PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Ray Malenko (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ronald Rousey (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The crowd seem to be enjoying Rousey's choice of entrance music: Creepy Jackalope Eye by Supersuckers. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Malenko
vs
Rousey

182 cm
30
164 lbs
20 - 11 - 0

175 cm
36
166 lbs
24 - 25 - 1

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Excellent grappler
World class MT
Heavy handed

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 20 - 11 - 0, fighting out of London, Ray Malenko!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 24 - 25 - 1, fighting out of St Petersburg, Ronald Rousey!
The judges for this bout are Aleksandr Martynov, Fedor Mirinova and Sergei Dronov.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Malenko looks to throw the jab but Rousey is out of range.
Malenko misses with a looping left.
Malenko misses with a hook.
Malenko throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Rousey tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Malenko defends well and Rousey ends up having to push Malenko into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
We've been informed that Rousey has been sparring a lot of Muay Thai in the buildup to this fight so let's see if that has an impact on the result.
Malenko throws a looping overhand right but Rousey ducks down to avoid it.
Rousey shoots in but Malenko avoids the takedown attempt easily.

Rousey shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
Malenko trying to keep a closed guard but Rousey is proving a slippery customer.
Malenko is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rousey distracts Malenko with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Rousey wants to control from the top but Malenko keeps moving.
We've been hearing good reports from Malenko's training camp. Apparently he has been rolling around with some good quality BJJ practitioners and has been sharpening his skills. Let's see if that has an impact on the fight today.
Rousey trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Malenko trying to control the position.
Rousey missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Malenko managing to control the position.
Malenko keeping moving, preventing Rousey from controlling successfully.
Rousey looking to pass the guard.
Rousey postures up in Malenko's guard and throws a big left but Malenko blocks it.
Rousey stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Malenko swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Rousey trying to control the position from guard on top but Malenko is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.

Malenko is looking for a triangle but Rousey pushes his legs off easily.
Rousey is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Malenko trying to keep a closed guard but Rousey is proving a slippery customer.
Rousey missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Rousey working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Malenko is trying to control the position from the bottom.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Rousey uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Malenko.
Rousey tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Malenko defends well and Rousey ends up having to push Malenko into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Ray Malenko has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ronald Rousey.
Malenko swings for the body but Rousey moves out of range.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rousey takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Malenko connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.

Rousey shoots in and bounces Malenko off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
Malenko trying to keep a closed guard but Rousey is proving a slippery customer.
Rousey with a nice head shot there.
Malenko is pulling down on Rousey's head. It's preventing any offense from Rousey, at least for the moment.
Rousey throws a strike but Malenko rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

Malenko avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Malenko sitting in guard, not really doing much.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Malenko passes easily into side control. Nice work.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
The referee asks Malenko politely if he wouldn't mind getting on with it and actually doing something. Malenko prefers to stall for the moment though.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Ray Malenko will probably get the nod.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Rousey uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Malenko.
Rousey throws out a counter right but Malenko avoids it with no problem.
Nice shot lands for Malenko.

Malenko has taken the fight to the clinch.
Malenko goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Malenko swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Malenko tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Malenko tries to work over Rousey's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
A right hook to the body lands for Malenko.
Malenko swings wildly with an uppercut but Rousey uses good head movement to avoid it.
Rousey lands a right hand that snaps the head of Malenko backwards.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Rousey.
Rousey misses with a hook from the clinch.
Malenko is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Rousey can do to turn this around?
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rousey tries for a takedown but Malenko manages to get underhooks.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Malenko.
Rousey avoiding damage.
Malenko tries a body shot but Rousey blocks it.
Malenko struggles to land a body shot inside as Rousey controls his hands.
Malenko doesn't land with the attempted body shot.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rousey tries for a takedown but Malenko manages to get underhooks.
Malenko blocking some punches.
Malenko misses with a body punch.
Malenko lands a right hand that snaps the head of Rousey backwards.
The pace slowing considerably in the clinch, as Rousey takes a break from that fighting nonsense to think about the finer things in life.
Rousey throws a punch but it's blocked by Malenko.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Malenko creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Malenko.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Rousey.
Malenko misses with a hook from the clinch.
Rousey taking a breather.
Rousey is looking to take this one to the mat.
Ray Malenko has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ronald Rousey.
A hook to the body from Malenko.
Rousey is breathing heavily.
Malenko lands with a left to the head.

Malenko breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Malenko fails in his attempt to clinch.
Malenko scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Rousey doesn't seem bothered though.
Malenko misses with a body shot.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Malenko tries to clinch but Rousey moves out of range.
Malenko sets himself, and Rousey steps forward looking for the clinch! Malenko avoids it this time.
Rousey misses with a body kick.
Rousey takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Malenko swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Rousey misses with an uppercut.
Malenko is looking to clinch but Rousey is avoiding it.
Rousey moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Malenko lands a nice shot that snaps Rousey's head back.
Malenko tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Rousey was well out of range. Poor timing from Malenko.
Rousey uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Malenko.
Malenko fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Jab, jab by Malenko - just one landing.
Rousey thumps Malenko with a low kick.
The fight stays on the outside here - Malenko looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Rousey misses with a takedown attempt - Malenko sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Malenko throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
Rousey lands an overhand right.
Rousey misses with a two punch combination.
Ray Malenko is winning the standup battle so far.
A looping hook to the body misses from Malenko. Rousey does a little dance to reset his feet.
Ronald Rousey is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Malenko throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
The fight stays on the outside here - Malenko looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Malenko lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Rousey at a distance.
Ray Malenko is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Malenko doesn't manage to clinch there - Rousey circles away.
Rousey drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Malenko defends it well.
Rousey circles away from the clinch attempt.
Malenko lands a jab to the nose.
Malenko connects with a crisp jab.
Malenko is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Malenko rushes in with a sloppy looking punch

