PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Forrest Griffith (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Dave Weicikilla (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Griffith
vs
Weicikilla

190 cm
23
193 lbs
9 - 1 - 0

187 cm
23
193 lbs
6 - 2 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Solid boxing
Big right hand

BJJ Purple Belt
Brawler
Solid chin

Renegade Extreme Fightwear

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the middleweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 9 - 1 - 0, fighting out of New York, Forrest Griffith!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 2 - 0, fighting out of New York, Dave Weicikilla!
The judges for this bout are Jonathan Paton, Lou da Vinci and John Roberts.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Weicikilla shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Griffith's guard.

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

Weicikilla looking for a guillotine here but Griffith defends easily.
Weicikilla wants to sweep here but Griffith controlling him for the moment.

Weicikilla throws his legs up looking to secure a triangle. Oh, that looks pretty tight, I gotta say! Griffith escapes and throws Weicikilla's legs to the side, diving into side control!
Weicikilla is looking to regain half guard here but Griffith keeps moving and retains side control.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Weicikilla is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.

Griffith stands up and beckons Weicikilla to his feet.
Weicikilla moves out of range as Griffith throws a body kick.
Griffith misses with a head kick.
Weicikilla rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Griffith moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Griffith cracks Weicikilla with a right hand to the side of the head.

It looks like Dave Weicikilla has been cut.
Weicikilla throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Griffith's waist but Griffith gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Weicikilla off to one side.
Griffith drops Weicikilla with a left and a right! Oh, Weicikilla is hurt - Griffith dives into side control looking to finish!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Weicikilla tries to improve position but can't.
Weicikilla looks gassed!

Griffith stands up and we're back to a striking position.
Griffith scores with a nice right hand.
Weicikilla throws a jab when Griffith was well out of range.
Griffith will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Weicikilla fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Weicikilla ducks right into an uppercut from Griffith.
Nice defenses there by Griffith.
Griffith misses with a two punch combination.
Griffith lands a jab to the head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Griffith swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Weicikilla.
Weicikilla closes this distance looking for a takedown but Griffith circles away.
Forrest Griffith has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Dave Weicikilla.
Weicikilla displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Griffith throws out the jab.
Griffith misses with an attempted mid kick.
Weicikilla takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Weicikilla takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Weicikilla bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Griffith's head.
Griffith smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Griffith throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Weicikilla looks for a takedown but Griffith sprawls well.
Weicikilla takes a head kick and keeps coming.
Weicikilla fails with a takedown attempt.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Griffith uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Weicikilla has time to react.
Forrest Griffith is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Griffith slips a straight right by Weicikilla.
Griffith changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Weicikilla avoids a kick to the body.
Weicikilla takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Griffith lands with a straight right. Weicikilla didn't see that one coming.
Griffith moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Weicikilla with a nice cross.
Griffith 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.
Weicikilla takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Griffith connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
A nice combination there by Griffith.
Weicikilla shoots in and drives through. Griffith sprawls well.
Griffith fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Weicikilla looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Horrible takedown by Weicikilla or perhaps it was just good defense by Griffith which made him look bad.
Griffith throws a lazy right hand but Weicikilla sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Weicikilla avoids a punch combination nicely.
Weicikilla shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Griffith as he avoids it easily.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Forrest Griffith dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Dave Weicikilla's cut.
That's time! Back to the action!

Weicikilla closes this distance looking for a takedown but Griffith circles away.
Forrest Griffith is winning the standup battle so far.
Griffith pushes Weicikilla away with a front kick.
Griffith stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Weicikilla ducks under a wild hook from Griffith.
A slow jab from Griffith misses its intended target.
Griffith throws a right and a left that both miss.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Weicikilla.
Nice defenses there by Griffith.
Forrest Griffith is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
A punch lands to the side of Weicikilla 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Griffith scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Griffith with a hook.
Griffith jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Griffith stuffs the takedown attempt from Weicikilla. Weicikilla gets slowly back to his feet.
Forrest Griffith has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Dave Weicikilla.
Griffith closes the distance and lands a one-two.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Griffith goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Griffith takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Weicikilla steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Griffith.
Griffith is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Weicikilla can do to turn this around?

