PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Jari Byczynski (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Gregory Scarpa (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Gregory Scarpa has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Byczynski
vs
Scarpa

202 cm
27
202 lbs
7 - 8 - 0

187 cm
31
189 lbs
14 - 17 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Cardio machine

Excellent grappler
Excellent MT
Granite chin

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 7 - 8 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Jari Byczynski!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 14 - 17 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Gregory Scarpa!
The judges for this bout are Ben Hemmingworth, Hugh Johnson and Winston Howard.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Scarpa drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Scarpa being controlled here momentarily.
Byczynski 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.
Scarpa lands a couple of digs.
Scarpa trying to control but Byczynski is working from the bottom.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Scarpa lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Scarpa stopping the sweep attempt from Byczynski.
Scarpa pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Byczynski is keeping the position for now.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Scarpa is still trying to improve position.
Scarpa trying to control the position from guard on top but Byczynski is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Scarpa looking to pass the guard.
Scarpa working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Scarpa engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Scarpa won't allow Byczynski to sweep him here.

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.
Scarpa is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Byczynski tries to land a sweep but no joy.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.
Scarpa tries to free his leg and advance position but Byczynski is retaining full guard.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
A telegraphed right hand from Byczynski misses the target.
Scarpa uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Byczynski.
Byczynski slips under a jab from Scarpa.
Scarpa changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Byczynski tries to avoid it but Scarpa manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Byczynski to the ground. Byczynski escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Byczynski works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Scarpa takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Byczynski rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Scarpa moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Byczynski throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Scarpa sees it coming and avoids it easily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Byczynski has managed to clinch.
Scarpa digs a right hand into Byczynski's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Byczynski's gas tank.
Byczynski looking to throw knees to the head but Scarpa is blocking nicely.
A hook to the body from Byczynski.
Scarpa goes for a takedown in the clinch but Byczynski prevents it.
Scarpa drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Jari Byczynski has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Gregory Scarpa.
Byczynski goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Byczynski misses with a hook from the clinch.
Byczynski really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Byczynski swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Byczynski fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Byczynski.
Byczynski tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Scarpa wants to take the fight to the mat but Byczynski manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Scarpa is looking for a takedown.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Byczynski wants to get back to striking at distance but Scarpa won't allow it.
A head punch on the inside from Byczynski fails to land.
Byczynski stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.
Scarpa fails to pull guard.
Byczynski works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Scarpa is trying to pull guard but Byczynski has him pressed against the cage.
Byczynski pushes off an throws an elbow but Scarpa leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
Byczynski tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Byczynski stops a takedown attempt from Scarpa.
Scarpa is trying to drag Byczynski to the mat but Byczynski just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Byczynski lands a nice shot to the body.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Scarpa fails to pull guard.
Scarpa has Byczynski pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Byczynski manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Scarpa looking for a takedown.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Byczynski lands a right hand that snaps the head of Scarpa backwards.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jari Byczynski dominated that round.
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.

Byczynski pushes forward with a 1-2 combination that forces Scarpa back to the cage. Byczynski follows up with a solid lead hook to the liver.

It looks like Gregory Scarpa has been cut.

Scarpa clinches up with Byczynski and pushes him back against the cage.
Byczynski blocks an uppercut.
Byczynski lands an uppercut.
Scarpa tries to pull guard but Byczynski forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Byczynski is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Scarpa can do to turn this around?
Byczynski prevents a takedown attempt there.
Byczynski lands a hook that snaps the head of Scarpa backwards.
Scarpa tries for a takedown but Byczynski manages to get underhooks.
Jari Byczynski has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Gregory Scarpa.
Byczynski lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Scarpa.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Scarpa.
Byczynski gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Scarpa.
Scarpa lands with a light punch inside.
Byczynski presses Scarpa against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
With the fighters up against the cage, Byczynski throws an elbow but misses.
Scarpa blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Byczynski stalling the fight.
Scarpa is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Byczynski gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Byczynski lands a nice uppercut.
Byczynski with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Scarpa misses with some punches.

Scarpa has moved round to his opponent's back and is looking for a suplex! Oh snap! He's tossed Byczynski clear over his head and slammed him to the mat!
Scarpa is breathing heavily.
You can see the frustration on Byczynski's face… He knows he is in trouble unless he improves his position sooner rather than later.
Well, with Scarpa on his back, surely it's only a matter of time before Byczynski is tapping out... Can he escape the position?
Byczynski needs to remain patient if he's going to get out of this sticky situation.
Byczynski covering up well under a series of strikes from Scarpa.
Scarpa trying desperately to keep hold of the dominant position.
Byczynski is trying to remain composed but Scarpa is hammering down strikes to the side of his head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Byczynski covering up well under a barage of strikes.
Scarpa struggling to keep hold of the position.

