PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Rafe Barrientos (ranked 20245 p4p, 0 weight class) and Russell Paulman (ranked 3766 p4p, 0 weight class). Paulman comes into a darkened arena with his song building. War is my Love kicks in, the lights come on and the crowd goes wild! What a showman! Russell Paulman is the more experienced fighter, so let's see if that makes a difference tonight.

Barrientos
vs
Paulman

180 cm
26
178 lbs
1 - 2 - 0

183 cm
38
180 lbs
13 - 10 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

Good wrestler
Dangerous knees
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 2 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Rafe Barrientos!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 13 - 10 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Russell Paulman!
The judges for this bout are Dmitry Maklakov, Ivan Kurochkin and Viktor Lagutenko.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Nice uppercut lands for Barrientos. That snapped Paulman's head back.

It looks like Russell Paulman has been cut.
Paulman fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Paulman.
Paulman shoots in looking for a takedown. Barrientos tries to sprawl out of it but Paulman keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Barrientos manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Rafe Barrientos has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Russell Paulman.
Barrientos is looking to slow Paulman down with leg kicks.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Barrientos stuffs the takedown.
Barrientos drops down looking for a counter takedown but Paulman sprawls and moves away.
Paulman takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Paulman shoots in for a takedown but Barrientos shows good takedown defense.
Barrientos darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Paulman tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Barrientos defends well and Paulman ends up having to push Barrientos into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Paulman looks winded!
Barrientos scores with a hook to the body. Paulman takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Barrientos digs a good body shot into Paulman's ribs.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Paulman shoots for a double leg takedown but Barrientos sprawls well. He's pushed Paulman's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.

Nice combo by Barrientos! Oh, that's hurt him - Paulman falls to the canvas and Barrientos follows him into side control.
Barrientos scores with a couple of nice shots to the head there. The referee takes a look at Paulman to see if he's OK.
Barrientos is working Paulman over with some ground and pound from side control.
Barrientos lands a knee to the body and a forearm to the face.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Barrientos trying to control the action but Paulman is working from the bottom.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Barrientos lands a decent elbow from side control.

Barrientos tries for a kimura but Paulman is defending well.
Barrientos lands a nice forearm strike.
Paulman manages to get back to half guard.
Barrientos has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Paulman keeping hold of Barrientos's head, controlling as best he can.
Barrientos is thwarting Paulman's attempts to control the position.
Barrientos slips a nice elbow through Paulman's hands, connecting with Paulman's forehead.
Paulman has his hands clasped together around Barrientos's back. He's all about the action.
Barrientos trying to mount his opponent but Paulman defends it.
Barrientos lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Barrientos wants to take a breather but Paulman is having none of it.
Barrientos not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Paulman felt the need to train up his defensive grappling in the buildup to the fight. Presumably he was expecting to be in a difficult position like this, so let's see if he can get out of it.
Paulman is looking to improve his position.

Barrientos seems to be working for a kimura but Paulman defends the submission attempt.
Barrientos prevents Paulman from improving his position.
Barrientos wants to take a breather but Paulman is having none of it.
Paulman is looking for a sweep. Barrientos is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

Barrientos is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Paulman makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Paulman.
Paulman pulls Barrientos in close to prevent any damage.
Paulman is trying to control the position but Barrientos postures up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Barrientos landing with the ground and pound.
We've been hearing that Barrientos has been drilling a lot of ground and pound in training, so let's see if he get the finish.
Barrientos postures up in Paulman's guard and throws a big left but Paulman blocks it.
Barrientos scoring with punches to the head and body.
Paulman controlling Barrientos's posture.
Paulman is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Paulman manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Barrientos manages to get himself to full guard.

Barrientos looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Paulman must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Barrientos has momentary wrist control but Paulman slips an elbow through the middle.
Paulman looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Paulman pushes down on Barrientos's leg and manages to get into half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Paulman wants to lay and pray for a moment but Barrientos keeps working.
Barrientos trying to control but Paulman postures up.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Barrientos manages to get to full guard.
Barrientos controlling the position.
Paulman won't allow Barrientos to sweep him here.
Barrientos keeping moving, preventing Paulman from controlling successfully.

Barrientos is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Barrientos keeping moving, preventing Paulman from controlling successfully.

Paulman avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Rafe Barrientos dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Russell Paulman's cut.
That's time! Barrientos's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Barrientos gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Paulman.
Barrientos throws a big shot that misses.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Paulman is defended easily by Barrientos.

Paulman darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
Barrientos keeping control of the leg, stopping his opponent passing to mount.
Barrientos is pressing down on Paulman's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Paulman postures up.
Barrientos looking to hit a scissor sweep but Paulman is one step ahead there.

Barrientos is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Paulman defends well.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Barrientos is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Paulman lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Barrientos is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Paulman can do to turn this around?
Paulman trying to control the position from guard on top but Barrientos is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Barrientos working for a triangle but Paulman defends it easily.
Paulman content to stall in guard here.
Paulman wants to control from the top but Barrientos keeps moving.

Barrientos is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Paulman is aware though and is defending well.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Paulman trying to control the position from guard on top but Barrientos is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Barrientos is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Barrientos trying to control the position here.
Paulman is looking to stand up but Barrientos won't let him.
Paulman is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Barrientos keeping moving, preventing Paulman from controlling successfully.
Paulman pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Barrientos is keeping the position for now.
Paulman makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Paulman trying to control but Barrientos is working from the bottom.
Rafe Barrientos overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

Barrientos is looking for a triangle but Paulman pushes his legs off easily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Paulman passes Barrientos's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Paulman wants to lay and pray for a moment but Barrientos keeps working.

