PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Valentin Saric (ranked 709 p4p, 102 weight class) and John Lawrence (ranked 556 p4p, 78 weight class). The crowd seem to be enjoying Lawrence's choice of entrance music: No Surrender. Both these guys have really solid chins. Will we see a standup war or will they both decide that a knockout is unlikely and try to win the fight elsewhere?

Saric
vs
Lawrence

200 cm
24
195 lbs
7 - 3 - 0

180 cm
24
195 lbs
12 - 5 - 0

Good wrestling
Solid boxing
Granite chin

Excellent grappler
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

Ma Balls Is Hot Clothing

Ma Balls Is Hot Clothing
Urban Fighter

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 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Valentin Saric!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 12 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, John Lawrence!
The judges for this bout are Colin Fotheringham, James Atkins and Daniel Bishop.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A jab from Lawrence finds it's way through Saric's defenses.
Lawrence avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Lawrence tries to clinch but Saric is having none of it.
Lawrence looks to score with a jab to the body but Saric is just out of range.
Saric takes a swing at Lawrence's ribcage but misses.
Lawrence throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Valentin Saric seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Saric throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Lawrence sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Lawrence throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
A combination from Lawrence does no damage.

Lawrence fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Saric sprawls well initially but Lawrence persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
Lawrence is thwarting Saric's attempts to control the position.
Lawrence is looking to take a break and control but Saric is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Lawrence is taking a breather. Saric says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Lawrence seems to be working for a kimura but Saric defends the submission attempt.
Saric gets full guard.
Lawrence trying to control the position from guard on top but Saric is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Saric controls Lawrence momentarily but Lawrence frees himself.

Saric looking for a guillotine here but Lawrence defends easily.
Lawrence chips away with some ground and pound.
Saric not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.

Lawrence got a little sloppy there for a moment and Saric has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Lawrence has managed to get both his arms back between Saric's legs - danger averted.
Lawrence trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Saric 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.
Lawrence chips away with some ground and pound.
Lawrence postures up.
Saric keeping moving, preventing Lawrence from controlling successfully.
Saric tries to land a sweep but no joy.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Saric throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Lawrence trying to control but Saric is working from the bottom.
Lawrence content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Saric can't keep his opponent in guard - Lawrence advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Lawrence trying to control the action but Saric is working from the bottom.
Saric wants to improve his position but Lawrence is controlling well.
Saric won't allow Lawrence to pass to mount.
Saric is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Lawrence trying to pass the guard but Saric defending well.

Saric is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Lawrence pulls his head out easily.

Lawrence seems to be looking for submissions.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lawrence passes the guard and advances to mount!

Lawrence is thinking about an arm triangle here, looking to tighten it up before moving to side control. Saric can see it coming though and defends well with a couple of strikes to the head and some good arm positioning.
Lawrence lands a heavy elbow.
Saric tries to hold on but Lawrence postures up.
Saric sneaks a leg back under and regains half guard and is working straight away to try and get back to guard. He hasn't managed just yet though.
Lawrence takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Lawrence seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Lawrence trying to control from half guard but Saric is working away.
Saric wants to get back to full guard.
Lawrence uses his free foot to push down on Saric's thigh. Eventually he works his other foot free and he's advanced to mount - this is trouble for Saric.
Lawrence looking to control but Saric is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Saric is desperately trying to improve his position but Lawrence has a good base and remains in mount.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Lawrence postures up and cracks his opponent a couple of times before moving back into close ground control. Saric looks a forlorn figure.
Both fighters have adopted an aggressive gameplan on the ground!
Saric sneaks a leg back under and regains half guard and is working straight away to try and get back to guard. He hasn't managed just yet though.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Lawrence trying to control the action but Saric is working from the bottom.
Lawrence has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.

Lawrence is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Saric doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Lawrence.

Saric looking for submissions from an awkward position here.

Lawrence is looking for a kimura but Saric is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Lawrence to get the leverage.
Lawrence winds up and cracks Saric with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Lawrence is looking to advance position but Saric won't allow it.
Saric wants to improve his position but Lawrence is controlling well.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

John Lawrence dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Saric throws a big shot that misses.
Saric lands with a right hand.
Lawrence uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Saric looks to land a left hand but Lawrence moved out of range nicely.
Lawrence lands with a shot to the body.
Lawrence throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Lawrence throws a wild body kick that Saric sees coming a mile off.
Saric half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Lawrence throws a body punch but Saric moves out of range.
Lawrence throws a body punch but Saric moves out of range.
A cross from Lawrence lands.
Lawrence fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Saric manages to avoid it.
Saric shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Lawrence pinned against the cage. Lawrence gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Lawrence takes a body punch but keeps moving.
A decent looking cross lands there for Lawrence.
A jab from Saric does it's job there.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Saric scores with a jab. Lawrence acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Lawrence lands with a good body shot.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Lawrence throws the kick towards the body but Saric avoids it.
Lawrence throws a body shot but no joy.
Lawrence misses the shot to the body.
Lawrence throws a good cross that connects.
Lawrence throws a body punch but Saric moves out of range.
Lawrence has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Saric scores with a jab to the body.
Saric takes a swing at Lawrence's ribcage but misses.
Lawrence throws a body punch but Saric moves out of range.
Saric tries to counter with a takedown but Lawrence is quick to defend against it.
Saric fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Lawrence manages to avoid it.
Lawrence throws a counter combo.
Lawrence tried to score with a low kick but Saric checks it.
Saric looks for a takedown but Lawrence sprawls well.
Lawrence throws out a loose jab but Saric uses good head movement to avoid it.
Lawrence swings for the body but Saric moves out of range.

