PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Horacio Sadaval (ranked 720 p4p, 437 weight class) and Keith Rodgers (ranked 97 p4p, 58 weight class). Sadaval comes to the cage accompanied by Prohibido Olvidar. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Sadaval
vs
Rodgers

186 cm
28
197
14 - 12 - 1

184 cm
37
185
21 - 10 - 1

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

Olympic wrestler
World class boxer
Granite chin

30th Century Beer Store

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 14 - 12 - 1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Horacio Sadaval!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 21 - 10 - 1, fighting out of London, Keith Rodgers !
The judges for this bout are Andrew Berry, Colin Fotheringham and Richard Clark.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Rodgers misses with a wild body shot.
Rodgers lands a nice shot to the body.
Sadaval slips under a jab from Rodgers .
Rodgers misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Sadaval.
Sadaval showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Rodgers .
Sadaval tries to counter by moving into the clinch but Rodgers manages to circle out of the way.
Keith Rodgers seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Rodgers .
Rodgers throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Rodgers throws a big shot that misses.
A little feinted left hand from Sadaval on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Sadaval fails with an attempt to clinch.
Rodgers throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Sadaval tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Rodgers manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Rodgers is loading up here, looking for a big counter of his own.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sadaval slips a jab from Rodgers .
As Rodgers tries to get set, Sadaval tries to push him back and clinch up but Rodgers manages to avoid the attempt.
Sadaval takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Rodgers ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Sadaval moves away.
Sadaval bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Rodgers ducks under a wild hook from Sadaval.
Rodgers with the counter takedown but Sadaval avoids it easily.
Rodgers misses with a wild body shot.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sadaval lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
A lazy left from Sadaval finds it's target.
Rodgers cracks a nice hook into Sadaval's ribs.
Sadaval ducks under a wild hook from Rodgers .
Sadaval tries to counter by moving into the clinch but Rodgers manages to circle out of the way.
Rodgers misses with an uppercut
letting Sadaval counter with a right hand.
Rodgers shoots in for a double leg but Sadaval sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.

Sadaval instigates a clinch.
The pace slowing considerably in the clinch, as Sadaval takes a break from that fighting nonsense to think about the finer things in life.
Rodgers lands an uppercut.
Sadaval is pressed up against the cage. Rodgers has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Sadaval down to the mat. Sadaval avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Horacio Sadaval has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Keith Rodgers .

Sadaval gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Rodgers to score an easy takedown into full guard.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Sadaval wants to get back to his feet but Rodgers is in a dominant position and won't allow it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rodgers trying to control but Sadaval is working from the bottom.
Rodgers is working Sadaval over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Rodgers trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Sadaval wants to get back to his feet but Rodgers is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Rodgers 's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Rodgers working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Sadaval's head.
Sadaval avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Rodgers postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Rodgers scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Sadaval is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Rodgers is controlling him.
Rodgers has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Rodgers postures up in Sadaval's guard and throws a big left but Sadaval blocks it.
Rodgers 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.
Sadaval utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sadaval keeping moving, preventing Rodgers from controlling successfully.
In the pre-fight buildup videos we saw Rodgers working his ground and pound in the gym.
Rodgers with a nice head shot there.
Rodgers looking to sit in guard and control but Sadaval gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

Sadaval got a little sloppy there for a moment and Rodgers has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Sadaval has managed to get both his arms back between Rodgers 's legs - danger averted.
Rodgers is trying to control the position but Sadaval postures up.

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

Rodgers working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Sadaval doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Sadaval manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Sadaval wants to stand but Rodgers has a closed guard, so he can't escape.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rodgers tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Sadaval has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Rodgers is proving hard to escape from.

Rodgers has an active guard here but Sadaval has managed to pass into half guard.
Sadaval seems to have lost interest with the ground game and is thinking about standing back up.
The fighters are battling for position here. Rodgers manages to regain full guard. Nice work.