Weicikilla fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Griffith sprawls well initially but Weicikilla persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
Griffith tries to kick Weicikilla off but Weicikilla keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.

Weicikilla seems to be looking for submissions.

Weicikilla is looking for a kimura. It's pretty deep but Griffith still has the half guard so he's probably OK. Oh, Griffith has exploded into a beautiful escape there and after a quick scramble, he's ended up in side control on top! Nice work!
Griffith gets to mount! Weicikilla was on the offensive and wasn't defending properly.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Weicikilla is desperately trying to get back to half guard.

Griffith is standing up, even though he is in mount.
Griffith misses with a looping left.
A telegraphed right hand from Griffith misses the target.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Weicikilla fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Weicikilla throws an overhand right that lands on Griffith's shoulder, as Griffith tries to avoid the shot.
Nice shot by Griffith.
Griffith connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Griffith looks to land a combination but Weicikilla avoids it well.
A big left from Griffith misses.
Weicikilla fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Griffith misses with a hook. Weicikilla ducked under it nicely.
Griffith looks to land a right hand but Weicikilla moved out of range.

Weicikilla scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.

Weicikilla tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Weicikilla has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
Weicikilla tries to move into full mount but can't pass Griffith's legs.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Weicikilla is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Griffith has escaped the position, nice work there.

Weicikilla tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.

Weicikilla wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Griffith, who protects the arm well.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Forrest Griffith dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Dave Weicikilla's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Griffith scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Griffith throws a hook but Weicikilla blocks it.
Weicikilla moves out of range as Griffith strikes.
Weicikilla lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.

It looks like Forrest Griffith has been cut.
Weicikilla fails with the takedown.
Weicikilla shoots in for a double leg but Griffith sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Good shot there by Griffith.
Weicikilla is on the wrong end of a nice combination from Griffith.
Griffith is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Weicikilla.
Griffith throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped

and Weicikilla counters with a takedown into side control.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Weicikilla goes for an armbar! This could be all over! Wait, no, Griffith rolls with the submission and now he's on top in Weicikilla's guard! Nice work there by Griffith!
Griffith tries to stand but Weicikilla is controlling from the bottom.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.

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

Weicikilla escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Griffith gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.

Weicikilla working away from the bottom but not quite defensive enough there because Griffith has passed into half guard!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.

Griffith decides to return to a standing position.
Weicikilla fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Forrest Griffith has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Dave Weicikilla.
Weicikilla blocks the body kick.
Weicikilla has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Weicikilla checks a low kick from Griffith.

Weicikilla shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Griffith's guard.
Weicikilla stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Griffith swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Weicikilla is pushing down on Griffith's leg trying to pass to half guard. Griffith is fighting to maintain full guard but Weicikilla has managed to sneak the leg through.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Weicikilla is working for a submission of some sort.
Weicikilla trying to mount his opponent but Griffith defends it.

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.
Weicikilla manages to get back to half guard.
Weicikilla is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close third round but Dave Weicikilla just about did enough to take it.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
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.

Griffith closes the distance and lands a one-two.
Griffith stuffs the takedown.
Weicikilla shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Griffith pinned against the cage. Griffith gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Griffith misses with a series of wild punches.
Griffith lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
Weicikilla blocks the body kick.
Griffith throws a leg kick which misses Weicikilla's front leg but catches the back leg as Weicikilla tries to avoid it.
Weicikilla slips a jab and a cross from Griffith.
Weicikilla looks to land a left hand but Griffith moved out of range nicely.
Weicikilla looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Forrest Griffith has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Dave Weicikilla.
Griffith lands a jab to the head.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Griffith avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Forrest Griffith seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Griffith throws a wild body kick that Weicikilla sees coming a mile off.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Griffith throws a low kick but Weicikilla avoids it.
Weicikilla throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Decent striking displayed by Griffith there.
Griffith throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Griffith fails to land with a series of punches.
Griffith moves out of range of the strikes.
Weicikilla sizes up Griffith with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Weicikilla closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Weicikilla shoots in for a takedown but Griffith shows good takedown defense.
Weicikilla has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Griffith finds it's way round the side to connect with Weicikilla's head.
Griffith looks to land a left hand but Weicikilla moved out of range nicely.
Weicikilla shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Griffith as he avoids it easily.
Weicikilla takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Weicikilla fails to land with a series of punches.
Weicikilla slips a straight right by Griffith.
Griffith lands with a cross.
Griffith swinging wilding here.

