son, you're about to have a fight!

Figgs
vs
Saraiva

183 cm
18
185 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

185 cm
24
185 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid boxing
Intelligent

Good wrestler
Basic striking
Determined

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 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Frankie Figgs!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Arthur Saraiva!
The judges for this bout are Saam Ante, Daniel Blasius and Aafke Stam.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Saraiva scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.

Saraiva working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
Figgs can't do much from the bottom here.
Saraiva sitting in side control, looking to soften his opponent up with elbows and hammerfists but Figgs is avoiding damage well and looking to escape the position.
Figgs misses with an elbow from the bottom.
An elbow from Saraiva crashes against the mat.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Saraiva trying to control the position but Figgs is working away.
Saraiva working away.
Figgs tries to strike from the bottom but misses.

Saraiva is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Figgs knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Figgs has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Figgs stops Saraiva from passing to mount.
Figgs wants to control but Saraiva postures up.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Saraiva is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Figgs knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Figgs can't do much from the bottom here.
Saraiva with the ground and pound but Figgs regains half guard under the barage of strikes.
Figgs tries to roll over but Saraiva keeps him under control.
Figgs missing with punches from the bottom.
Figgs tries to get to full guard but Saraiva has control of the leg.

Saraiva is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Figgs sees it coming and defends easily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Figgs wants to control but Saraiva is keeping busy.
Figgs keeping control of the position.
Figgs has hold of Saraiva's hands but Saraiva slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.

Saraiva is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Figgs is looking for a sweep. Saraiva is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Figgs moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Saraiva trying to control the position from guard on top but Figgs is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Saraiva slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Saraiva lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Figgs is trying to keep Saraiva in close.
Figgs avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Saraiva won't allow Figgs to sweep him here.
Saraiva passes Figgs's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Saraiva not landing any meaningful shots this time.

Saraiva is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Saraiva blocks the strikes from Figgs.
Figgs is looking to control Saraiva's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Figgs avoid being mounted?

Saraiva seems to be working for a kimura but Figgs defends the submission attempt.
Figgs keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Saraiva trying to control from Figgs's half guard. Figgs has other ideas though and has regained full guard.
Figgs will have to put a bit more behind his punches if he's going to do any damage from this position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Figgs is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Saraiva must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Saraiva trying to control the position from guard on top but Figgs is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Saraiva wants to pass the guard but Figgs is keeping the position.
Figgs trying to punch from his back but it's not doing any damage.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Figgs striking off his back but it's not causing Saraiva any problems.
Saraiva slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.

Saraiva is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Figgs has escaped the position, nice work there.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Arthur Saraiva dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Saraiva tries to score a power double leg takedown but Figgs sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Saraiva somewhat.
Saraiva shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Figgs closes the distance and lands a one-two.
Figgs jabs away that one connects to the head of his opponent.
Saraiva tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Figgs swivels and escapes.
Figgs lands a body shot.
Nice cross by Figgs.
Saraiva tries to score a power double leg takedown but Figgs sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Saraiva somewhat.
Frankie Figgs has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Arthur Saraiva.
Figgs scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Figgs, as that shot connected.
Saraiva is breathing heavily.
Figgs swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Saraiva.
Figgs scores with a nice strike.
Figgs thuds a left hand into Saraiva's body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Figgs connects with a right hand. Saraiva shakes it off.
Saraiva shoots in for a takedown but Figgs shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Figgs scores with a jab.
Figgs jabs at Saraiva's body.
Figgs lands a nice shot to the body.
Figgs scores to the head and body with a nice combination!
Figgs keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Figgs lands a nice looking body shot.
Figgs cracks Saraiva with a good jab.
Figgs lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Figgs ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Figgs scores to the head and body with a nice combination!
Figgs throws a good cross that connects.
Figgs lands with a hook. Saraiva tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Figgs comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Saraiva needs to keep his hands up - Figgs had a free shot at his head there.
Jab by Figgs.
Figgs uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Saraiva has time to react.
Figgs lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Figgs slaps away a takedown attempt from Saraiva, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Figgs scores with a one two! Saraiva had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.
Figgs slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Figgs throws out a powerful jab.
Frankie Figgs is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Figgs ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Saraiva takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Figgs!
Saraiva takes one on the button.
Figgs lands a slapping body shot.
Saraiva takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Figgs throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Saraiva walks into a straight right hand from Figgs.
Figgs takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Figgs jabs away that one connects to the head of his opponent.
A decent looking cross lands there for Figgs.
Figgs wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Figgs fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Saraiva looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Saraiva moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Saraiva is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
The crowd cheers as Figgs lands an impressive looking overhand right. Saraiva doesn't seem phased though.
Saraiva shoots in but Figgs avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Saraiva takes a shot right to the bread basket.
A jab from Figgs does it's job there.
Figgs takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Figgs listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Figgs lands with a hook. Saraiva tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Figgs goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Figgs cracks Saraiva with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Figgs with a hook.
Figgs displaying good standup as he scores with a three punch combination.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Figgs scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
A left lands for Figgs.
Figgs scores with a hook.
Figgs lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Figgs scores with a jab to the body.
Figgs paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Figgs lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Saraiva takes one on the button.
Figgs connects with a jab.
Saraiva closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Figgs connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Saraiva tries to move into range but Figgs moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
A lazy left from Figgs finds it's target.
Figgs is working the combinations to good effect here.
Saraiva closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
A right-left combo lands from Figgs.
Saraiva takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
Frankie Figgs is winning the standup battle so far.
Figgs connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Figgs throws a series of strikes that have Saraiva backpedaling.
A right-left combo lands from Figgs.
Figgs is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Saraiva can do to turn this around?
Figgs lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Figgs jabs Saraiva right on the nose. Saraiva blinks but takes it well.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Frankie Figgs dominated that second round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! This is the final round!

