PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Joe Rogan (ranked 3569 p4p, 3079 weight class) and Josh Koscheck Jr (ranked 0 p4p, 416 weight class). The fight MMA fans around the world have waited their entire lives for!

Rogan
vs
Koscheck Jr

171 cm
25
171
1 - 0 - 0

180 cm
25
180
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Solid Muay Thai
KO power

Good wrestler
Brawler
Likes musicals

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 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Joe Rogan!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Josh Koscheck Jr!
The judges for this bout are Ryoma Takatsuka, Josh West and Paul Gruel.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Rogan stuns Koscheck Jr with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.

Koscheck Jr scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
Koscheck Jr working the body and head with strikes.
Rogan definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Rogan gets one leg under and gets the fight to half guard.
Rogan is trying to maintain the position but Koscheck Jr is very close to passing his half guard.
Koscheck Jr thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Rogan's head.

Rogan looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
The fighters are battling for position here. Rogan manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Rogan pulls Koscheck Jr in close to prevent any damage.
Koscheck Jr looking to pass the guard.
Rogan trying to keep a closed guard but Koscheck Jr is proving a slippery customer.
Rogan avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Rogan looking to hit a scissor sweep but Koscheck Jr is one step ahead there.
Koscheck Jr stays in close to Rogan's body and controls the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Koscheck Jr stands up over Rogan, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Koscheck Jr preventing the sweep.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Koscheck Jr scoring with punches to the head and body.
Koscheck Jr lands a couple of elbows.
Koscheck Jr pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Rogan is keeping the position for now.
Koscheck Jr is in close to Rogan's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Rogan keeping moving, preventing Koscheck Jr from controlling successfully.
Koscheck Jr is pushing down on Rogan's leg trying to pass to half guard. Rogan is fighting to maintain full guard but Koscheck Jr has managed to sneak the leg through.
Rogan is refusing to be controlled, as Koscheck Jr sits in half guard.
Rogan manages to get to full guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Koscheck Jr trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Rogan is on top in guard.

Rogan missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Koscheck Jr manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Rogan manages to get himself to full guard.

Koscheck Jr wants to control from the top but Rogan keeps moving.

Rogan has his foot on Koscheck Jr's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Koscheck Jr works his way back into a safe position though.
Koscheck Jr must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Rogan wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Rogan's ground tactics aren't going to win him many fans. Let's hope he's got fireworks for us if he gets back to his feet because he's not doing much on the ground.
Both fighters have adopted an aggressive gameplan on the ground!
Rogan trying to keep a closed guard but Koscheck Jr is proving a slippery customer.
Rogan is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Koscheck Jr is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.
Koscheck Jr advances position into side control!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Koscheck Jr scoring with punches and elbows.
Koscheck Jr working away.
Rogan is looking for a sweep.
Koscheck Jr connects with a decent looking elbow from side control that caused Rogan some visible discomfort.
Koscheck Jr scores with punches from side control.
Koscheck Jr looks up at the clock and then as Rogan takes his cue and looks up at the clock too, Koscheck Jr smacks him right in the chops with a big elbow! How rude!
Rogan is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Koscheck Jr off and has taken his back!
Rogan trying to control momentarily.
Koscheck Jr rolls, trying to escape but Rogan keeps control of the position.
Koscheck Jr has his hands over his head blocking the strikes from Rogan.
Koscheck Jr tries to roll but Rogan sticks to his back.
Koscheck Jr is still trying to improve position.
A bit of a pause in the action here. Rogan controlling the positon.
Rogan missing with punches from the back.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rogan throwing wild punches that miss their target.
Rogan trying to control momentarily.
You can see the frustration on Koscheck Jr's face… He knows he is in trouble unless he improves his position sooner rather than later.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Rogan is looking to control Koscheck Jr but Koscheck Jr is wriggling around and keeping busy.
Koscheck Jr tries to escape the position - he's now mounted. Is that better or worse? Hard to tell!
Koscheck Jr tries to lock up and control but Rogan gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Koscheck Jr keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Koscheck Jr can do anything to dispel that myth.
Rogan throwing sloppy strikes, which aren't doing any damage.
Koscheck Jr is desperately trying to improve his position but Rogan has a good base and remains in mount.
Rogan trying to control but Koscheck Jr is having none of it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Josh Koscheck Jr will probably get the nod.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Rogan clobbers Koscheck Jr with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.

Rogan gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Koscheck Jr to score an easy takedown into full guard.
Koscheck Jr preventing the sweep.
Rogan has Koscheck Jr pulled in close to control his posture.
Koscheck Jr postures up.
Rogan preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Rogan utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Koscheck Jr throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rogan wants to sweep here but Koscheck Jr controlling him for the moment.
Rogan manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Koscheck Jr manages to get himself to full guard.

Rogan wants to control from the top but Koscheck Jr keeps moving.

That's one minute gone in the round.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Koscheck Jr is on top in guard.