and Rousey counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Rousey is trying to advance to mount but he's lost his balance and Malenko reverses the position - he's now on top in Rousey's guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Malenko being controlled here momentarily.
Rousey keeping full guard, as Malenko tries to pass.
Malenko passes Rousey's left leg - he's now in half guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Well, if Malenko is going to just lie there, perhaps we should talk about what we're having for dinner tonight… I'm having a ham and pineapple pizza… Yum. Can't wait.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ray Malenko dominated that second round.
That's time! Malenko's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!

Malenko throws a body punch but Rousey moves out of range.
Malenko looks to throw the jab but Rousey is out of range.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Rousey! But no joy.
Rousey shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Malenko pinned against the cage. Malenko gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Rousey has his takedown stuffed
and Malenko counters with a stiff right hand.
The crowd cheers as Malenko lands an impressive looking overhand right. Rousey doesn't seem phased though.
Malenko misses with a body shot.
Rousey lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Rousey dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Malenko. That did some damage!
Malenko misses with a body shot.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rousey on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Rousey misses with a looping left.
A looping hook to the body misses from Malenko. Rousey does a little dance to reset his feet.
Malenko fails in his attempt to clinch.
Rousey slips a straight right by Malenko.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Malenko darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Malenko lands a really nice looking cross but Rousey seems unphased.
Rousey uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Malenko.
Malenko misses the shot to the body.
Malenko throws a big shot that misses.
Rousey avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Malenko pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Rousey lands a really nice looking cross but Malenko seems unphased.
Rousey connects with a body shot.
Rousey walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
A cross from Malenko lands.
Malenko misses with a hook. Rousey ducked under it nicely.
Rousey feints the counter takedown.
Malenko works over Rousey's head and body with a nice combination.
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!
Malenko throws out a loose jab but Rousey uses good head movement to avoid it.
Malenko scores with a hook to the body. Rousey takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Rousey throws a right hand that Malenko ducks under and follows up with a left that Malenko also avoids with ease.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rousey scores with a jab to the body.
Malenko throws a combination. Rousey tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
Ronald Rousey has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Rousey connects with a body shot.
Rousey takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
A big right from Malenko misses.
Rousey fails with the takedown
and Malenko counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Ray Malenko has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ronald Rousey.
Malenko tests Rousey's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Jab by Malenko.
Rousey takes a jab right on the kisser.

Malenko drives through and clinches with Rousey against the cage.
Rousey misses with a punch to the body.
Malenko working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Rousey blocks an uppercut.
Rousey has a couple of punches blocked by Malenko.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Still in the clinch, Malenko scores with a nice short uppercut.
Malenko lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.

Rousey is rocked!
Malenko fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Rousey stalling in the clinch but Malenko improves position.
Malenko swings wildly with an uppercut but Rousey uses good head movement to avoid it.
Malenko working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Rousey is still on wobbly legs! Can Malenko finish him?
Rousey wants a takedown but no success here.
Rousey seems to have recovered his senses.
Rousey is trying to break free.
Malenko is pressed up against the cage. Rousey has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Malenko down to the mat. Malenko avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Rousey takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Malenko ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Rousey moves away.
Malenko connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Rousey's hands.
Rousey gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Malenko misses with a wild body shot.
Malenko scores with the left hand. Rousey knows he should have avoided that one.
Rousey has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
A jab from Malenko does it's job there.
Rousey misses with an uppercut.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Malenko thuds a left hand into Rousey's body.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Rousey throws a sloppy head kick
and Malenko counters with a right hand to the body.
Malenko lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Rousey at a distance.
Malenko gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Rousey.
Rousey closes this distance looking for a takedown but Malenko circles away.
Nice jab there from Malenko.
Malenko wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Malenko scores with a sloppy right hand. Rousey should have avoided that one.
Malenko tries to clinch up.
Malenko throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Rousey stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Malenko cracks Rousey with a right hand to the side of the head.

Malenko rushes Rousey and presses him up against the cage.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Malenko lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Malenko lands a right hand that snaps the head of Rousey backwards.
Malenko stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Rousey takes a shot to the head.
Malenko softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.

And that's the end of the fight!
Ray Malenko showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Malenko, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 Aleksandr Martynov scores the fight 30:27
Judge Fedor Mirinova scores the fight 30:27
Judge Sergei Dronov scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Ray Malenko!
During a confident post fight interview, Ray Malenko thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.
In defeat, Ronald Rousey stepped up to the mic, saying 'My hat's off to my opponent. He fought a great fight and won fair and square. I'm glad we were able to put on an exciting fight for you fans. Give it up, people!'.