PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Alex Ribero (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and James Jackson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). James Jackson is the more experienced fighter, so let's see if that makes a difference tonight.

Ribero
vs
Jackson

180 cm
19
170 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

185 cm
22
170 lbs
6 - 2 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Basic striking
Very strong

BJJ Blue Belt
Decent boxing
Heavy handed

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 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Alex Ribero!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, James Jackson!
The judges for this bout are George Francis, Gwen Towbar and Wesley Smith.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Ribero uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Jackson.

Jackson closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the ropes.

Jackson decides to pull guard.
Jackson seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.

Jackson looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Jackson really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Ribero. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Ribero trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Ribero wants to get up but he can't break Jackson's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.
Jackson keeping moving, preventing Ribero from controlling successfully.
Jackson utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Ribero missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ribero trying to control but Jackson is working from the bottom.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Ribero throws a jab but it's blocked by Jackson.
Ribero waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Jackson.
Jackson takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Jackson misses with a jab, cross combination.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Jackson misses with a body shot.
Jackson swinging wildly here.
Nice uppercut there from Ribero.
Jackson swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Jackson tries to clinch up but Ribero circles away and keeps his distance.
Ribero tries to clinch up.
Jackson tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Ribero uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
James Jackson is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Ribero misses the jab.
Ribero avoids the body shot from Jackson.
Left hook, right uppercut from Jackson.
Jackson throws a body punch but Ribero moves out of range.
Ribero shoots for a takedown but Jackson saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Jackson lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
Jackson tries to close the distance and clinch up against the ropes but Ribero paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Ribero scores with a nice right hand.
Ribero tries to clinch but Jackson moves away

and Jackson counters by clinching up.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Jackson prevents a takedown attempt there.
Jackson prevents a takedown attempt there.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Alex Ribero. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Ribero can't get the takedown.
Jackson gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Ribero.
Jackson prevents a takedown attempt there.
Jackson wants to get back to striking at distance but Ribero won't allow it.
Jackson tries to break free but Ribero pushes him back against the ropes.
Ribero gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.

It looks like James Jackson has been cut.
Ribero tries for a takedown but Jackson manages to get underhooks.
Jackson tries to stall but Ribero uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Ribero is working for a takedown up against the ropes. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Jackson wants to get back to striking at distance but Ribero won't allow it.
Ribero gets underhooks to prevent Jackson's takedown attempt.
Ribero wants a takedown but no success here.
Ribero can't get the takedown.
Ribero is breathing heavily.
Ribero wants a takedown but no success here.
Ribero is looking for a takedown up against the ropes. Jackson gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.

Jackson pulls guard successfully.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Jackson wants to stand and escape but Ribero is having none of it.

Jackson uses the ropes to get back to his feet.
Ribero throws a nice looking combination but Jackson bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.

Ribero closes the distance and pushes Jackson back into the ropes.
Jackson has had enough of the clinch but Ribero keeps him there for the moment.
Jackson wants to get back to striking at distance but Ribero won't allow it.
Ribero prevents Jackson from breaking the clinch.
Ribero changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Jackson fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Ribero bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Ribero lands with a hook. Jackson tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Ribero throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Ribero throws a head kick that misses.
Ribero rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Jackson moves out of range and avoids them all easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ribero missing with a left hand there. Jackson was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Both fighters circling a little - Ribero finishes the exchange with a kick to the body.
Ribero tries to clinch up but Jackson circles away and keeps his distance.
Ribero connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Ribero looks for a takedown but Jackson sprawls well.
Ribero throws the left hand but Jackson avoids the punch easily.
Ribero tries to score a power double leg takedown but Jackson sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Ribero somewhat.
Ribero misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Jackson.
Ribero fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Jackson manages to avoid it.

Ribero has closed the distance and engaged Jackson in a clinch.
Ribero tries to score a body lock takedown but Jackson shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Good body shot from Jackson.
Ribero stalling in the clinch but Jackson improves position.
Ribero drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but James Jackson will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on James Jackson's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Jackson takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Ribero lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Jackson misses with a wild combination.
Jackson lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
Ribero tries to clinch up.
Jackson tries to clinch there but Ribero circles away.
Ribero misses the jab.
Jackson fails to land with a series of punches.
Jackson moves in looking to clinch but Ribero pushes him off.
Ribero falls off balance throwing a combination

and Jackson counters by moving into the clinch.
Ribero is looking for a takedown up against the ropes. Jackson gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Jackson prevents the takedown attempt.
Jackson gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Ribero.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Alex Ribero. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Ribero drops down looking for an ankle pick but Jackson pulls his leg out and moves away.
Alex Ribero seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ribero is looking to clinch.
Jackson wants to clinch up but Ribero keeps it at a distance.
Ribero lands an overhand right.
Ribero doesn't manage to clinch there - Jackson circles away.
No joy there for Jackson, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Jackson changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Jackson is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Ribero rather than just go for the knockout.
Ribero is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Nice uppercut lands for Ribero. That snapped Jackson's head back.
Jab, jab by Jackson - just one landing.
Jackson fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Ribero manages to avoid it.
Ribero is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Jackson fails in his attempt to clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ribero swats away the attempt to clinch by Jackson.
Ribero closes the distance looking to clinch
and Jackson counters with a three punch combo that has Ribero backing up. Ribero nods at Jackson to acknowledge the strikes.
Jackson is breathing heavily.
Jackson ducks under a wild hook from Ribero.
Jackson circles away from the clinch attempt.

