PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Roger Scarpavi (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Tommy Banner (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). We have two fighters making their debuts here, so let's see who comes out of this one with their first professional victory.

Scarpavi
vs
Banner

202 cm
25
214 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

187 cm
23
213 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Intelligent

BJJ White Belt
Decent boxing
Tends to cut

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Roger Scarpavi!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Tommy Banner!
The judges for this bout are Steve Erwin, Bruno Hogan and Hugh Johnson.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Scarpavi throws a series of punches but Banner avoids them all with ease.
Roger Scarpavi seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Banner has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Banner there as he acknowledges the shot.
Banner is trying hard to land a takedown here. Scarpavi sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Banner fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Scarpavi misses with a straight right.
Banner has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Scarpavi finds it's way round the side to connect with Banner's head.
Banner avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Scarpavi jabs Banner to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Banner works the jab nicely.
Banner throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Scarpavi's waist but Scarpavi gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Banner off to one side.
Roger Scarpavi has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Tommy Banner.
Banner bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Scarpavi slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Horrible takedown by Banner or perhaps it was just good defense by Scarpavi which made him look bad.
Banner dodges the punch combination from Scarpavi.
Scarpavi stuffs the takedown attempt from Banner. Banner gets slowly back to his feet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Banner tries to clinch up but Scarpavi circles away and keeps his distance.
Banner slips a jab from Scarpavi.
Scarpavi misses with a lunging right hand
letting Banner counter with a right hand.
Banner tries to clinch but Scarpavi moves out of range.
A nice combination there by Scarpavi.
Scarpavi throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Banner shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Scarpavi as he avoids it easily.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Banner.
Scarpavi throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Banner tries to clinch but Scarpavi is having none of it.
Scarpavi lands a right hook to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Banner closes the distance and clinches.
Banner content to slow the pace in the clinch.
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!
Scarpavi is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Banner is clearly stalling here... Pick up the pace son.

Scarpavi manages to break the clinch.
Banner shoots in looking for a takedown but Scarpavi manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Banner's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Scarpavi digs a good body shot into Banner's ribs.
Scarpavi fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Scarpavi throws a right hand that Banner ducks under and follows up with a left that Banner also avoids with ease.
Scarpavi throws out a loose jab but Banner uses good head movement to avoid it.
Scarpavi falls off balance throwing a combination
and Banner cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Banner shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Scarpavi defends it nicely.
Scarpavi misses with a hook.
Scarpavi fails to land with a series of punches.
Roger Scarpavi is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Banner keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Scarpavi.
Scarpavi lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Banner circles away quickly and effectively.
Banner tries to clinch there but Scarpavi circles away.
Scarpavi throws a right and a left that both miss.
A big left from Scarpavi misses.
Banner moves in looking to clinch but Scarpavi pushes him off.
Banner takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Scarpavi misses the jab.

Banner has managed to clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Scarpavi is trying to break free.
Banner lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Banner changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Scarpavi fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Banner blocks a jab.
Scarpavi throws a combination that misses
and Scarpavi takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Scarpavi throws a series of punches but Banner moves out of range.
Scarpavi misses with a double jab.
Scarpavi lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Banner punishes Scarpavi's body with a nice straight punch.
Scarpavi is breathing heavily.
Scarpavi avoids the clinch attempt nicely.

Banner fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Scarpavi, pushing him back against the cage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Tommy Banner will probably get the nod.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Banner has closed the distance and engaged Scarpavi in a clinch.
Banner lands a nice shot to the body.
Scarpavi tries to circle away but Banner has him pinned against the cage.
Banner tries to score a body lock takedown but Scarpavi shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Banner has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Scarpavi avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Scarpavi tries to break the clinch but Banner is controlling the position.
Scarpavi stops a takedown attempt from Banner.
Roger Scarpavi has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Tommy Banner.

