PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Tommy Tapout (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and James Jaffer (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Tapout comes to the cage accompanied by Runaway. Jaffer has chosen DubRaider- Starry Eyes as his entrance music. Both fighters really staring each other down here, as James Jaffer enters the cage!

Tapout
vs
Jaffer

173 cm
26
142 lbs
8 - 3 - 0

179 cm
22
145 lbs
9 - 2 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Brawler
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Decent boxing
Granite chin

Untouchable Fight Gear

Dynamic Nutrition $35 159 Recovery

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 8 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Tommy Tapout!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 9 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, James Jaffer!
The judges for this bout are Paulsen Ambrosius, Daniel Blasius and Paul Aken.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A decent looking cross lands there for Jaffer.
Jaffer digs a good hook to Tapout's body.

Jaffer shoots in and gets a takedown into Tapout's guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.

Tapout looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Jaffer wants to control from the top but Tapout keeps moving.
Jaffer looking to pass the guard.

Tapout is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Jaffer defends well.

Tapout working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Jaffer doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Jaffer manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Tapout trying to control the position.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Tapout preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.

Tapout is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tapout keeping moving, preventing Jaffer from controlling successfully.

Tapout is looking for a triangle but Jaffer pushes his legs off easily.
Jaffer lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Tapout trying to control the position.
Jaffer makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Jaffer scoring with punches to the head and body.
Tapout keeping moving, preventing Jaffer from controlling successfully.
Jaffer postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Tapout wants to sweep here but Jaffer controlling him for the moment.
Tapout keeping moving, preventing Jaffer from controlling successfully.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Tapout is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Jaffer throws a big right hand that misses.
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!

Tapout is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Jaffer is aware though and is defending well.
Jaffer trying to control but Tapout is working from the bottom.

Tapout is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Jaffer with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Tapout keeping moving, preventing Jaffer from controlling successfully.
Jaffer working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Tapout trying to keep a closed guard but Jaffer is proving a slippery customer.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tapout looking to hit a scissor sweep but Jaffer is one step ahead there.
Jaffer loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Tapout wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.

Tapout throws his legs up looking for a submission but Jaffer uses it to pass to side control.
Jaffer wants to take a breather but Tapout manages to regain guard - a lesson learnt for Jaffer.
Jaffer wants to control from the top but Tapout keeps moving.

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

Tapout has an omoplata and is looking to use it perhaps as a submission or perhaps to transition. Jaffer is in a bit of discomfort here, but he's managed to free himself and has dived into side control! That didn't work out too well for Tapout.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Jaffer working the ground and pound.
Tapout is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Jaffer's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.
Tapout is doing well to avoid being mounted. He's controlling the position at the moment.

Tapout is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Jaffer pulls his head out easily.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Tapout blocking the ground and pound attempt from Jaffer.
Still in half guard, Jaffer seems content to control.

Tapout actively working from the bottom here.
Jaffer working Tapout over with strikes.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Jaffer scoring with strikes to the body and head.

Tapout actively working from the bottom here.
Jaffer trying to control from half guard but Tapout is working away.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but James Jaffer will probably get the nod.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Tapout shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Jaffer counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Jaffer lands a slapping body shot.
Tapout shoots for a takedown but Jaffer saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Jaffer misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Tapout.
Tommy Tapout is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

Jaffer pushes Tapout up against the cage in a clinch.
Tapout content to slow the pace in the clinch.
Tapout tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Jaffer smiles and moves away.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Tommy Tapout. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Jaffer has closed the distance and engaged Tapout in a clinch.
Jaffer misses with some punches.
Jaffer lands with a right to the head.
Tapout blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Jaffer lands a body shot.
Jaffer lands a left hand.
Tapout jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Jaffer walks away with a smile on his face. Tapout gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Jaffer swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Tapout.
Tapout tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Jaffer counters with a leg kick that reverborates around the arena.
A telegraphed right hand from Jaffer misses the target.

Tapout scores with a takedown into Jaffer's guard.
Jaffer seems keen to control Tapout's posture.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.

OK we're going to have a standup here. James Jaffer hasn't been effective enough on the ground and the referee wants a restart.
Jaffer lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Jaffer rushes Tapout and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.

