PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Worawat Fairtex (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Christian Grimsrud (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Fairtex comes to the cage accompanied by mut tow kow sauk หมัด-เท้า-. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Fairtex
vs
Grimsrud

180 cm
26
180 lbs
8 - 4 - 0

169 cm
27
185 lbs
3 - 1 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Granite chin

Good wrestler
Basic striking
Powerful

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 8 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Worawat Fairtex!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Christian Grimsrud!
The judges for this bout are Daniel Blasius, Aafke Stam and Saam Ante.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Fairtex keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Fairtex throws a sloppy head kick and Grimsrud moves out of range easily.
Grimsrud wants to clinch.
Grimsrud shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Fairtex as he avoids it easily.
Fairtex dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Grimsrud. That did some damage!
Grimsrud avoids the body shot from Fairtex.
Fairtex plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
Fairtex stuffs the takedown.
Worawat Fairtex has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Christian Grimsrud.

Grimsrud closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Grimsrud lands in his opponent's guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.
Grimsrud in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
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!
Grimsrud with a flurry of punches that miss.
Grimsrud is fighting to break Fairtex's control of his arms but Fairtex is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
Grimsrud sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Fairtex's guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Fairtex slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Grimsrud being controlled here momentarily.
Grimsrud loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Fairtex knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Grimsrud on the ground.
Fairtex looking for a sweep. Not yet Fairtex, not yet.
Grimsrud loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Grimsrud is pushing down on Fairtex's leg trying to pass to half guard. Fairtex is fighting to maintain full guard but Grimsrud has managed to sneak the leg through.

Grimsrud is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Fairtex sees it coming and defends easily.
Fairtex has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Grimsrud is working away from the top position though.
Fairtex wants to get back to full guard.
Grimsrud is looking to take a break and control but Fairtex is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Grimsrud not doing much here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Fairtex has hold of Grimsrud's hands but Grimsrud slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Grimsrud trying to control the action but Fairtex is working from the bottom.
Fairtex has hold of Grimsrud's hands but Grimsrud slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Fairtex looks like he's trying to stand up.
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!

Grimsrud is working for a submission of some sort.
Fairtex is refusing to be controlled, as Grimsrud sits in half guard.
Fairtex keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Fairtex makes some distance and scrambles quickly back to his feet. Nice work!
Fairtex lands a nice leg kick that just misses Grimsrud's sensitive parts.
Worawat Fairtex is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Fairtex.
Fairtex's jab looks to have found its range, popping Grimsrud under the eye.
Grimsrud throws a left and a right that both miss
and Fairtex counters with a series of strikes. Grimsrud will be more careful next time no doubt.
Fairtex leaves Grimsrud with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.

Grimsrud fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Fairtex, pushing him back against the cage.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Fairtex tries to break the clinch but Grimsrud is controlling the position.
Grimsrud goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Grimsrud working some nice short punches in the clinch.

Fairtex breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Fairtex chopping away at his opponent's legs.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Grimsrud.
No joy there for Fairtex, who threw a few shots but didn't land.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Grimsrud darts in and clinches Fairtex up against the cage.
Grimsrud's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Grimsrud can't get the takedown.
Grimsrud wants a takedown but no success here.

Fairtex breaks from the clinch.

Grimsrud shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.
Grimsrud trying to control the action but Fairtex is working from the bottom.
Grimsrud throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Fairtex wants to control but Grimsrud is keeping busy.
Fairtex is trying to stand up here but Grimsrud is controlling him well.
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 Worawat Fairtex will probably get the nod.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

An inside leg kick lands from Fairtex.
Fairtex looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Grimsrud moves in looking to clinch but Fairtex pushes him off.
Christian Grimsrud is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Fairtex thuds a mid kick into his opponent's body. That will wear on Grimsrud if he has to take too many more of those.
Grimsrud is looking to clinch but Fairtex is avoiding it.
A head kick misses from Fairtex.
Fairtex goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Grimsrud shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Fairtex sprawls well. Fairtex wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Grimsrud gets slowly back to his feet.
Fairtex throws a wild body kick that Grimsrud sees coming a mile off.
Grimsrud moves in looking to clinch but Fairtex pushes him off.
Fairtex stuffs the takedown.
Fairtex tries to land a front kick but Grimsrud steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Fairtex misses with a body shot.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Fairtex lands a high kick!
A head kick misses from Fairtex.
Fairtex throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.
Grimsrud avoids the head kick by Fairtex.
Grimsrud fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Fairtex avoids it really well and circles away.
Worawat Fairtex has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Christian Grimsrud.
Grimsrud takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Fairtex scores with a leg kick.
Fairtex misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Grimsrud.