Rogan wants to sweep here but Koscheck Jr controlling him for the moment.
Koscheck Jr is stalling in the full guard.
Josh Koscheck Jr has got the better of the ground game so far.
Rogan working a defensive guard here.
Koscheck Jr preventing the sweep.
Koscheck Jr landing with the ground and pound.
Rogan working a defensive guard here.
Koscheck Jr trying to control but Rogan is working from the bottom.
Rogan is trying to control the position from the bottom.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Koscheck Jr connects with a couple of short punches.
Rogan is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Rogan thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Koscheck Jr's head.
Koscheck Jr tries to get to full guard but Rogan has control of the leg.
Koscheck Jr is staying active underneath Rogan, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Koscheck Jr trying to control here.
Rogan seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Koscheck Jr does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Koscheck Jr trying to control but Rogan postures up.
Koscheck Jr punching from the bottom.
Rogan throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Koscheck Jr works his way to full guard. Good work.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rogan trying to control but Koscheck Jr is working from the bottom.
Koscheck Jr looking for a sweep. Not yet Koscheck Jr, not yet.
Rogan throws a big elbow that misses.
Rogan with a nice head shot there.
Koscheck Jr looking to control.
Rogan wants to control from the top but Koscheck Jr keeps moving.

Koscheck Jr throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Koscheck Jr has control of Rogan's left arm, preventing Rogan from doing any damage.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
Rogan stands and throws Koscheck Jr's legs to the side, diving into side control.
Rogan wants to lay and pray for a moment but Koscheck Jr keeps working.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Koscheck Jr is looking for a sweep.
Koscheck Jr gets one leg under and gets the fight to half guard.
Koscheck Jr is refusing to be controlled, as Rogan sits in half guard.
Koscheck Jr is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Rogan wants to lay and pray for a moment but Koscheck Jr keeps working.
Koscheck Jr is trying to get back to full guard.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Koscheck Jr looking for submissions off his back.
Koscheck Jr is breathing heavily.
Rogan wants to lay and pray for a moment but Koscheck Jr keeps working.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Josh Koscheck Jr will probably get the nod - 10:9.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!

Rogan scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Rogan moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Rogan paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Rogan lands a nice looking body shot.
Rogan scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.

Koscheck Jr decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
Rogan tries to roll over but Koscheck Jr keeps him under control.
Rogan regains full guard. Nicely done.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Koscheck Jr trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Rogan is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Rogan trying to control from half guard but Koscheck Jr is working away.
Rogan not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Rogan trying to control from half guard but Koscheck Jr is working away.
Koscheck Jr takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Koscheck Jr is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rogan not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Koscheck Jr is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Rogan scores with a couple of nice shots.
Koscheck Jr is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Rogan wants to take a breather but Koscheck Jr is having none of it.
Koscheck Jr tries to roll over but Rogan keeps him under control.
Koscheck Jr keeps trying to improve his position.
Rogan seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Koscheck Jr does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Koscheck Jr throws a strike from the bottom that misses.
Koscheck Jr is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Koscheck Jr is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Rogan scores with a couple of nice shots.
Rogan is keen to just control but Koscheck Jr is a slippery customer.
Koscheck Jr taking some punishment here, with Rogan in his half guard.
Koscheck Jr blocking the ground and pound attempt from Rogan.
Joe Rogan has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Koscheck Jr avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Rogan.
Rogan not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Koscheck Jr is looking for a sweep. Rogan is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Rogan with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.
Koscheck Jr is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Rogan's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Rogan's back!
Koscheck Jr lands with a big left hand that may well have hurt his opponent. Can Rogan hold on?!
Koscheck Jr keeps control of the position as Rogan tries to break free.

Rogan is staying cool under pressure, defending well against the rear naked choke attempt from his opponent.
Koscheck Jr tries to get the hooks in deep but Rogan pushed the leg off.
Rogan trying to control the hands but Koscheck Jr won't let him.
Rogan tries to break free.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Koscheck Jr has his opponent trapped and is landing shots. Not a good position for Rogan.
Rogan tries to escape the position - he's now mounted. Is that better or worse? Hard to tell!
Rogan can't escape the position.

Koscheck Jr with some aggressive grappling here. He's looking for submissions here, rather than waiting for the opportunity to counter.
Rogan 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.
Rogan works his way to full guard. Good work.
Rogan is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Rogan avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Koscheck Jr landing some decent shots from guard.
Rogan looking to hit a scissor sweep but Koscheck Jr is one step ahead there.
Koscheck Jr postures up and lands a big shot to Rogan's brow.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Koscheck Jr wants to control from the top but Rogan keeps moving.

Rogan has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Koscheck Jr can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.

Rogan is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Koscheck Jr is aware though and is defending well.
Koscheck Jr keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Rogan's head.
Koscheck Jr cracks Rogan with a solid left hand.
Koscheck Jr distracts Rogan with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Koscheck Jr content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.

Koscheck Jr got a little sloppy there for a moment and Rogan has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Koscheck Jr has managed to get both his arms back between Rogan's legs - danger averted.
Koscheck Jr content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Koscheck Jr is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Josh Koscheck Jr.
I've got Koscheck Jr winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 Ryoma Takatsuka scores the fight 27:30
Judge Josh West scores the fight 29:28
Judge Paul Gruel scores the fight 29:30

In favor of your winner, by split decision... Josh Koscheck Jr!