Figgs jabs away that one connects to the head of his opponent.
A left and a right from Figgs both land. Nice combination.

Saraiva scores a takedown into full mount!
Figgs sneaks a leg under to get to half guard.
Figgs throws a strike from the bottom that misses.
Figgs gets full guard.
Figgs trying to control the position.
Saraiva stopping the sweep attempt from Figgs.
Figgs throws a couple of shots from the bottom but they don't land.
Saraiva preventing the sweep.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Saraiva postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Figgs wants to sweep here but Saraiva controlling him for the moment.
Saraiva trying to control the position from guard on top but Figgs is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Figgs throwing strikes off his back to little effect.
Figgs keeping moving, preventing Saraiva from controlling successfully.
Figgs controls Saraiva momentarily but Saraiva frees himself.
Figgs wants to sweep here but Saraiva controlling him for the moment.

Saraiva drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and Figgs dives on top into guard.

That's two 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.
Figgs trying to control the position from guard on top but Saraiva is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Saraiva is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Figgs working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Saraiva's head.
Figgs seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
Figgs trying to control but Saraiva is working from the bottom.
Figgs stopping the sweep attempt from Saraiva.
Figgs is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Figgs wants to control from the top but Saraiva keeps moving.

Frankie Figgs has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.
Saraiva closes the distance and clinches up with Figgs, looking for a takedown. Saraiva pushes Figgs against the cage but Figgs circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Saraiva shoots in looking for a takedown but Figgs manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Saraiva's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Figgs lands with an uppercut that bounces Saraiva off the cage and back into rage.
Figgs punishes Saraiva's body with a nice straight punch.
Figgs lands a really nice looking cross but Saraiva seems unphased.
Figgs scores with a sloppy right hand. Saraiva should have avoided that one.
Figgs fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Saraiva on the side of the head.
Figgs scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Saraiva has a takedown stuffed.
Frankie Figgs has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Arthur Saraiva.
Figgs lands with a nice body punch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A nice combination there by Figgs.
Figgs lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
Saraiva shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Figgs defends it nicely.
A nice combination there by Figgs.
Saraiva gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Figgs connects with a nice looking jab.
Figgs lands a two punch combo.
Saraiva walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Saraiva takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Figgs lands an overhand right.
Figgs cracks Saraiva with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Saraiva gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Figgs.
Figgs lands a jab-cross combination.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Figgs changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.

And that's the end of the fight!
Frankie Figgs showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Figgs 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 Saam Ante scores the fight 29:27
Judge Daniel Blasius scores the fight 29:27
Judge Aafke Stam scores the fight 29:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Frankie Figgs!