PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Manny Ribera (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Harry Slater (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Manny Ribera has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Ribera
vs
Slater

180 cm
28
165 lbs
11 - 1 - 0

174 cm
21
161 lbs
6 - 0 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

Good wrestler
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

[CBK] LEGAL HIGHS « Fatality MMA ↑ 5x160Q

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 11 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Manny Ribera!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Harry Slater!
The judges for this bout are Eddie Farnsworth, Jonathan Paton and Reed Andrews.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Slater misses with a hook.
The crowd cheers as Ribera lands an impressive looking overhand right. Slater doesn't seem phased though.

It looks like Harry Slater has been cut.
Slater throws a big shot that misses.

Slater moves into the clinch successfully.
Ribera leaning his opponent against the cage.

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

Slater shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.
Slater frees up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Ribera taking shots to the head.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Slater wants to control the pace but Ribera is squirming around nicely.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ribera takes a big shot to the head but keeps on trying to improve his position.
Slater takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.

Slater working for a guillotine from mount but Ribera is in no mood to give up.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ribera wants to hold on but Slater pushes him away.
Ribera is in a horrible position here, under a barrage of strikes, he's managing to avoid any damage.
Slater fakes a shot to the body and cracks his opponent in the head. Nice ground and pound there!
Poor strikes thrown by Slater there. More accuracy and less frantic strikes would help!
Slater controlling the pace for now.
Slater landing strikes, looking to finish!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Slater lands a big elbow.
Slater throws an elbow from mount that misses. Lucky escape for Ribera because Slater loaded up on that one.
Slater throwing shots from mount but they're not landing.
Slater dominating with strikes here.
Slater throwing sloppy strikes here. Perhaps if he tightened up his striking from such a dominant position, he'd be able to finish easier.
Slater controlling the pace for now.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
It looks like Slater might be adopting somewhat of a lay and pray gameplan here, which I'm sure won't go down too well with the paying fans in attendance... Or the ring announcers come to think of it.
Ribera is wriggling around trying to escape.
Ribera is squirming around, avoiding Slater's attempts to control the action.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Slater looking for an armbar but decides to keep the dominant position instead.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Slater lands with some vicious ground and pound - can Ribera hang on?
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Harry Slater dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Harry Slater's cut.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.

Slater takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Ribera throws a series of punches but Slater avoids them all with ease.
Slater throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Ribera looks to land a right hand but Slater moved out of range.
Slater throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Slater swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Manny Ribera is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Slater tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Ribera was well out of range. Poor timing from Slater.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Ribera!
Slater steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Ribera.

Slater drives through and clinches with Ribera against the cage.
Slater misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Ribera lands an uppercut.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Ribera.

Ribera escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
A solid leg kick lands there for Slater.
Ribera takes a swing at Slater's ribcage but misses.
Manny Ribera is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ribera throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Slater misses with a leg kick.
Slater thows a left - swing and a miss!
Ribera swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.

Slater is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Ribera's half guard.
Slater trying to control from half guard but Ribera is working away.
Harry Slater has got the better of the ground game so far.
Slater not doing much here.
Ribera is trying to control but can't.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Slater passes to side control.
Slater happy to just control the position for now.
Ribera is not content to let Slater control the position.
You can see the frustration on Ribera's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Slater tries to move into full mount but can't pass Ribera's legs.

Slater tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
A lull in the action here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Slater trying to control the position but Ribera is working away.
Ribera tries to buck Slater off but Slater is having none of it.

Slater is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Ribera has escaped the position, nice work there.
Sloppy strikes there by Slater.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Slater landing a few strikes.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Harry Slater showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Harry Slater's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Ribera connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Slater's hands.
Ribera takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Ribera lands with a right hand.
Slater lands a body shot.
Slater lands with an uppercut that bounces Ribera off the cage and back into range.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Ribera.
Harry Slater seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Ribera avoids the body shot from Slater.
Slater is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Ribera rather than just go for the knockout.
Ribera throws a shot 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!
Ribera throws a hook but Slater blocks it.
Ribera throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Ribera staying out of range there.
Slater defending well as Ribera loads up on a big left hand.
Ribera fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Ribera dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Jab by Slater.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ribera throws the left hand but Slater avoids the punch easily.
Ribera lands a right hook to the body.
Ribera swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Slater misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Ribera.
Slater slips a straight right by Ribera.
Ribera fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Slater ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Ribera moves away.
The crowd cheers as Slater lands an impressive looking overhand right. Ribera doesn't seem phased though.
A big left from Slater misses.
Ribera steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Slater.
Slater ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Ribera moves away.
Ribera connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Slater's hands.
Ribera lands a lovely overhand right.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Slater ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Manny Ribera is winning the standup battle so far.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Ribera thows a left - swing and a miss!
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Slater.
Slater swings for the body but Ribera moves out of range.
Slater fails in his attempt to clinch.
Slater takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Slater fails with a takedown attempt.
Slater just misses with a punch to the body.
Slater lands a nice looking body shot.
Slater misses with a straight right.
Slater lands a jab to Ribera's midsection.
Ribera lands a jab.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Slater takes a swing at Ribera's ribcage but misses.
Ribera misses with a wild combination.
Ribera connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Ribera fails to land with a series of punches.
Slater lands with a straight right. Ribera didn't see that one coming.
Slater connects with a body shot that sends Ribera's belly button to the back.
Ribera throws a lazy right hand but Slater sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Slater avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Slater throws a chopping leg kick but Ribera manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Slater avoids the body shot from Ribera.
Ribera misses with a few strikes there.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ribera throws a combination. Slater tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
Slater doesn't manage to clinch there - Ribera circles away.
Slater misses with a wild body shot.

