PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between James Atkinson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Teppi Tarinashi (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The crowd seem to be enjoying Tarinashi's choice of entrance music: Bitches get stitches. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Atkinson
vs
Tarinashi

180 cm
22
200 lbs
6 - 1 - 0

186 cm
31
195 lbs
19 - 11 - 0

Good wrestling
Great elbows
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Excellent boxer
Heavy handed

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 - 1 - 0, fighting out of London, James Atkinson!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 19 - 11 - 0, fighting out of London, Teppi Tarinashi!
The judges for this bout are James Atkins, James Glass and James Ackerman.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Tarinashi shoots for a double leg takedown but Atkinson sprawls well. He's pushed Tarinashi's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Tarinashi on the wrong end of a nice hook.
A jab lands there for Atkinson.

Tarinashi shoots in and gets a takedown into Atkinson's guard.
Tarinashi stops Atkinson from standing up.
Tarinashi wants to control from the top but Atkinson keeps moving.
Atkinson wants to get back to his feet but Tarinashi is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Tarinashi with a flurry of punches that miss.

Tarinashi decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Atkinson, up you get!
Atkinson throws a sloppy head kick and Tarinashi moves out of range easily.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Atkinson lands with a slapping head kick.

Tarinashi shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Atkinson is trying to defend but Tarinashi finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
Tarinashi sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Atkinson defending well though.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Atkinson wants to improve his position but Tarinashi is controlling well.
Tarinashi missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Tarinashi sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Atkinson defending well though.
Tarinashi missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Atkinson wants to get back to his feet.
Tarinashi working the head and body with strikes.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Still in half guard, Tarinashi seems content to control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tarinashi seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Atkinson does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Tarinashi looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Atkinson blocking the ground and pound attempt from Tarinashi.
Atkinson manages to get to full guard.

Tarinashi stands and steps away. Atkinson gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.
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!
No luck for Tarinashi with that takedown attempt.
A solid body kick from Atkinson.
Atkinson misses with a body kick.
Tarinashi shoots in for a double leg but Atkinson sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
James Atkinson has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Teppi Tarinashi.
A telegraphed right hand from Tarinashi misses the target.
Atkinson lets loose with a powerful body kick. Tarinashi will feel that in the morning.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tarinashi has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Atkinson.
Atkinson lands with a kick to the temple. Tarinashi shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
Tarinashi throws an overhand right that lands on Atkinson's shoulder, as Atkinson tries to avoid the shot.
Tarinashi tries to clinch but fails miserably
and Atkinson counters with a big head kick but Tarinashi shrugs it off.
Atkinson looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Atkinson walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Atkinson misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Atkinson looks for the body kick but Tarinashi saw that one coming.
Atkinson is breathing heavily.
Atkinson keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
James Atkinson is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Tarinashi throws a hook to the side of Atkinson's head but Atkinson sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Tarinashi shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Atkinson defends it nicely.
Tarinashi swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Atkinson fails in his attempt to clinch.
Atkinson throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Atkinson rushes Tarinashi and presses him up against the cage.
Atkinson lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Atkinson tries to work over Tarinashi's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Tarinashi is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Atkinson to keep the fight standing.
Atkinson prevents the takedown attempt.

Tarinashi ties up his opponent against the cage and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. Tarinashi no doubt will be looking to work submissions from his guard.

Atkinson decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Tarinashi, up you get!
Tarinashi shoots in for a takedown but Atkinson shows good takedown defense.
Atkinson fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Atkinson avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Atkinson throws a body kick that misses.
Tarinashi shoots in but no luck this time.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Atkinson lands a head kick!
Tarinashi is trying hard to land a takedown here. Atkinson sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
A nice inside leg kick there by Atkinson. That's going to slow Tarinashi down.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Teppi Tarinashi will probably get the nod.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Tarinashi swats away the attempt to clinch by Atkinson.
Atkinson misses with a body kick.
Atkinson takes one on the button.
Tarinashi lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Atkinson backs up against the cage.
Tarinashi shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Atkinson pinned against the cage. Atkinson gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
A thudding body kick lands there by Atkinson!
Tarinashi throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Atkinson.
An inside leg kick lands from Atkinson.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Tarinashi tries for a takedown but Atkinson circles away easily
and Atkinson counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Atkinson misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Tarinashi is breathing heavily.
Tarinashi throws a nice looking combination but Atkinson bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Tarinashi misses with a looping left.
Atkinson fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Atkinson throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Atkinson tries a head kick but it misses.
Tarinashi tries to check the leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Atkinson fakes the leg kick and cracks Tarinashi in the body.
Atkinson lands a high kick!
Atkinson throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.
Atkinson scores with a spinning back kick!
Atkinson doesn't manage to clinch there - Tarinashi circles away.
Atkinson is looking to land body kicks.
Atkinson fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Atkinson throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Tarinashi on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Atkinson. Atkinson obviously looking to wear him down.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Atkinson dips to his left and cracks Tarinashi with an uppercut!
Atkinson thuds a mid kick into his opponent's body. That will wear on Tarinashi if he has to take too many more of those.
Atkinson throws a jab but it's blocked by Tarinashi.
Tarinashi with a jab.
Atkinson dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Horrible takedown by Tarinashi or perhaps it was just good defense by Atkinson which made him look bad.
James Atkinson has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Teppi Tarinashi.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Atkinson lands with a kick to the temple. Tarinashi shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
Tarinashi shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Tarinashi on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Atkinson. Atkinson obviously looking to wear him down.
Tarinashi shoots in for a takedown but Atkinson shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Tarinashi takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Atkinson throws a sloppy head kick and Tarinashi moves out of range easily.
Atkinson throws a head kick that looked like it stung.
Atkinson lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Tarinashi misses with the combination.