Saric closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
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!
Lawrence can't do much from the bottom here.
Lawrence regains half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Saric trying to mount his opponent but Lawrence defends it.

Saric is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Saric will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.

Saric is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Lawrence doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Saric.
Lawrence is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.

Saric is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lawrence is looking to improve his position.

Saric wants to work for an arm triangle but Lawrence is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.

Lawrence is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Saric pulls his head out easily.

Saric is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Lawrence wants to improve his position but Saric is controlling well.
Lawrence is still trying to improve position.
Saric has freed up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Lawrence is wriggling around trying to escape.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Saric is working for a guillotine from mount but Lawrence frees his head quite easily.

Saric with some aggressive grappling here. He's looking for submissions here, rather than waiting for the opportunity to counter.
Lawrence tries to hold on but Saric postures up.

Saric looking for a guillotine from mount but Lawrence is having none of it.

Saric has control of Lawrence's right arm, working for a kimura. It's a bit of a token attempt though and Lawrence regains control of the situation pretty easily.
Lawrence tries to get back to half guard but can't.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but John Lawrence will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

Lawrence lands with a nice body punch.
John Lawrence seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Saric connects with a nice looking jab.
Lawrence is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Saric rather than just go for the knockout.
Saric lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Saric throws an overhand right that lands on Lawrence's shoulder, as Lawrence tries to avoid the shot.
Lawrence with the counter takedown but Saric avoids it easily.
Saric just misses with a punch to the body.
Saric throws a hook but Lawrence blocks it.
Lawrence just misses with a punch to the body.
Lawrence blocks a jab.
Lawrence swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Saric lands with a shot to the body.
Saric misses with an uppercut
and Lawrence counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Saric moves away from the strike by Lawrence.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Lawrence throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Lawrence is looking to land body kicks.
Saric throws a push kick but Lawrence slaps the foot to one side.
Lawrence looks to land a left hand but Saric moved out of range nicely.
Lawrence walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Saric checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Saric throws a series of punches but Lawrence avoids them all with ease.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Saric throws a big shot that misses.
Lawrence misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Saric.
Saric half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Saric misses with a looping left.
Lawrence scores with a hook to the body. Saric takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Saric throws a looping overhand right but Lawrence ducks down to avoid it.
Saric with a jab.
Lawrence thuds his right hand into Saric's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Lawrence ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Lawrence ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Saric throws the left hand but Lawrence avoids the punch easily.
Saric lands a slapping body shot.
Saric misses with a wild body shot.
Lawrence fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Saric.
Saric checks the leg kick nicely there.
Saric will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Lawrence cracks Saric with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Valentin Saric has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Lawrence uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Saric.
Lawrence appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Lawrence throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Saric throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Saric on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Saric misses with a wild body shot.
Saric fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Lawrence manages to avoid it.
And Lawrence tries to counter it with a takedown but Saric pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Saric swings for the body but Lawrence moves out of range.
Saric really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Lawrence misses with a wild body shot.
A slow jab from Lawrence misses its intended target.
No joy there for Lawrence, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Saric takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Lawrence goes for a double leg but Saric avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Saric continues to drive forward.
Sloppy strikes from Saric. Those never looked like landing.
Lawrence swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Saric connects with a single shot there.
Lawrence lands with a good body shot.
Lawrence misses the shot to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Saric ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Lawrence moves away.
Saric swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Lawrence throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Lawrence walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Saric scores with a jab to the body.
Lawrence takes a swing at Saric's ribcage but misses.
Saric changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Lawrence keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.

Saric closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Lawrence gets one leg under and gets the fight to half guard.
Lawrence is pressing down on Saric's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Lawrence controls Saric momentarily but Saric frees himself.
Lawrence pulls Saric in close to prevent any damage.
Lawrence manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Saric manages to get himself to full guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Lawrence with a flurry of punches that miss.

Saric throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Lawrence postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Lawrence makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Lawrence scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
John Lawrence is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Saric controls Lawrence momentarily but Lawrence frees himself.

Saric had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Lawrence defends it easily.
Lawrence trying to control but Saric is working from the bottom.

Saric working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Lawrence doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Lawrence manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Valentin Saric.
Well Lawrence has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 Colin Fotheringham scores the fight 29:30
Judge James Atkins scores the fight 27:30
Judge Daniel Bishop scores the fight 29:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... John Lawrence!
John Lawrence gave a mention to Ma Balls Is Hot Clothing in his post fight interview. That will please them (and hopefully generate some sales).