Jackson moves into the clinch successfully.
Jackson is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Ribero pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Ribero wants a takedown but no success here.
Ribero wants a takedown but no success here.
Ribero drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Jackson gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Ribero wants a takedown but no success here.
Ribero lands a nice knee to the body.
Ribero wants a takedown.
Ribero has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Jackson is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Jackson tries to pull guard but Ribero won't allow it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Jackson gets underhooks to prevent Ribero's takedown attempt.
Jackson blocks an elbow strike from Ribero.
Ribero is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Jackson pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Ribero is working for a takedown up against the ropes. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Jackson is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
Jackson tries to break the clinch but Ribero is controlling the position.
Ribero blocks the elbow strike.
Jackson gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Ribero.
Ribero is working for takedown but Jackson is calmly controlling the position for now.

Jackson lands a takedown into guard.
Ribero can't keep his opponent in guard - Jackson advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Jackson wants to take a breather but Ribero is having none of it.
Jackson is thwarting Ribero's attempts to control the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Jackson wants to pass to mount but Ribero is defending the position.
Jackson missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.

Ribero looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Jackson blocks the strikes from Ribero.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Ribero moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.
Ribero tries to close the distance and clinch up but Jackson swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Jackson tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

James Jackson showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on James Jackson's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. This is the final round!

Ribero has his takedown stuffed

and Jackson holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Ribero tries for a takedown but Jackson manages to get underhooks.
Ribero wants a takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Alex Ribero. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Jackson tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Jackson drops down looking for an ankle pick but Ribero pulls his leg out and moves away.
Ribero tries to clinch there but Jackson circles away.
Ribero fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Jackson manages to avoid it.
Ribero looks to land a combination but Jackson avoids it well.
Ribero is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Jackson lands a jab-cross combination.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Jackson takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Ribero goes for a takedown in the clinch but Jackson prevents it.
Ribero is trying to drag Jackson to the mat but Jackson just about manages to keep his footing. He used the ropes to his advantage there.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Jackson tries to circle away but Ribero has him pinned against the ropes.
Ribero drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Jackson wants to get back to striking at distance but Ribero won't allow it.
Ribero tries to break the clinch but Jackson is controlling the position.

Ribero gets the body lock takedown. After a quick scramble, Jackson regains guard.
Ribero throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Ribero tries to free his leg and advance position but Jackson is retaining full guard.
Ribero with a flurry of punches that miss.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Jackson can do anything to dispel that myth.
Ribero trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Jackson is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
Ribero won't allow Jackson to sweep him here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ribero postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Jackson trying to keep a closed guard but Ribero is proving a slippery customer.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Ribero swats away the attempt to clinch by Jackson.
Ribero doesn't manage to clinch there - Jackson circles away.
Ribero misses with the combination.
Ribero darts in trying to clinch
and Jackson counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Ribero throws a nice inside leg kick.
Jackson takes one to the side of the head.
Jackson slips a jab from Ribero.
Jackson tries to clinch up.
Ribero tries to close the distance and clinch but Jackson swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Ribero dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Jackson. That did some damage!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A punch combination from Ribero misses.
Ribero throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Jackson uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Ribero.
Jackson tries to clinch but Ribero moves out of range.
Ribero throws a combination that misses
and Jackson connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Jackson scores with the left hand. Ribero knows he should have avoided that one.
Ribero misses the jab.
Ribero takes a swing at Jackson's ribcage but misses.
Jackson throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Jackson tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Jackson tries to close the distance and clinch but Ribero swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Jackson ducks under a wild hook from Ribero.
A cross from Ribero lands.
Ribero shoots in for a takedown but Jackson shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
A slapping leg kick lands for Ribero.
A cross from Ribero lands.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Jackson uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Ribero.
Alex Ribero is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Ribero tries to clinch up.
Jackson avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Ribero cracks the inside of Jackson's front leg.
Ribero connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Ribero pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Jackson tries to clinch but Ribero is having none of it.
Ribero scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Alex Ribero has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Jackson circles away from the clinch attempt.
Jackson tries to move into range but Ribero moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Ribero looks to land a combination. Jackson sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
Ribero stuns Jackson with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Ribero wants to clinch.
Ribero lands a nice shot that snaps Jackson's head back.

And that's the end of the fight!
Alex Ribero showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Jackson 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 George Francis scores the fight 28:29
Judge Gwen Towbar scores the fight 28:29
Judge Wesley Smith scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... James Jackson!