Grimsrud darts in and clinches Fairtex up against the cage.
Grimsrud goes for a takedown attempt but Fairtex pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Grimsrud is breathing heavily.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Grimsrud tries to score a power double leg takedown but Fairtex sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Grimsrud somewhat.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Grimsrud clinches up with Fairtex and pushes him back against the cage.
Fairtex is trying to break the clinch but Grimsrud has him pressed against the cage.
Grimsrud misses with a hook from the clinch.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Fairtex.
Grimsrud swings away with an uppercut that misses.

Fairtex breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.

Grimsrud feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.
Fairtex is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Fairtex utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Grimsrud missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Fairtex preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Grimsrud missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Fairtex wants to sweep here but Grimsrud controlling him for the moment.
Grimsrud controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Grimsrud stopping the sweep attempt from Fairtex.
Grimsrud wants to control from the top but Fairtex keeps moving.

Grimsrud drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Grimsrud jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Grimsrud tries to free his leg and advance position but Fairtex is retaining full guard.
Grimsrud landing with the ground and pound.
Grimsrud trying to control but Fairtex is working from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Grimsrud slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.
Grimsrud wants to control from the top but Fairtex keeps moving.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
Grimsrud with a flurry of punches that miss.
Fairtex keeping moving, preventing Grimsrud from controlling successfully.
Grimsrud throwing strikes but missing.

Grimsrud thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Fairtex will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Grimsrud distracts Fairtex with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Fairtex wants to sweep but no luck.
Fairtex trying to keep a closed guard but Grimsrud is proving a slippery customer.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Worawat Fairtex will probably get the nod.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Grimsrud rushes Fairtex and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Grimsrud presses Fairtex against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Fairtex is trying to force a seperation but Grimsrud has the dominant position.

Grimsrud lands a takedown into guard.
Grimsrud wants to control from the top but Fairtex keeps moving.
Fairtex pulls Grimsrud in close to prevent any damage.
Grimsrud trying to control the position from guard on top but Fairtex is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.

OK we're going to have a standup here. Christian Grimsrud hasn't been effective enough on the ground and the referee wants a restart.
Fairtex avoids the clinch attempt nicely.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Grimsrud fails miserably with a takedown attempt.

Grimsrud clinches with his opponent.
Fairtex tries to throw a body punch but Grimsrud avoids it by throwing Fairtex back against the cage.
Grimsrud has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Fairtex after a bit of a struggle.
Grimsrud blocking some punches.
Grimsrud wants a takedown but no success here.
Worawat Fairtex has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Christian Grimsrud.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Fairtex creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Fairtex prevents a takedown attempt there.
Grimsrud takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Grimsrud misses with a short punch on the inside.
Grimsrud lands a body shot.
Fairtex blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Grimsrud changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Fairtex fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Fairtex throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Grimsrud's head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Grimsrud crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Fairtex - the referee stops the clock and Grimsrud gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Fairtex. Grimsrud manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.
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!
Fairtex feints a jab promting Grimsrud to slip. Fairtex then demonstrates his capabilities by jabbing again. Grimsrud slips again and ducks right into an uppercut.
Fairtex fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Fairtex jabs away that one connects to the head of his opponent.
Grimsrud tries to clinch there but Fairtex circles away.
Fairtex misses with a head kick.
Grimsrud tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Fairtex paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Fairtex cracks the inside of Grimsrud's front leg.
Grimsrud tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in the close the distance. Fairtex manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Fairtex misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Grimsrud.
Grimsrud needs to keep his hands up - Fairtex had a free shot at his head there.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Grimsrud tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
Worawat Fairtex is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Fairtex lands a head kick!
Fairtex throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Grimsrud's head.
An inside leg kick lands from Fairtex.
Fairtex throws a quick inside leg kick.
Fairtex throws a head kick that half lands.
Fairtex misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Fairtex buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Grimsrud takes one to the chin there.
Grimsrud fails to land the takedown.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Fairtex slaps away a takedown attempt from Grimsrud, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Fairtex connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.

Grimsrud closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Fairtex to the mat! Fairtex manages to get full guard.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Fairtex is trying to control the position but Grimsrud postures up.
Fairtex working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Grimsrud.
Grimsrud sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Fairtex's guard.
Grimsrud seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Fairtex does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Fairtex tries to roll over but Grimsrud keeps him under control.

Grimsrud is working for a submission of some sort.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Grimsrud lands a nice short elbow.

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 Worawat Fairtex.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Fairtex, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 Daniel Blasius scores the fight 30:27
Judge Aafke Stam scores the fight 30:27
Judge Saam Ante scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Worawat Fairtex!
An out of breath and clearly excited Worawat Fairtex thanked Hell's Balls Recovery for their help and support (and free stuff they sent him).