PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Sazh Blaskey (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and R J MacReady (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). R J MacReady told me before the fight that he's been watching a lot of DVDs so let's see if that helps him in this one! I can't wait to find out!

Blaskey
vs
J MacReady

184 cm
24
205 lbs
8 - 2 - 1

186 cm
22
210 lbs
11 - 8 - 0

Good wrestling
Solid boxing
KO power

Decent wrestler
World class boxer
Heavy handed

Rivers Edge Nutrition

Virtual Fighter Clothing
Sublime Supplements

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 8 - 2 - 1, fighting out of New York, Sazh Blaskey!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 11 - 8 - 0, fighting out of New York, R J MacReady!
The judges for this bout are Chad Campbell, Columbo Gatti and John Kavanagh.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Blaskey throws a body punch but MacReady moves out of range.
Blaskey keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Blaskey throws a looping overhand right but MacReady ducks down to avoid it.
Blaskey takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.

It looks like Sazh Blaskey has been cut.
MacReady slips under a jab from Blaskey.
MacReady looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Blaskey stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Blaskey wants it to stay on the feet.
Sazh Blaskey has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of R J MacReady.

Blaskey decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
MacReady is trying to get back to full guard.
Blaskey content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.
Blaskey looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks MacReady with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Blaskey thows a big elbow that misses, also allowing MacReady to regain full guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Blaskey throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
MacReady working a defensive guard here.
MacReady might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Blaskey kaven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.
MacReady being controlled here, momentarily.
Blaskey lands a couple of decent looking shots.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Blaskey thows a big elbow that misses.
Blaskey trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Blaskey trying to control but MacReady is working from the bottom.
Blaskey not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
MacReady avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
MacReady has his hands on Blaskey's head, controlling the position.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if MacReady can do anything to dispel that myth.
Blaskey trying to control the position from guard on top but MacReady is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Blaskey is looking to work some ground and pound but MacReady has wrist control.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Blaskey misses with an uppercut.
MacReady throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
A clash of legs there as Blaskey blocks the low kick.
MacReady tries to clinch up.
Blaskey avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
R J MacReady seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Blaskey fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but MacReady avoids it really well and circles away.

Blaskey drives through with a takedown into guard.
Blaskey wants to pass the guard but MacReady is keeping the position.
MacReady preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Blaskey missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Blaskey looking to pass the guard.
Blaskey wants to control from the top but MacReady keeps moving.
MacReady wants to stand but Blaskey is controlling the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Blaskey thows a big elbow that misses.
Blaskey is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
MacReady tries to clinch there but Blaskey circles away.
Blaskey shoots in for a takedown but MacReady shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Blaskey.
Blaskey steps to the side to avoid the strikes from MacReady.
MacReady displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Blaskey throws out the jab.
MacReady uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Blaskey.
MacReady throws a right and a left that Blaskey avoids nicely.
MacReady misses with a takedown
and Blaskey counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.

MacReady instigates a clinch.
Blaskey drops to a knee looking for a takedown but MacReady gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Blaskey looking to stall.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Sazh Blaskey will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Sazh Blaskey's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

MacReady moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.
Good exchange - Blaskey coming out on top.
Blaskey ducks down and throws a hook to the body but MacReady moves away.
R J MacReady is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
MacReady tries to clinch but Blaskey is having none of it.
MacReady misses the jab.
Blaskey lands a head shot.
A jab from Blaskey misses.
MacReady shoots for a takedown but Blaskey saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Blaskey connects with a right hand. MacReady shakes it off.
MacReady on the wrong end of a nice jab.
No luck for MacReady with that takedown attempt.
Blaskey thows a left - swing and a miss!
Blaskey lands a nice shot that snaps MacReady's head back.
Nice sprawl there from MacReady as Blaskey shoots in.

Blaskey tries to keep at a distance but MacReady has taken the fight into the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Blaskey lands a body punch.
MacReady tries to break free but Blaskey pushes him back against the cage.
MacReady taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
MacReady is breathing heavily.
Blaskey has a couple of punches blocked by MacReady.
MacReady wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Blaskey has him pressed against the cage.
Blaskey has MacReady pressed against the cage.

Blaskey is trying to trip MacReady. He has hold of a leg but MacReady is hopping around, keeping his balance for the moment. Blaskey persists though and gets the takedown into guard.
Blaskey pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. MacReady is keeping the position for now.