Banner manages to break the clinch.
Banner throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Scarpavi's waist but Scarpavi gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Banner off to one side.
Banner stalks Scarpavi and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Scarpavi's face. Scarpavi staggers backwards, shaken.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Scarpavi.
Scarpavi connects with a body shot.
Scarpavi's corner calls for a 1-2. Scarpavi obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Scarpavi 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.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Scarpavi gets tackled into the cage by Banner. Banner maintains the clinch.
Banner jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Scarpavi walks away with a smile on his face. Banner gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Scarpavi swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Banner staying out of range there.
Banner showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Scarpavi.
Banner is trying hard to land a takedown here. Scarpavi sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Banner is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Scarpavi scores with a jab to the jaw.
Scarpavi keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
A lazy left from Scarpavi finds it's target.
Scarpavi misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Roger Scarpavi is winning the standup battle so far.
Scarpavi throws out a loose jab but Banner uses good head movement to avoid it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Banner has a takedown stuffed.
Scarpavi throws a right and a left that Banner avoids nicely.
Scarpavi throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Scarpavi moves away from the strike by Banner.
Scarpavi swings for the body but Banner moves out of range.
Scarpavi misses with a combination
and Banner counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Banner fails with the takedown.
Banner walks into a left hand.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Scarpavi crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Banner - the referee stops the clock and Scarpavi gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Banner. Scarpavi manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Scarpavi with a body punch. A glancing blow.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Scarpavi throws a right hand that misses
and Banner counters with a two punch combo.
Scarpavi throws the left hand but Banner avoids the punch easily.
Scarpavi jabbing away but nothing is landing.

Banner clinches.

Banner escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Scarpavi throws a body punch but Banner moves out of range.
Banner throws a head kick but Scarpavi moves out of range.
Banner changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Scarpavi tries to avoid it but Banner manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Scarpavi to the ground. Scarpavi escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Scarpavi throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Banner.
Scarpavi waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Banner.
Banner shoots in looking for a takedown but Scarpavi manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Banner's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Banner jabs at Scarpavi's body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Scarpavi thows a body shot but no joy.
Banner shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Scarpavi as he avoids it easily.
Banner is looking to clinch but Scarpavi is avoiding it.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Scarpavi looks to land a left hand but Banner moved out of range nicely.
Scarpavi throws a big shot that misses.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Banner.
Good exchange - Scarpavi coming out on top.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Scarpavi connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Scarpavi will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Banner shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Scarpavi as he jumps to the side.
Banner misses with a head kick.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Tommy Banner will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.

A combination from Banner does no damage.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Banner.
Horrible takedown by Banner or perhaps it was just good defense by Scarpavi which made him look bad.
Banner fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Roger Scarpavi has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Tommy Banner.
Banner will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Scarpavi defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Banner.
Scarpavi scores to the head and body with a nice combination!
A punch combination from Scarpavi misses.
Scarpavi lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Banner backs up against the cage.
Scarpavi cracks Banner with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Banner takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Banner takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Scarpavi throws a right and a left that both miss.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Scarpavi throws a series of punches but Banner avoids them all with ease.
Scarpavi throws a hook but Banner blocks it.
Scarpavi loads up on a big right hand but Banner slips the punch.
Banner takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Scarpavi is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
Scarpavi swats away the attempt to clinch by Banner.
Scarpavi connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Scarpavi moves into range and connects with a jab.
Banner is looking to clinch.
Banner misses with a few strikes there.
Scarpavi misses with a few strikes there.
Banner ducks under a wild hook from Scarpavi.
Roger Scarpavi has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Banner throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Scarpavi slips a jab and a cross from Banner.
Banner tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Banner throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Sloppy strikes from Scarpavi. Those never looked like landing.
Scarpavi avoids a punch combination nicely.
Scarpavi dips to his left and cracks Banner with an uppercut!
Scarpavi avoids the head kick by Banner.
Scarpavi feints a jab promting Banner to slip. Scarpavi then demonstrates his capabilities by jabbing again. Banner slips again and ducks right into an uppercut.
Scarpavi feints a jab promting Banner to slip. Scarpavi then demonstrates his capabilities by jabbing again. Banner slips again and ducks right into an uppercut.
Banner has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
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!
Scarpavi misses the shot to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Scarpavi swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Scarpavi keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Banner ducks under a wild hook from Scarpavi.
Banner fails in his attempt to clinch.
Scarpavi stuffs the takedown.
A swing and a miss from Scarpavi.
Banner shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Scarpavi defends it nicely.
Scarpavi uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Banner has time to react.
Scarpavi cracks Banner with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Banner dodges the punch combination from Scarpavi.
Scarpavi misses with a combination
and Banner counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Banner shoots in for a takedown but Scarpavi shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Banner walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Scarpavi throws a right and a left that Banner avoids nicely.
Sloppy strikes from Scarpavi. Those never looked like landing.
Banner pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Banner slips a straight right by Scarpavi.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Scarpavi misses with a few strikes there.
Banner looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Tommy Banner is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Scarpavi just misses with a punch to the body.

And that's the end of the fight!
Roger Scarpavi showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Banner 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 Steve Erwin scores the fight 28:29
Judge Bruno Hogan scores the fight 28:29
Judge Hugh Johnson scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Tommy Banner!