PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Yodkunpon Sitsongpeenong (ranked 5683 p4p, 0 weight class) and Nassim El Ghoulbzouri (ranked 5660 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.

Sitsongpeenong
vs
El Ghoulbzouri

173 cm
25
156 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

180 cm
25
156 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent MT
Very strong

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent MT
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Yodkunpon Sitsongpeenong!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Nassim El Ghoulbzouri!
The judges for this bout are Peter Branson, Dirk Anderson and Michael Johnstone.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
El Ghoulbzouri shoots for a takedown but Sitsongpeenong saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Sitsongpeenong misses with a takedown attempt - El Ghoulbzouri sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Sitsongpeenong throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around El Ghoulbzouri's waist but El Ghoulbzouri gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Sitsongpeenong off to one side.
El Ghoulbzouri fails to land the takedown.
El Ghoulbzouri just manages to avoid a counter high kick fromSitsongpeenong.
El Ghoulbzouri throws a head kick but Sitsongpeenong moves out of range.
El Ghoulbzouri lands a leg kick that knocks Sitsongpeenong off balance momentarily.
Sitsongpeenong thuds a mid kick into his opponent's body. That will wear on El Ghoulbzouri if he has to take too many more of those.

El Ghoulbzouri pushes Sitsongpeenong up against the cage in a clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
El Ghoulbzouri changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Sitsongpeenong fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Yodkunpon Sitsongpeenong has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Nassim El Ghoulbzouri.
Sitsongpeenong connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Sitsongpeenong closes the distance and pushes El Ghoulbzouri back into the cage.
Sitsongpeenong tries to score a body lock takedown but El Ghoulbzouri shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
El Ghoulbzouri trying to land knees to the body.
Sitsongpeenong is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
El Ghoulbzouri is looking for a takedown.
El Ghoulbzouri is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Sitsongpeenong to keep the fight standing.
Sitsongpeenong is trying to work for a single leg takedown but El Ghoulbzouri pulls him back up using the underhooks.
El Ghoulbzouri prevents Sitsongpeenong from breaking the clinch.
Sitsongpeenong drops to a knee looking for a takedown but El Ghoulbzouri gets the underhooks and prevents it.
El Ghoulbzouri fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Sitsongpeenong is trying to pull guard but El Ghoulbzouri has him pressed against the cage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
El Ghoulbzouri is pressed up against the cage. Sitsongpeenong has hold of a leg and is looking to drag El Ghoulbzouri down to the mat. El Ghoulbzouri avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Sitsongpeenong takes a head kick and shrugs it off.
Sitsongpeenong throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Sitsongpeenong with a lazy takedown attempt

and El Ghoulbzouri holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
El Ghoulbzouri keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Sitsongpeenong's efforts to push away.
El Ghoulbzouri leaning against his opponent.
El Ghoulbzouri changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Sitsongpeenong fights it off and pushes away nicely.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from El Ghoulbzouri is defended easily by Sitsongpeenong.
Sitsongpeenong tries to clinch but El Ghoulbzouri is having none of it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sitsongpeenong slaps away a takedown attempt from El Ghoulbzouri, before circling back to the center of the mat.
El Ghoulbzouri slips a straight right by Sitsongpeenong.
El Ghoulbzouri is trying to avoid his opponent's strikes and get into the clinch.
Sitsongpeenong misses with an uppercut. El Ghoulbzouri saw that one coming.
El Ghoulbzouri gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Sitsongpeenong counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
El Ghoulbzouri looks winded!
Sitsongpeenong throws a head kick that looked like it stung.
A head kick misses from Sitsongpeenong.
El Ghoulbzouri is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
El Ghoulbzouri will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.

El Ghoulbzouri closes the distance and clinches.
Sitsongpeenong is trying to break the clinch but El Ghoulbzouri has him pressed against the cage.
Sitsongpeenong wants to get back to striking at distance but El Ghoulbzouri won't allow it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Sitsongpeenong stops a takedown attempt from El Ghoulbzouri.
Sitsongpeenong is defending well against a takedown attempt.
El Ghoulbzouri's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.
El Ghoulbzouri is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Sitsongpeenong to keep the fight standing.
Sitsongpeenong swings away with an uppercut that misses.
El Ghoulbzouri with an attempt at a knee that misses.
El Ghoulbzouri tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Sitsongpeenong just stands there and leans against the cage.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Sitsongpeenong has El Ghoulbzouri pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. El Ghoulbzouri manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
El Ghoulbzouri is trying to pull guard but Sitsongpeenong turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Sitsongpeenong has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Yodkunpon Sitsongpeenong dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

El Ghoulbzouri tries to keep at a distance but Sitsongpeenong has taken the fight into the clinch.
El Ghoulbzouri is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Sitsongpeenong gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.