Blaskey is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.
Blaskey stops MacReady from standing up.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Blaskey postures up.
Blaskey postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Blaskey throws a big right hand that misses.
Blaskey postures up in MacReady's guard and throws a big left but MacReady blocks it.
Blaskey with a flurry of punches that miss.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
MacReady throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Blaskey.
Blaskey checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
MacReady misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
MacReady walks into a left hand.
Blaskey lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Blaskey is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.
MacReady tries to clinch up.
MacReady misses with a body kick.
Blaskey looks to throw the jab but MacReady is out of range.
MacReady moves forwards but Blaskey connects with a nice, crisp jab.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
MacReady takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Blaskey works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Blaskey pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
MacReady ducks under a wild hook from Blaskey.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Blaskey is defended easily by MacReady.
MacReady takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from MacReady.
Sazh Blaskey has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of R J MacReady.
MacReady leaves Blaskey with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
MacReady has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Blaskey finds it's way round the side to connect with MacReady's head.
MacReady looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
MacReady will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
MacReady fails with a takedown attempt.
Blaskey throws the left hand but MacReady avoids the punch easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Jab by Blaskey.
Blaskey shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. MacReady defends it nicely.
Blaskey throws a series of strikes that have MacReady backpedaling.
Blaskey throws a lazy right hand but MacReady sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Blaskey thows a body shot but no joy.
MacReady tries to bum rush Blaskey with a series of wild strikes but Blaskey uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Blaskey leaves MacReady with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Blaskey swinging wildly here.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Blaskey misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Blaskey thuds his right hand into MacReady's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Sazh Blaskey dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Sazh Blaskey's cut.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!

MacReady drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
MacReady uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Blaskey.
MacReady jabbing away but nothing is landing.
MacReady throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
MacReady throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Blaskey counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Sazh Blaskey is winning the standup battle so far.
MacReady stuffs the takedown attempt from Blaskey. Blaskey gets slowly back to his feet.
MacReady keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Blaskey.
Blaskey throws an uppercut from half a mile away. MacReady sees it coming and avoids it easily.
MacReady takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Blaskey thows a left - swing and a miss!
MacReady bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Good shot there by Blaskey.
Blaskey throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
MacReady lands a jab-cross combination.
Blaskey shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says MacReady as he avoids it easily.
MacReady has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Blaskey misses with a looping left.

That's one minute gone in the round.
MacReady throws a right and a left that both miss.
Blaskey shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. MacReady defends it nicely.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Sazh Blaskey. That's going to take a lot out of him.
MacReady swinging wildly here.
Good exchange - Blaskey coming out on top.
Blaskey lands a jab to the head.
MacReady blocks a jab.
Blaskey thows a body shot but no joy.
Blaskey lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Blaskey fakes high and swings low for a body shot but MacReady manages to avoid it.
Blaskey misses with an uppercut. MacReady saw that one coming.

MacReady gets the takedown into side control.
MacReady wants to control but Blaskey is keeping him busy.
MacReady takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
MacReady looking to punish the body of his opponent here but Blaskey is avoiding damage well.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Blaskey is looking for a sweep.
Blaskey is working hard here to advance position.
An elbow from MacReady crashes against the mat.
MacReady tries to land with some ground and pound but misses.
Blaskey is looking for a sweep.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
MacReady will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
MacReady scores with a decent looking hook.
Blaskey throws a right and a left that MacReady avoids nicely.
Blaskey circles away from the clinch attempt.
MacReady throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Blaskey.
Blaskey misses with a wild body shot.
MacReady shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Blaskey pinned against the cage. Blaskey gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
MacReady throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Blaskey counters with a right hand to the body.
Sazh Blaskey is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Blaskey cracks MacReady with a good jab.
Blaskey cracks MacReady with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.

Blaskey darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
Blaskey controlling the pace.
MacReady wants to get back to his feet.
Blaskey moves nicely into side control.
Blaskey tries to score with some ground and pound. MacReady controls his posture well this time though and the shots don't do any damage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Blaskey postures up a little and throws a couple of hammerfists but they don't connect properly.
Blaskey takes a little break here. MacReady wants to take advantage but he is being controlled well.
Blaskey is looking to take a break and control but MacReady is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
R J MacReady has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
A lull in the action here as Blaskey stalls from top position.

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 Sazh Blaskey.
Well Blaskey 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 Chad Campbell scores the fight 30:27
Judge Columbo Gatti scores the fight 30:27
Judge John Kavanagh scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Sazh Blaskey!