Tapout manages to break the clinch.
Tapout misses with a body kick.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Tapout moves to clinch but Jaffer breaks away
letting Jaffer counter with a right hand.
Tapout is looking to clinch but Jaffer is avoiding it.
Jaffer swings away with a leg kick that misses.
James Jaffer seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Tapout tries to clinch there but Jaffer circles away.
Jaffer fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Jaffer swings for the body but Tapout moves out of range.
Jaffer keeps the fight on the outside.
Tapout is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Tapout stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Jaffer.
Jaffer uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Tapout has time to react.
Tapout takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Nice sprawl there from Jaffer as Tapout shoots in.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Jaffer has managed to clinch.
A battle for position here, against the cage.

Jaffer breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
A punch lands to the side of Tapout 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Jaffer will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Jaffer lands with a straight right. Tapout didn't see that one coming.
Tapout tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Donk. Jaffer catches Tapout right on the button with a cross.
Jaffer is looking to score with low kicks.
Tapout tries to clinch there but Jaffer circles away.
Jaffer leaves Tapout with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Tapout moves out of range as Jaffer throws a body kick.
Tapout takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Jaffer lands a right hook to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Tapout looking to score a takedown here. Jaffer is defending well but Tapout drives through and ends up in Jaffer's guard.
Tommy Tapout overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Tapout working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Jaffer is pulling down on Tapout's head. It's preventing any offense from Tapout, at least for the moment.
Let's hope that Jaffer has the urge to step up the pace any second now because for the last 15 or 20 seconds he's just been holding on tight.
Jaffer trying to keep a closed guard but Tapout is proving a slippery customer.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.
Tapout trying to control the position from guard on top but Jaffer is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

The ref calls for a clean break and stands the fighters back up. James Jaffer wasn't active enough on the ground.
Jaffer circles away from the clinch attempt.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Tapout fails in his attempt to clinch.
Jaffer connects with a good right hand that stumbles Tapout. Tapout circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
The crowd cheers as Jaffer lands an impressive looking overhand right. Tapout doesn't seem phased though.
Jaffer with a hook.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

James Jaffer showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

A jab from Jaffer does it's job there.
Tapout tries to close the distance and clinch but Jaffer swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Tapout tries to clinch up.
Jaffer throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Tapout sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Jaffer lands with a kick to the ribs.
Tapout moves out of range of the strikes.
Tapout tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Jaffer swivels and escapes.

Tapout instigates a clinch.
Jaffer tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Jaffer has Tapout pushed against the cage.

Jaffer gets double underhooks and manages to take the fight to the ground.
Jaffer must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.

Tapout throws his legs up looking for a submission but Jaffer uses it to pass to side control.
Tapout struggling a bit here.
Tapout is looking to reverse the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Jaffer trying to control the position but Tapout is working away.
Tapout regains half guard.
Tapout wants to get back to full guard.
Jaffer is pressing down on Tapout's thigh, looking to free his foot. Tapout is holding on for now.
Tapout tries to get to full guard but Jaffer has control of the leg.
Tapout wants to control but Jaffer is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Still in half guard, Jaffer seems content to control.
Tapout is looking to get full guard. It looks like he might be successful but at the last minute Jaffer jumps into side control!
Jaffer in side control lands a decent elbow.

Jaffer working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tapout is trying to get back to half guard.
Jaffer creates a bit of distance and throws down some hard shots.
Tapout is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Tapout taking punishment in the form of punches.
Tapout can't do much from the bottom here.
Jaffer lands an elbow.
Tapout is not content to let Jaffer control the position.
Jaffer scoring with punches and elbows.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Jaffer working the body and head with strikes.
You can see the frustration on Tapout's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Tapout is not content to let Jaffer control the position.
Tommy Tapout has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Jaffer lands a nice forearm strike.
Jaffer works a knee to the body and follows up with a nice elbow to the head.
Jaffer scoring with punches from side control.
Jaffer laying and praying for a moment but Tapout takes advantage and regains half guard.

Tapout looking for submissions from an awkward position here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Jaffer winds up and cracks Tapout with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Tapout taking some punishment here, with Jaffer in his half guard.
Jaffer is thwarting Tapout's attempts to control the position.
Jaffer thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Tapout is not content to let Jaffer control the position.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Tapout is looking to control Jaffer's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Tapout avoid being mounted?
Jaffer sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Tapout defending well though.
Tapout gets full guard.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Tapout looking for subs off his back but Jaffer has passed one foot through into half guard.
Jaffer lands strikes from half guard.

And that's the end of the fight!
James Jaffer comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Jaffer has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 Paulsen Ambrosius scores the fight 27:30
Judge Daniel Blasius scores the fight 27:30
Judge Paul Aken scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... James Jaffer!
A very excited looking James Jaffer rambled incoherently for about 5 minutes post fight about how awesome he is. It was kinda funny for a while but then everyone got annoyed.