Barrientos is defending against the submission attempts here by Paulman.

Barrientos looking for submissions off his back.
Barrientos avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Paulman.
Paulman is keen to just control but Barrientos is a slippery customer.
Barrientos trying to hold on to Paulman's head to control him but Paulman postures up.
Barrientos is staying active underneath Paulman, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Barrientos is looking to control Paulman's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Barrientos avoid being mounted?

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Barrientos tries to roll over but Paulman keeps him under control.

Barrientos looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.

Paulman seems to be working for a kimura but Barrientos defends the submission attempt.
Barrientos trying to control from the bottom.
Paulman trying to control from half guard but Barrientos is working away.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Paulman is figuring out what he wants to do next.
Paulman is continuing to stall.
Barrientos is trying to get back to full guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Russell Paulman showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Russell Paulman's cut.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!

Barrientos dips to his left and cracks Paulman with an uppercut!
Barrientos tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Paulman swivels and escapes.
Paulman drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Barrientos defends it well.
Barrientos leaves Paulman with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Paulman moves in looking to clinch but Barrientos pushes him off.
Paulman tries to close the distance and clinch up but Barrientos swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Barrientos misses with a straight right.
Paulman looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Barrientos is fending him off so far but Paulman persists. Nope, Barrientos circles away and we're back to standing.
Paulman shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Rafe Barrientos has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Russell Paulman.
Barrientos blocks a head kick by Paulman.
Barrientos lands with a nice body punch.
Paulman takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Barrientos scores with a sloppy right hand. Paulman should have avoided that one.
Paulman takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Barrientos lands a nice shot that snaps Paulman's head back.
Paulman takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.

That has opened up Russell Paulman's cut even more.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Barrientos shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Barrientos needs to keep his hands up - Paulman had a free shot at his head there.
Barrientos jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.

Paulman is rocked!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Paulman shoots for a double leg takedown but Barrientos sprawls well. He's pushed Paulman's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Barrientos scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Paulman moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Paulman is still on wobbly legs! Can Barrientos finish him?
Barrientos dips to his left and cracks Paulman with an uppercut!
Nice uppercut lands for Barrientos. That snapped Paulman's head back.
Rafe Barrientos is winning the standup battle so far.

Paulman rushes Barrientos and presses him up against the cage.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Paulman.
Barrientos is looking for a takedown.
Barrientos wants to break free but Paulman has control.
Paulman seems to have recovered his senses.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Barrientos.
Paulman has Barrientos pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Barrientos manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Barrientos lands with a light punch inside.
Barrientos wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Barrientos avoiding damage as Paulman throws knees to the body.
Paulman misses with a short punch on the inside.
Paulman is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Barrientos is defending well.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Barrientos pushes Paulman back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Paulman is looking for a takedown.
Barrientos blocks a body shot from Paulman.
Paulman misses with an elbow strike.
Barrientos gets underhooks to prevent Paulman's takedown attempt.
Barrientos lands a left hand that snaps the head of Paulman backwards.
A short right from Barrientos.
Paulman goes for a takedown in the clinch but Barrientos prevents it.
Barrientos wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
A shot in the inside from Barrientos.
A shot in the inside from Barrientos.
Paulman blocks an elbow strike.
Barrientos is trying to force a seperation but Paulman has the dominant position.
Barrientos throws a head punch that misses.
Paulman is working for takedown but Barrientos is calmly controlling the position for now.
Paulman goes for a takedown in the clinch but Barrientos prevents it.

Barrientos breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Paulman looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.

Paulman tries to sprawl but Barrientos drives through with a takedown into half guard.
Paulman on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Paulman is looking to control Barrientos's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Paulman avoid being mounted?
Barrientos slows the pace down in half guard.

Barrientos is working for a kimura but Paulman is defending it quite comfortably.
Paulman taking some punishment here, with Barrientos in his half guard.
Barrientos is trying to control the action in half guard but Paulman is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Paulman trying to hold on to Barrientos's head to control him but Barrientos postures up.

Barrientos is looking for a kimura here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Barrientos working the head and body with strikes.
Paulman wants to control but Barrientos is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Barrientos thows a huge punch but Paulman dodges it nicely.
Paulman is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Barrientos is trying to control the action in half guard but Paulman is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Paulman keeps control of the position for the meantime.
Barrientos drops an elbow to the side of Paulman's head.
Barrientos uses his free foot to push down on Paulman's thigh. Eventually he works his other foot free and he's advanced to mount - this is trouble for Paulman.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Barrientos is in full mount, looking to secure a guillotine but Paulman is surviving well by controlling Barrientos's body position as best he can.

And that's the end of the fight!
Rafe Barrientos showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Barrientos has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... 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 Dmitry Maklakov scores the fight 29:28
Judge Ivan Kurochkin scores the fight 29:28
Judge Viktor Lagutenko scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Rafe Barrientos!
Rafe Barrientos made sure to give a little speech post fight, saying 'A zip and a double cup, I'm gettin' high as fuck, I'm gettin' high as fuck, I'm gettin' high as fuck'.