Rodgers looking for a guillotine here but Sadaval defends easily.
Sadaval has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Rodgers is proving hard to escape from.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Keith Rodgers dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Nice uppercut there from Rodgers .
A punch lands to the side of Sadaval 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Sadaval stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Sadaval wants it to stay on the feet.
Keith Rodgers seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Rodgers throws a predictable looking body shot
and Sadaval counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Rodgers misses with a left hand
and Sadaval counters with a series of strikes. Rodgers will be more careful next time no doubt.
Rodgers fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Sadaval manages to avoid it.
Sadaval cracks Rodgers with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Rodgers chopping away at his opponent's legs.
We've been told by Sadaval's head coaches at Tiaoali BJJ & MMA that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Rodgers punishes Sadaval's body with a nice straight punch.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Good leg kick by Sadaval.
A shot to the body from Rodgers misses
and Sadaval counters with a two punch combo.
Rodgers misses with a hook.
Sadaval tries to counter by clinching up but Rodgers breaks away and moves out of range.
A leg kick checked by Sadaval.
Sadaval wants to take advantage of his opponent's missed offense by moving into the clinch.
Rodgers jabs Sadaval to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Rodgers just misses with a punch to the body.
Rodgers throws a shot from downtown. Sadaval moves away and avoids it.
Rodgers is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Sadaval rather than just go for the knockout.

That's one minute gone in the round.
No joy there for Sadaval, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Sadaval walks into a left hand.
Rodgers misses with a low kick.
Rodgers misses with a body shot.
Sadaval connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Rodgers tries to land a leg kick but Sadaval saw it coming and moves away.
Sadaval tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
A jab from Rodgers finds it's way through Sadaval's defenses.
Rodgers takes one on the button.
Sadaval avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Rodgers thows a leg kick but Sadaval checks it
and Sadaval counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Rodgers swings for the body but Sadaval moves out of range.
Rodgers ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Sadaval moves away.
Rodgers 's jab looks to have found its range, popping Sadaval under the eye.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Rodgers swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Sadaval misses with a jab, cross combination.
Horacio Sadaval is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
A low kick from Rodgers is predictable there
and Sadaval connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A looping hook to the body misses from Rodgers . Sadaval does a little dance to reset his feet.
As Rodgers tries to get set, Sadaval tries to push him back and clinch up but Rodgers manages to avoid the attempt.
Rodgers doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Sadaval counters with a left to the body.
Sadaval uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Rodgers .
Rodgers misses with a two punch combination.
Sadaval is looking to counter the offense by Rodgers and move into the clinch.
Sadaval scores with a nice right hand.
A low kick from Rodgers misses
and Sadaval cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Sadaval is looking to clinch but Rodgers is avoiding it.
Rodgers throws a leg kick
and Sadaval cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Rodgers throws an overhand right that lands on Sadaval's shoulder, as Sadaval tries to avoid the shot.
Rodgers throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Sadaval's waist but Sadaval gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Rodgers off to one side.
Horacio Sadaval has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Keith Rodgers .
Rodgers throws a right hand that misses
enabling Sadaval to counter with a crisp jab.
Sadaval tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Rodgers shoots in but no luck this time.
Sadaval is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from Rodgers .
Rodgers takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Rodgers takes one to the side of the head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sadaval connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Rodgers shoots in but no luck this time.
Rodgers tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Sadaval was well out of range. Poor timing from Rodgers .

Sadaval closes the distance and pushes Rodgers back into the cage.

Sadaval breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Rodgers throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Sadaval counters with a nice uppercut.
Rodgers has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Sadaval finds it's way round the side to connect with Rodgers 's head.
Rodgers throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Sadaval.
Rodgers looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Sadaval is fending him off so far but Rodgers persists. Nope, Sadaval circles away and we're back to standing.
Rodgers is breathing heavily.
Rodgers misses with a hook to the body
and Sadaval counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.

Sadaval rushes Rodgers and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Sadaval is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Rodgers is looking for a takedown.
Rodgers wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Rodgers wants to take the fight to the mat but Sadaval manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Sadaval gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Rodgers .