Atkinson fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Tarinashi, pushing him back against the cage.
Atkinson tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Tarinashi's elbow.
Tarinashi takes an elbow to the temple.

Tarinashi has Atkinson pressed up against the cage. He's trying to work for a single leg takedown. Tarinashi pulls back from the cage and twists to the side, sending Atkinson tumbling to the mat - Tarinashi dives into Atkinson's guard.

Atkinson pushes Tarinashi off for just long enough to get back to his feet. Very athletic spring there.
Teppi Tarinashi seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Atkinson throws a sloppy head kick and Tarinashi moves out of range easily.
Tarinashi shoots in for a takedown but Atkinson shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
James Atkinson is winning the standup battle so far.
Atkinson connects with a body shot.
Tarinashi misses with a takedown attempt - Atkinson sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.

Tarinashi tries to keep at a distance but Atkinson has taken the fight into the clinch.
A short uppercut from Atkinson.
Atkinson lands a body shot.
Tarinashi is trying to pull guard but Atkinson has him pressed against the cage.
Atkinson misses with a shot to the kidneys.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A short right from Atkinson on the inside.
Nice body punch from Atkinson.
Atkinson goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Tarinashi avoiding damage as Atkinson throws knees to the body.
Atkinson lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Tarinashi backwards.
Tarinashi managing to block the knees to the body from Atkinson.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Atkinson lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Tarinashi is trying to pull guard but Atkinson turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Atkinson can't find room to land a body shot as Tarinashi controls the action.
Atkinson throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Atkinson lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Tarinashi fails to pull guard.
Tarinashi avoiding damage as Atkinson throws knees to the body.
Atkinson is leaning against Tarinashi and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

James Atkinson dominated that second round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Tarinashi shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Atkinson but Atkinson pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Atkinson scores with a kick to the midsection.
A head kick misses from Atkinson.
Atkinson dodges the punch combination from Tarinashi.
A solid body kick from Atkinson.
Tarinashi fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Atkinson avoids it really well and circles away.
Atkinson throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Atkinson lands the left hand.
Atkinson throws a head kick that misses.
Tarinashi takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

Atkinson gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Tarinashi on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Atkinson tries a body shot but Tarinashi blocks it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Atkinson tries a body shot but Tarinashi blocks it.
Atkinson lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Tarinashi backwards.
Tarinashi is looking to take this one to the mat.
James Atkinson has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Teppi Tarinashi.
Atkinson gets through Tarinashi's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Atkinson misses with a punch to the body.
A short uppercut from Atkinson.
Atkinson tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
A shot in the inside from Atkinson.
Tarinashi is trying to pull guard but Atkinson has him pressed against the cage.
Tarinashi tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Atkinson smiles and moves away.
Tarinashi walks into a jab.
Atkinson tries to clinch there but Tarinashi circles away.

Atkinson drives through and clinches with Tarinashi against the cage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tarinashi blocking some punches.
Atkinson lands a damaging elbow.
Tarinashi takes a shot to the head.
Atkinson misses with a hook to the ribs.
Still in the clinch, Atkinson scores with a nice short uppercut.
Tarinashi managing to block the knees to the body from Atkinson.
Atkinson gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Tarinashi fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Atkinson softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Tarinashi jumps guard but Atkinson turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Atkinson lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Tarinashi backwards.
A short right from Atkinson.
Atkinson misses with a punch to the body.
Tarinashi changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Atkinson fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Atkinson fails in his attempt to clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tarinashi fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Tarinashi tries to score a power double leg takedown but Atkinson sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Tarinashi somewhat.
Atkinson connects with a crisp jab.
Atkinson changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Atkinson uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Tarinashi.
Tarinashi fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Atkinson leaves Tarinashi with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Tarinashi avoids the head kick by Atkinson.
Tarinashi swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Atkinson.
Atkinson lands with a slapping head kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A head kick misses from Atkinson.
Tarinashi misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Tarinashi blocks a head kick by Atkinson.
Atkinson lands a high kick!
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Tarinashi closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Atkinson quickly recovers to half guard.
Atkinson avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Tarinashi.
Tarinashi is trying to control. Atkinson wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Tarinashi looks to land a strike but Atkinson avoids it nicely and regains full guard.
Tarinashi loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Tarinashi wants to control from the top but Atkinson keeps moving.
Tarinashi throwing strikes from guard but Atkinson blocks nicely.

And that's the end of the fight!
James Atkinson showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Atkinson has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 James Atkins scores the fight 30:27
Judge James Glass scores the fight 30:28
Judge James Ackerman scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... James Atkinson!
James Atkinson seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.