PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Romega Vartanein (ranked 1178 p4p, 1293 weight class) and Joey Chandler (ranked 173 p4p, 189 weight class). Rumors backstage are that the fighters have been paid to keep it standing but we know that would never happen in MMA!

Vartanein
vs
Chandler

179 cm
29
130
14 - 20 - 1

178 cm
25
160
13 - 13 - 1

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

Bondi MMA 🏝️

Hoarse Pills
Bondi MMA 🏝️

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 14 - 20 - 1, fighting out of Montreal, Romega Vartanein!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 13 - 13 - 1, fighting out of Los Angeles, Joey Chandler!
The judges for this bout are Gregory Folan, Dillan Fox and Robert Douchet.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Vartanein slips under a jab.
The fighters circling - Chandler throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Chandler uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Vartanein.
A left lands for Chandler.
Vartanein works Chandler's body with a nice hook.
Chandler misses with an uppercut. Vartanein saw that one coming.
Vartanein pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Chandler ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Vartanein moves away.

Chandler shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Vartanein's guard.
Vartanein lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

Chandler preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Both fighters have adopted an aggressive gameplan on the ground!
Chandler trying to strike off his back.
Chandler keeping full guard, as Vartanein tries to pass.
Vartanein in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Chandler looking for a sweep. Not yet Chandler, not yet.
Vartanein is in a tricky position. We've heard reports from his gym mates at Canucks Combat Club that he's been drilling escapes, so let's see if he can get back to his feet.
Chandler thows some rabbit punches from the bottom but they don't do any damage.
Chandler pulls Vartanein in close to prevent any damage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Vartanein trying to control the position from guard on top but Chandler is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Chandler is on top in guard.

Chandler wants to control from the top but Vartanein keeps moving.
Chandler postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Vartanein is controlling Chandler's posture.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Chandler's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Vartanein 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.
Chandler cracks Vartanein with a solid left hand.
Chandler distracts Vartanein with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Chandler with a flurry of punches that miss.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Chandler working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Chandler trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Vartanein is pulling down on Chandler's head to control his posture.
Chandler looking to pass the guard.
Chandler is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Chandler won't allow Vartanein to sweep him here.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.

Vartanein pushes Chandler off and gets back to his feet.
Vartanein lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Chandler at a distance.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Chandler connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Vartanein momentarily.

Chandler clinches with his opponent.
Chandler is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Chandler has had enough of the clinch but Vartanein keeps him there for the moment.
Chandler wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Vartanein has him pressed against the cage.
Chandler is looking to take this one to the mat.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Vartanein dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.
Chandler has Vartanein pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Vartanein manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Romega Vartanein has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Joey Chandler.
Chandler misses with some punches.
Vartanein prevents a takedown attempt there.

Vartanein manages to break the clinch.
Chandler uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Vartanein.
Chandler changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Vartanein slips under a jab.
Vartanein looks to score with a jab to the body but Chandler is just out of range.
Vartanein looks to throw the jab but Chandler is out of range.
Vartanein connects with a single shot there.
Chandler shoots in looking for a takedown but Vartanein manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Chandler's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
A big right from Vartanein misses.
Vartanein loads up on a big right hand but Chandler slips the punch.

Chandler shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Vartanein's guard.

Vartanein has managed to wall walk up one of the corner posts to get back to his feet. Chandler is pushing him up against the cage, looking to control the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
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!
Chandler drops down looking for an ankle pick but Vartanein pulls his leg out and moves away.
Chandler misses with an uppercut.
A big left from Vartanein misses.
Vartanein takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Vartanein is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Vartanein avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Chandler takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
A looping hook to the body misses from Vartanein. Chandler does a little dance to reset his feet.
Chandler tries to clinch but Vartanein moves out of range.
Chandler uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Vartanein.
Vartanein loads up on a big right hand but Chandler slips the punch.
Vartanein uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Chandler.
Vartanein lands a right hook to the body.
Good exchange - Vartanein coming out on top.
Vartanein avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Chandler throws a body shot but no joy.
Vartanein moves away from the strike by Chandler.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Romega Vartanein dominated that round.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.

Chandler throws the left hand but Vartanein avoids the punch easily.
Vartanein tests Chandler's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Vartanein fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Chandler manages to avoid it.
Chandler lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Chandler avoids the body shot from Vartanein.

Chandler changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Vartanein looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.

Vartanein explodes and escapes back to his feet! Nice escape there!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Vartanein misses with a body shot.
Vartanein takes a swing at Chandler's ribcage but misses.
A big right from Chandler misses.
Chandler works Vartanein's body with a nice hook.
Vartanein uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Chandler.
Vartanein looks to throw the jab but Chandler is out of range.
Chandler takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Chandler uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Vartanein.
Vartanein swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Chandler shoots for a double leg takedown but Vartanein sprawls well. He's pushed Chandler's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Vartanein lands a nice hook to Chandler's body. Chandler takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Chandler throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Vartanein is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Chandler.
Vartanein defending well as Chandler loads up on a big left hand.
Chandler misses with a wild body shot.
It really doesn't seem like the step up in weight is hurting Vartanein here at all. He's more than holding his own against the bigger man.
Vartanein takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Chandler has a takedown stuffed.
Vartanein uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Chandler.
A big right from Vartanein misses.
Chandler scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Chandler misses with a hook
and Vartanein makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Vartanein is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Chandler can do to turn this around?
Vartanein's corner calls for a 1-2. Vartanein obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Chandler fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Vartanein on the side of the head.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Chandler.
Romega Vartanein has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Joey Chandler.
Vartanein throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Chandler looks to score with a jab to the body but Vartanein is just out of range.
Chandler lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Romega Vartanein is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Vartanein scores with a crisp jab that stopped Chandler in his tracks.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
The fighters circle momentarily. Chandler darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Chandler goes for a double leg but Vartanein avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Vartanein continues to drive forward.
A slow jab from Chandler misses its intended target.
Chandler moves in looking to clinch but Vartanein pushes him off.