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Sadaval lands a hook to the side of the head.
Sadaval taking a breather.
Rodgers lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Sadaval backwards.
Sadaval trying to control the position but instead, Rodgers has worked for underhooks and has pushed Sadaval into the cage.
Sadaval looking to slow down the pace here.
Rodgers has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Sadaval is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.

Sadaval breaks the clinch.
Rodgers throws a sloppy head kick and Sadaval moves out of range easily.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Sadaval lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
Sadaval is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.
Sadaval doesn't manage to clinch there - Rodgers circles away.
Rodgers fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Sadaval looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Sadaval ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Horacio Sadaval dominated that second round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!

Rodgers misses with a lunging right hand
and Sadaval cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.

Rodgers looking to score a takedown here. Sadaval is defending well but Rodgers drives through and ends up in Sadaval's guard.
Rodgers won't allow Sadaval to get back to his feet.
Rodgers wants to control from the top but Sadaval keeps moving.
Rodgers might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Sadaval haven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.
Rodgers prevents Sadaval from getting back to his feet.
Rodgers loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rodgers landing with the ground and pound.
Rodgers makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Sadaval wants to stand up but Rodgers is controlling him.
Rodgers loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rodgers wants to control from the top but Sadaval keeps moving.
Sadaval avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Sadaval is looking to stand up but Rodgers isn't so interested in that idea.
Sadaval trying desperately to get back to his feet here but he's not having any joy at all. He's going to tire himself out if he's not careful.
Rodgers working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Rodgers landing some decent shots from guard.
Rodgers stands up over Sadaval, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Rodgers is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Keith Rodgers has got the better of the ground game so far.
Rodgers wants to control from the top but Sadaval keeps moving.
Rodgers stands and throws Sadaval's legs to the side, diving into side control.
Sadaval wants to get back to his feet but Rodgers drags him back down.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rodgers wants to lay and pray for a moment but Sadaval keeps working.
Sadaval takes a nasty elbow to the side of the head.
Rodgers throws a strike aimed at the side of Sadaval's head but Sadaval avoids it well.
Sadaval avoids any damage from the ground and pound of Rodgers .
Sadaval wants to get back to his feet but Rodgers drags him back down.
Rodgers working the ground and pound from side control.
Rodgers working the ground and pound but Sadaval is defending the strikes.
Rodgers tries to advance to mount but Sadaval denies him.
Sadaval is pushing Rodgers 's head away, looking to escape. Rodgers manages to hold on to the position though.
Rodgers grinds an elbow into Sadaval's temple.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rodgers landing a few strikes.
Sadaval is working hard to escape and get back to his feet. After a battle for position, Rodgers asserts his dominance and retains side control.
Rodgers looking to punish the body of his opponent here but Sadaval is avoiding damage well.
Sadaval taking punishment in the form of punches.
Rodgers is chipping away with strikes.
Rodgers working the head with strikes.
Sadaval is trying to buck Rodgers off.
Rodgers scoring with punches from side control.
Rodgers is putting a hurting on Sadaval here, landing some big shots from side control.
Rodgers working away diligently from side control. Landing strikes effectively there - that will score him some points on the judges scorecards.
The referee asks Rodgers politely if he wouldn't mind getting on with it and actually doing something. Rodgers prefers to stall for the moment though.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Sadaval is pushing Rodgers 's head away, looking to escape. Rodgers manages to hold on to the position though.
Rodgers in side control, just content to control the action for now.
Rodgers throwing ground and pound but whilst doing so, he forgets to control position and Sadaval works his way back to half guard. Good composure under pressure.
Sadaval on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Rodgers throwing shots but Sadaval is blocking nicely.
Sadaval is trying to stand.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Sadaval is not content to let Rodgers control the position.

And that's the end of the fight!
Keith Rodgers comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Rodgers has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Andrew Berry scores the fight 28:29
Judge Colin Fotheringham scores the fight 28:29
Judge Richard Clark scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Keith Rodgers !
Keith Rodgers decided to go for the less than humble approach in his post fight interview, telling everyone how he is going to conquer the world. The crowd seemed to like it when really that sort of approach could have gone either way.