That's two 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.
A combination from Weicikilla does no damage.
Weicikilla avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Weicikilla might want to mix his strikes up a bit more. He's just going for head shots at the moment and that can become a bit predictable.
Weicikilla tries for a takedown but Griffith sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Griffith throws a shot from downtown. Weicikilla moves away and avoids it.
Griffith uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Weicikilla.
Griffith throws a sloppy head kick and Weicikilla moves out of range easily.
Griffith lands with a nice body kick.
A right-left combo lands from Weicikilla.
Weicikilla throws a hook to the side of Griffith's head but Griffith sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Weicikilla shoots in looking for a takedown. Griffith tries to sprawl out of it but Weicikilla keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Griffith manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Weicikilla walks into a jab.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Weicikilla.
Griffith moves out of range of the strikes.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Weicikilla walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Griffith lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Weicikilla takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Weicikilla slips under a jab from Griffith.
Griffith stuffs the takedown.
Griffith goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Weicikilla closes this distance looking for a takedown but Griffith circles away.
Griffith lands a with a good body shot.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Griffith.
Weicikilla slips under a jab from Griffith.

Weicikilla bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
Weicikilla advances to mount.
Griffith wants to use the cage to get back to his feet here.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Weicikilla swings around for an armbar but it's a sloppy attempt and Griffith is now in Weicikilla's guard. A big mistake from Weicikilla there, giving up the dominant position!

Weicikilla is looking for a triangle here but Griffith uses the submission attempt to pass into side control.
Weicikilla looking for a sweep but Griffith has passed into full mount! Oh no!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Forrest Griffith had his way with Dave Weicikilla in that round.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! This is the final round!

Griffith misses with a few strikes there.

Weicikilla shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
Weicikilla tries to free his leg and advance position but Griffith is retaining full guard.
Dave Weicikilla has got the better of the ground game so far.
Griffith utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.

Weicikilla postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Griffith is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Weicikilla, into his guard.

Weicikilla throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - an gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Weicikilla wants to sweep here but Griffith controlling him for the moment.
Weicikilla has a closed guard, preventing Griffith from standing up.

Griffith avoids a guillotine attempt easily.

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.

Weicikilla working for submissions but it's allowed Griffith to get to half guard.
Weicikilla is looking to improve his position.
Griffith tries to stand but his hand is stuck under Weicikilla.
Weicikilla wants to improve his position but Griffith is controlling well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Weicikilla is looking to get full guard. It looks like he might be successful but at the last minute Griffith jumps into side control!

Griffith decides to stand up, so the ref orders Weicikilla to his feet.
Weicikilla fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Griffith lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Griffith connects with the punch.
Weicikilla looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Weicikilla blocks a head kick by Griffith.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Griffith lands a glancing blow to the side of Weicikilla's head.
Griffith lands with a nice combination. Weicikilla backs away looking to recover.
Griffith stuffs the takedown attempt from Weicikilla. Weicikilla gets slowly back to his feet.
Forrest Griffith has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Dave Weicikilla.
Griffith throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Dave Weicikilla has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Griffith throws an overhand right that lands on Weicikilla's shoulder, as Weicikilla tries to avoid the shot.
Weicikilla ducks under a wild hook from Griffith.
Weicikilla scores with a jab to the jaw.
Griffith showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Weicikilla.
Weicikilla takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
Griffith throws the kick towards the body but Weicikilla avoids it.
Griffith stuffs the takedown.
Horrible takedown by Weicikilla or perhaps it was just good defense by Griffith which made him look bad.
Weicikilla on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Forrest Griffith is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Weicikilla jabbing away but nothing is landing.

And that's the end of the fight!
Forrest Griffith showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Griffith 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Jonathan Paton scores the fight for Forrest Griffith!
Judge Lou da Vinci scores the fight for Forrest Griffith!
Judge John Roberts scores the fight for Forrest Griffith!

Forrest Griffith wins by unanimous decision!
Forrest Griffith retains his middleweight title!