PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between James The Filipino Gracie (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Vincent Assaf (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Assaf is bouncing up and down as he enters the arena, backed by click click boom. Well, the cameraman is lingering on a pretty young lady for a bit too long there. Keep your eyes on the fighters buddy or you'll miss the fighter intros!

The Filipino Gracie
vs
Assaf

175 cm
23
185 lbs
6 - 3 - 0

183 cm
23
190 lbs
4 - 3 - 0

Good takedowns
Counter striker
KO power

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter striker
Determined

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 6 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, James The Filipino Gracie!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Vincent Assaf!
The judges for this bout are Frank Dennis, Tiny Johnson and Stewart Dunkirk.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
The Filipino Gracie closes this distance looking for a takedown but Assaf circles away.

The Filipino Gracie shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in full mount! That's better than The Filipino Gracie was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!

The Filipino Gracie jumps to the side looking to secure the arm triangle…. Ooooh, that looks tight… Assaf is gargling but he's managed to escape! Nice work there by Assaf and The Filipino Gracie has given up the dominant position trying to land that submission.
The Filipino Gracie controls the position.
Assaf gets one leg under and gets the fight to half guard.
The Filipino Gracie wants to lay and pray for a moment but Assaf keeps working.

That's one minute gone in the round.
The Filipino Gracie trying to advance position but Assaf counters by regaining guard.
The Filipino Gracie trying to control the position from guard on top but Assaf is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
The Filipino Gracie looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
The Filipino Gracie pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Assaf is keeping the position for now.

Assaf looking for a guillotine here but The Filipino Gracie defends easily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Assaf tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.

Assaf scores a takedown into full mount!
The Filipino Gracie is looking to get to half guard.
Assaf avoids the attempt from The Filipino Gracie to control.
The Filipino Gracie really trying hard to get back to half guard here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The Filipino Gracie is working hard here to advance position.
Assaf with a couple of short strikes.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
The Filipino Gracie working to try and regain half guard.
Assaf with the ground and pound from mount.
Assaf lands a couple of nice shots there from mount.
The Filipino Gracie is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
The Filipino Gracie really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
The Filipino Gracie wants to hold on but Assaf pushes him away.
The Filipino Gracie keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
The Filipino Gracie regains half guard.
Assaf is thwarting The Filipino Gracie's attempts to control the position.
The Filipino Gracie is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Assaf's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Assaf's back!
The Filipino Gracie is not going to allow Assaf to sit and survive in this position.
I would not like to be Assaf right now.
Assaf just trying to survive but The Filipino Gracie is wriggling into a better position, looking to finish.
The Filipino Gracie trying to control momentarily.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Vincent Assaf will probably get the nod.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Excellent takedown into side control there by The Filipino Gracie.
The Filipino Gracie is moving around in side control but his primary objective seems to be to maintain the position.
Assaf wants to control but The Filipino Gracie postures up.
Assaf is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked The Filipino Gracie off and has taken his back!
Will Assaf go for the finish here or will he try and keep control of the position?
Assaf punishes The Filipino Gracie with strikes from the back mount.
Assaf trying to control momentarily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Assaf misses with punches from the back.
Assaf is hanging on to The Filipino Gracie's back as he tries to escape.
The Filipino Gracie rolls and manages to get back to half guard. Nicely done.
Assaf prevents The Filipino Gracie from improving his position.
The Filipino Gracie wants to control but Assaf is keeping busy.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
The Filipino Gracie doesn't succeed with the takedown

and Assaf counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Assaf.
Assaf throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as The Filipino Gracie works some decent striking defense from the bottom.

The Filipino Gracie escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Assaf gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Assaf is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.

The Filipino Gracie is active off his back here, looking for submissions.

The Filipino Gracie working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Assaf doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Assaf manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Assaf passes into half guard.
Assaf is thwarting The Filipino Gracie's attempts to control the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Assaf is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so The Filipino Gracie is just riding it out for now. Assaf eventually gives up the hold.
Assaf prevents The Filipino Gracie from improving his position.
Assaf tries to pass the half guard into mount. The Filipino Gracie knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.

The Filipino Gracie looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Assaf prevents The Filipino Gracie from improving his position.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
The Filipino Gracie fails with the takedown

and Assaf counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Assaf looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
The Filipino Gracie is pressing down on Assaf's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Vincent Assaf showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Assaf drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Assaf stands up and beckons The Filipino Gracie to his feet.

Assaf closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. The Filipino Gracie did well to prevent Assaf getting side control.
Assaf is thwarting The Filipino Gracie's attempts to control the position.
The Filipino Gracie gets back to full guard.

The Filipino Gracie escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Assaf gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

The Filipino Gracie is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.

That's one minute gone in the round.

The Filipino Gracie is looking for a triangle but Assaf pushes his legs off easily.
Assaf is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
The Filipino Gracie controls Assaf momentarily but Assaf frees himself.
The Filipino Gracie is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Assaf is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.

The Filipino Gracie is looking for a triangle here but Assaf uses the submission attempt to pass into side control.
The Filipino Gracie is looking for a sweep.
You can see the frustration on The Filipino Gracie's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Assaf landing with strikes to the head and body from side control.
Assaf trying to control the position but The Filipino Gracie is working away.
The Filipino Gracie tries to buck Assaf off but Assaf is having none of it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Assaf working the ground and pound but he's contacting the mat, not the fighter.
The Filipino Gracie is looking to regain half guard here but Assaf keeps moving and retains side control.
The Filipino Gracie is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Assaf's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.

The Filipino Gracie actively working from the bottom here.
The Filipino Gracie wants to sweep but Assaf has passed to side control!
Vincent Assaf is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Assaf is looking to take a break and control but The Filipino Gracie is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

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.
The Filipino Gracie is looking to regain half guard here but Assaf keeps moving and retains side control.
Assaf working away.
The Filipino Gracie trying to remain calm as Assaf controls from the top position.
The Filipino Gracie is looking to reverse the position.
James The Filipino Gracie has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
The Filipino Gracie tries for a takedown but Assaf circles away easily

and Assaf counters with a takedown into full mount! That could mean trouble for The Filipino Gracie!

And that's the end of the fight!
Vincent Assaf comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Assaf 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 Frank Dennis scores the fight 27:30
Judge Tiny Johnson scores the fight 27:30
Judge Stewart Dunkirk scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Vincent Assaf!