Chandler closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Vartanein quickly recovers to half guard.
Vartanein is trying to control but can't.
Vartanein gets full guard.
Chandler postures up.
Vartanein pulls Chandler in to control the position.
Vartanein preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Vartanein pulls Chandler in to control the position.
Chandler pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Vartanein is keeping the position for now.
Chandler content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Chandler must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Vartanein pulls Chandler in close to prevent any damage.
Chandler won't allow Vartanein to sweep him here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Chandler working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Chandler trying to control the position from guard on top but Vartanein is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Chandler is looking to work some ground and pound but Vartanein has wrist control.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Chandler accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Chandler pushes down on Vartanein's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Vartanein wants to control but Chandler is keeping busy.
Chandler thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Vartanein is holding on to half guard well.
Chandler seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Vartanein is pressing down on Chandler's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Vartanein pulls Chandler in close to his closed guard and prevents Chandler from doing any damage or advancing position.
Chandler stopping the sweep attempt from Vartanein.
Joey Chandler has got the better of the ground game so far.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Chandler missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Vartanein looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Chandler working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Vartanein pulls Chandler in close to prevent any damage.
Chandler trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Chandler's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Vartanein wants to stand but Chandler is controlling the position.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Chandler's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Vartanein manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Chandler manages to get himself to full guard.

Chandler bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Vartanein's guard.

Vartanein avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Chandler throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Chandler throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Vartanein works some decent striking defense from the bottom.

Vartanein has butterfly guard. He's looking to stand up here. He pushes Chandler off him and springs to his feet nicely. The crowd applauds.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Romega Vartanein will probably get the nod.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Chandler changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Chandler scores with a nice strike.
Vartanein takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Vartanein just misses with a punch to the body.
Chandler tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Vartanein throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Vartanein keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Vartanein connects with a crisp jab.
Vartanein scores with a shot to the body.
Chandler shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Vartanein as he avoids it easily.
No luck for Chandler with that takedown attempt.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Vartanein looks to score with a jab to the body but Chandler is just out of range.
Chandler changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Vartanein looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Chandler throws a body shot but no joy.
Vartanein keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
It looked like Vartanein wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Vartanein throws a sloppy head kick and Chandler moves out of range easily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Vartanein throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Chandler shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Vartanein as he avoids it easily.
Romega Vartanein has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Joey Chandler.
Vartanein throws a hard body shot but it just misses.

Chandler closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Vartanein's guard.

Vartanein has butterfly guard. He's looking to stand up here. He pushes Chandler off him and springs to his feet nicely. The crowd applauds.
Chandler takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Vartanein is looking to wear down Chandler with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Chandler tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Vartanein defends well and Chandler ends up having to push Vartanein into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Vartanein takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Vartanein throws a nice head kick!

It looks like Joey Chandler has been cut.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Chandler darts in looking for a takedown but Vartanein gets double underhooks and turns Chandler into the cage.
It looked like Vartanein was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Chandler.
Vartanein ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Chandler moves away.
Chandler looks to land a right hand but Vartanein moved out of range.
Vartanein throws a body punch but Chandler moves out of range.
Vartanein misses with a body shot.
Vartanein fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Chandler manages to avoid it.

Chandler scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.

Vartanein bucks up and manages to escape back to his feet!
Nice defenses there by Vartanein.
Vartanein was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
Joey Chandler has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Vartanein throws a hook but Chandler avoids it easily.
And Chandler tries to counter it with a takedown but Vartanein pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Jab from Chandler.
Vartanein throws a body punch but Chandler moves out of range.
Vartanein walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Vartanein connects with a body shot.
Vartanein dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Chandler avoids the body shot from Vartanein.
Vartanein throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Vartanein misses with an uppercut. Chandler saw that one coming.
Chandler thuds a left hand into Vartanein's body.
Vartanein sizes up Chandler with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Chandler moves out of range of the strikes.
Chandler shoots and misses
and Vartanein counters with a right hand to the body.
Vartanein really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.

Chandler closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Vartanein quickly recovers to half guard.
Vartanein controlling the position for now.
Vartanein tries to roll over but Chandler keeps him under control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Vartanein is doing well to avoid being mounted. He's controlling the position at the moment.
Vartanein is trying to get back to full guard.
Chandler not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Chandler throwing shots but Vartanein is blocking nicely.
Chandler drops an elbow to the side of Vartanein's head.
Chandler sitting and controlling from the half guard.
Vartanein trying to control from the bottom.
Vartanein is looking to escape.

That's four 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.
Chandler wants to pass the guard but Vartanein is defending well.
Nice strikes from Chandler there.
Vartanein trying to hold on to Chandler's head to control him but Chandler postures up.
Chandler tries to pass the half guard into mount. Vartanein knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Vartanein has hold of Chandler's hands but Chandler slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.

Chandler is trying to work for a kimura but Vartanein is defending well.
Romega Vartanein is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Vartanein is trying to control but can't.

Chandler wants to work for an arm triangle but Vartanein is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Vartanein looks like he's trying to stand up.

And that's the end of the fight!
Romega Vartanein showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Vartanein 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 Gregory Folan scores the fight 30:27
Judge Dillan Fox scores the fight 30:27
Judge Robert Douchet scores the fight 30:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Romega Vartanein!
Romega Vartanein decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.