Byczynski defending nicely against the rear naked choke attempt.
Byczynski tries to roll but Scarpa sticks to his back.
Scarpa really has the hooks in deep now - there seems like no escape for Byczynski.
Our spies down at at Sydney Shootfighting inform us that Scarpa has really been working on his submissions in the buildup to this fight. Will it pay off?

Byczynski defends a rear naked choke attempt by controlling one of Scarpa's arms.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Scarpa controlling well, preventing Byczynski from escaping the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Scarpa is controlling the position but Byczynski somehow manages to roll and ends up with half guard.
Scarpa with the ground and pound but Byczynski uses the opportunity to regain guard.
Byczynski keeping moving, preventing Scarpa from controlling successfully.
Scarpa trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Scarpa advances position into side control!

Scarpa goes for an armbar! This could be all over! Wait, no, Byczynski rolls with the submission and now he's on top in Scarpa's guard! Nice work there by Byczynski!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Byczynski is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
Scarpa 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.
Scarpa throwing some rather feeble looking strikes off his back.
Scarpa keeping moving, preventing Byczynski from controlling successfully.

Scarpa looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.

Scarpa has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Byczynski can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Gregory Scarpa will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Gregory Scarpa's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Byczynski scores with a nice strike.
Scarpa shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Byczynski connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Scarpa uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Byczynski.
Scarpa misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Byczynski is looking to counter punch.
Scarpa misses with a wild body shot.
Good standup being displayed there by Byczynski as he connects with a hook.
Byczynski throws a series of punches but Scarpa moves out of range.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Jab from Byczynski.
Scarpa shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Byczynski but Byczynski pushes him off and we're back to square one.
A quick step to the side and Byczynski tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
Jari Byczynski has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Gregory Scarpa.
Scarpa has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Scarpa there as he acknowledges the shot.
Jari Byczynski is winning the standup battle so far.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Byczynski misses with a series of wild punches.
A chopping leg kick lands by Byczynski.
Byczynski tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Scarpa paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Scarpa ducks right into an uppercut from Byczynski.
Byczynski is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
Crunch! Byczynski slams his shin into Scarpa's torso.
Scarpa takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Scarpa shoots and misses
and Byczynski counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Byczynski scores with a decent looking hook.

Scarpa is rocked!
Jari Byczynski is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Byczynski lands with a nice combination. Scarpa backs away looking to recover.
Scarpa is still on wobbly legs! Can Byczynski finish him?
Byczynski throws a shot to the body.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Byczynski rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Scarpa moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Scarpa seems to have recovered his senses.
Scarpa throws a right hand that misses
and Byczynski counters with a left to the body.
Byczynski tests Scarpa's chin there with a solid looking shot.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Byczynski displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Scarpa.
Byczynski cracks a nice hook into Scarpa's ribs.
Byczynski cracks Scarpa with a right hand to the side of the head.
A telegraphed right hand from Byczynski misses the target.
Byczynski lands a body shot.
The crowd cheers as Byczynski lands an impressive looking overhand right. Scarpa doesn't seem phased though.
Scarpa on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
Byczynski scores with a nice one two combo and darts back out of range to avoid anything coming in the opposite direction.
Byczynski doesn't manage to clinch there - Scarpa circles away.
Byczynski looks to throw the jab but Scarpa is out of range.
Byczynski lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Scarpa circles away quickly and effectively.
Scarpa looks for a takedown but Byczynski sprawls well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Byczynski throws a body shot but no joy.
Scarpa with the counter takedown but Byczynski avoids it easily.
Byczynski tries to close the distance and clinch up but Scarpa swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Byczynski works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.

Scarpa shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Byczynski is trying to defend but Scarpa finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
Scarpa is looking to take a break and control but Byczynski is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Scarpa has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Nice strikes from Scarpa there.
Byczynski is not content to let Scarpa control the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Byczynski wants to improve his position but Scarpa is controlling well.
Scarpa trying to mount his opponent but Byczynski defends it.
Byczynski trying to control from the bottom.
Scarpa throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Still in half guard, Scarpa seems content to control.
Scarpa trying to pass the guard but Byczynski defending well.
Byczynski is trying to get back to full guard.

And that's the end of the fight!
Jari Byczynski showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Byczynski 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 Ben Hemmingworth scores the fight 30:27
Judge Hugh Johnson scores the fight 29:28
Judge Winston Howard scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jari Byczynski!
After winning the bout, Jari Byczynski thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.