Sitsongpeenong manages to break the clinch.
Sitsongpeenong throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around El Ghoulbzouri's waist but El Ghoulbzouri gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Sitsongpeenong off to one side.
Sitsongpeenong sets himself, and El Ghoulbzouri steps forward looking for the clinch! Sitsongpeenong avoids it this time.
Sitsongpeenong throws a lazy right hand but El Ghoulbzouri sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Despite the aggression on El Ghoulbzouri's face he doesn't fully commit to the counter.
Sitsongpeenong tries to close the distance and clinch but El Ghoulbzouri swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
El Ghoulbzouri with the counter takedown but Sitsongpeenong avoids it easily.
El Ghoulbzouri fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Sitsongpeenong avoids it really well and circles away.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sitsongpeenong shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
El Ghoulbzouri tries to score a power double leg takedown but Sitsongpeenong sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten El Ghoulbzouri somewhat.
Yodkunpon Sitsongpeenong has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Nassim El Ghoulbzouri.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Sitsongpeenong has El Ghoulbzouri up against the cage in a clinch.
El Ghoulbzouri has Sitsongpeenong pressed against the cage, preventing Sitsongpeenong from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Sitsongpeenong wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Sitsongpeenong can't break the clinch.
El Ghoulbzouri tries for a takedown. No joy.
El Ghoulbzouri creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Sitsongpeenong's defenses.
El Ghoulbzouri is trying to drag Sitsongpeenong to the mat but Sitsongpeenong just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
El Ghoulbzouri being controlled against the cage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

El Ghoulbzouri manages to pull guard.
Sitsongpeenong looking to pass the guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
El Ghoulbzouri looking to control.
Sitsongpeenong postures up in El Ghoulbzouri's guard and throws a big left but El Ghoulbzouri blocks it.

El Ghoulbzouri looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
El Ghoulbzouri is breathing heavily.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Sitsongpeenong stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. El Ghoulbzouri swivels though and keeps the full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sitsongpeenong trying to stand up but can't free himself from El Ghoulbzouri's guard.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
El Ghoulbzouri shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Sitsongpeenong sprawls well. Sitsongpeenong wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. El Ghoulbzouri gets slowly back to his feet.
Sitsongpeenong seem to be loading up, looking for a big counter.
El Ghoulbzouri is trying hard to land a takedown here. Sitsongpeenong sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
A little feinted left hand from Sitsongpeenong on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
El Ghoulbzouri has his takedown stuffed

and Sitsongpeenong counters by clinching up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Sitsongpeenong gets underhooks to prevent El Ghoulbzouri's takedown attempt.
A bit of stalling here from Sitsongpeenong.

Sitsongpeenong's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Sitsongpeenong is defended easily by El Ghoulbzouri.
Sitsongpeenong fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
El Ghoulbzouri displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Sitsongpeenong.
Sitsongpeenong is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that El Ghoulbzouri can do to turn this around?
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Sitsongpeenong tries for a takedown but El Ghoulbzouri circles away easily
and El Ghoulbzouri counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Yodkunpon Sitsongpeenong dominated that second round.
That's time! Sitsongpeenong's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. 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 telegraphed takedown attempt from El Ghoulbzouri is defended easily by Sitsongpeenong.
Sitsongpeenong tries to clinch but El Ghoulbzouri moves out of range.
El Ghoulbzouri shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Sitsongpeenong counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Sitsongpeenong throws a head kick that misses.

Sitsongpeenong drives through and clinches with El Ghoulbzouri against the cage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sitsongpeenong tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. El Ghoulbzouri just stands there and leans against the cage.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Sitsongpeenong fails to pull guard.
El Ghoulbzouri keeps control of Sitsongpeenong as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.

That's one minute gone in the round.
El Ghoulbzouri has Sitsongpeenong pushed against the cage.
El Ghoulbzouri is trying to drag Sitsongpeenong to the mat but Sitsongpeenong just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Yodkunpon Sitsongpeenong has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Nassim El Ghoulbzouri.
El Ghoulbzouri takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

El Ghoulbzouri breaks the clinch.
Sitsongpeenong misses with a takedown

and El Ghoulbzouri counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by El Ghoulbzouri.
El Ghoulbzouri working Sitsongpeenong over with knees to the body.

El Ghoulbzouri manages to break the clinch.
El Ghoulbzouri bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Yodkunpon Sitsongpeenong is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
The fight stays on the outside here - Sitsongpeenong looks like he's thinking about clinching though.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
El Ghoulbzouri tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Sitsongpeenong swivels and escapes.
Sitsongpeenong looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
El Ghoulbzouri on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Sitsongpeenong. Sitsongpeenong obviously looking to wear him down.
El Ghoulbzouri tries to score a power double leg takedown but Sitsongpeenong sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten El Ghoulbzouri somewhat.
Sitsongpeenong misses with a series of wild punches.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

El Ghoulbzouri moves into the clinch.

El Ghoulbzouri escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from El Ghoulbzouri.

El Ghoulbzouri has Sitsongpeenong up against the cage in a clinch.
Sitsongpeenong tries to pull guard but El Ghoulbzouri won't allow it.
Sitsongpeenong jumps guard but El Ghoulbzouri turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Sitsongpeenong is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables El Ghoulbzouri to keep the fight standing.

El Ghoulbzouri manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.
Sitsongpeenong controls from within his opponent's guard.
El Ghoulbzouri trying to strike from the bottom but really, it's not the best position to be doing that from!
Sitsongpeenong trying to control the position from guard on top but El Ghoulbzouri is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
El Ghoulbzouri trying to control the position.
Nassim El Ghoulbzouri has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Yodkunpon Sitsongpeenong is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Sitsongpeenong tries to stand but El Ghoulbzouri is controlling from the bottom.

And that's the end of the fight!
Nassim El Ghoulbzouri comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Sitsongpeenong 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 Peter Branson scores the fight 29:28
Judge Dirk Anderson scores the fight 29:28
Judge Michael Johnstone scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Yodkunpon Sitsongpeenong!