Ribera gets caught flat footed, as Slater shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Slater passes Ribera's left leg - he's now in half guard.

Ribera looking for submissions off his back.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Slater tries to pass the half guard into mount. Ribera knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Slater in particular looking to stall.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but Manny Ribera did the better work so I'd imagine he'll take it.
The cut man is working on Harry Slater's cut.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.

Slater lands a body shot.
Slater moves out of range as Ribera strikes.
Ribera just misses with a punch to the body.
Slater lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Ribera at a distance.
Ribera slaps away a takedown attempt from Slater, before circling back to the center of the mat.
A combination from Ribera does no damage.
Ribera looks to throw the jab but Slater is out of range.
Slater gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Slater shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Slater stuns Ribera with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Slater on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Slater throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Slater throws a body punch but Ribera moves out of range.
Slater takes a swing at Ribera's ribcage but misses.
Slater lands a jab to the nose.

Slater moves into the clinch.
Slater leaning against his opponent.
Ribera is trying to break the clinch but Slater has him pressed against the cage.
Slater jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Ribera walks away with a smile on his face. Slater gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Manny Ribera has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Harry Slater.
A looping hook to the body misses from Ribera. Slater does a little dance to reset his feet.
Slater throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Slater misses with a wild body shot.
Slater moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Ribera uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Slater.
Slater fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Ribera manages to avoid it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ribera takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
A big left from Ribera misses.
Slater throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Slater fails with an attempt to clinch.

Slater throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Ribera tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Slater is in Ribera's guard.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Slater sitting in guard here, content to control.
Ribera tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Slater throwing strikes but missing.
Slater trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ribera wants to sweep here but Slater controlling him for the moment.
Slater works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Ribera is trying to get back to full guard.
Slater is keen to just control but Ribera is a slippery customer.
Ribera keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Slater has freed up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Ribera avoids a series of strikes thrown by Slater.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The referee warns Ribera that he has to improve his position here as he takes two more clean shots to the head.
Slater lands a big shot there that rocks Ribera but he's holding on and managing to survive for now.
Ribera tries to hold on but Slater postures up.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Slater controlling the pace for now.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Slater raining down shots from the mount!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Harry Slater dominated that fourth round.
The cut man is working on Harry Slater's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Slater throws a low kick but Ribera avoids it.

Slater shoots in and bounces Ribera off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
Slater wants to pass the guard but Ribera is keeping the position.
Slater wants to control from the top but Ribera keeps moving.
Slater passes into half guard.

Slater is looking for a kimura here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Slater is keen to just control but Ribera is a slippery customer.
Slater is taking a breather. Ribera says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.
Slater wants to lay and pray for a moment but Ribera keeps working.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Slater thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Ribera's head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ribera is looking to control Slater's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Ribera avoid being mounted?
Slater has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Slater is trying to control the action in half guard but Ribera is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.

OK we're going to have a standup here. Harry Slater hasn't been effective enough on the ground and the referee wants a restart.
Ribera throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
Manny Ribera has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Slater swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Slater takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Nice shot lands for Ribera.
Slater is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Ribera will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ribera avoids the body shot from Slater.
Ribera throws a shot to the body.
Nice shot by Ribera.
Ribera slips a straight right by Slater.
Ribera swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Slater throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Slater ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Ribera moves away.
Slater lands with a straight right. Ribera didn't see that one coming.
Ribera slips under a jab.

Slater shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in full mount! That's better than Slater was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
Slater controlling from the full mount.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ribera is trying to escape but when you're mounted that's not too easy.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Ribera throwing punches from his back but nothing is landing.
Ribera is trying to escape but when you're mounted that's not too easy.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, Slater cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers!

And that's the end of the fight!
Harry Slater comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Slater 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Eddie Farnsworth scores the fight 46:49
Judge Jonathan Paton scores the fight 46:49
Judge Reed Andrews scores the fight 46:49

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Harry Slater! Harry Slater retains his lightweight title!