PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Dru Rivers (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Alistair Overeem (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both these guys have really solid chins. Will we see a standup war or will they both decide that a knockout is unlikely and try to win the fight elsewhere?

Rivers
vs
Overeem

188 cm
30
195 lbs
18 - 3 - 0

180 cm
26
193 lbs
15 - 6 - 0

Good wrestling
Lethal high kicks
KO power

Good wrestler
World class boxer
Granite chin

Reaper Combatwear

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 18 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Dru Rivers!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 15 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Alistair Overeem!
The judges for this bout are Marco Blurström, Ben Zyskovitsi and Johanna Lukiainen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Overeem misses the shot to the body.
Rivers buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Overeem misses with a low kick as Rivers jumps back.
Rivers is looking to clinch but Overeem is avoiding it.
Overeem swats away the attempt to clinch by Rivers.
Overeem jabs away that one connects to the head of his opponent.
Overeem takes a swing at Rivers's ribcage but misses.
A low kick from Overeem misses

and Rivers counters into the clinch. Nicely done.
Overeem misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Overeem pushes Rivers back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Rivers misses with a short punch on the inside.
Rivers misses with a punch to the body.
A right handed body shot lands from Overeem.
Overeem tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Overeem misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Rivers blocks a body shot from Overeem.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Rivers tries to work over Overeem's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Overeem tries a body shot but Rivers blocks it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Overeem tries to work over Rivers's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Rivers tries to throw a body punch but Overeem avoids it by throwing Rivers back against the cage.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Rivers misses with a hook from the clinch.
Overeem is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Rivers is keeping busy.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Overeem.
Rivers prevents a body shot from Overeem.
Overeem misses with a shot to the kidneys.
A short body shot lands from Rivers as the two fighters clinch.
Rivers managing to block the knees to the body from Overeem.
Rivers misses with a body punch.
Overeem tries to throw a body punch but Rivers avoids it by throwing Overeem back against the cage.
Overeem lands a body punch in the clinch.
Rivers lands a hook to the side of the head.
Rivers has a couple of punches blocked by Overeem.
Good body shot from Overeem.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Rivers.
Overeem misses with a shot to the kidneys.
A right hook to the body lands for Overeem.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rivers throws a punch but it's blocked by Overeem.
Overeem misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Rivers tries to throw a body punch but Overeem avoids it by throwing Rivers back against the cage.
Overeem can't find room to land a body shot as Rivers controls the action.
Overeem tries to work over Rivers's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
A head punch on the inside from Rivers fails to land.
Overeem lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Rivers backwards.
Overeem can't find room to land a body shot as Rivers controls the action.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Rivers.
Rivers throws a punch but it's blocked by Overeem.
Overeem lands a right hand that snaps the head of Rivers backwards.
Overeem tries to throw a body punch but Rivers avoids it by throwing Overeem back against the cage.
A short right from Overeem on the inside.
Rivers tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Overeem's elbow.
Overeem misses with a punch to the body.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Rivers.
Rivers tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Overeem tries a body shot but Rivers blocks it.
Rivers prevents a body shot from Overeem.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Overeem stalling in the clinch but Rivers improves position.
Overeem blocks a body shot from Rivers.
Overeem misses with a hook to the ribs.
A hook to the body from Rivers.
Overeem blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Rivers struggles to land a body shot inside as Overeem controls his hands.
Rivers tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Overeem blocks an uppercut.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Overeem.
Overeem lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Rivers or not.
Overeem lands a shot to the body.
Overeem tries to work over Rivers's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
A short right from Overeem.
Overeem goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Rivers tries to throw a body punch but Overeem avoids it by throwing Rivers back against the cage.
Overeem misses with a shot to the kidneys.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Rivers.
Rivers blocks a body shot from Overeem.
Rivers has a couple of punches blocked by Overeem.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rivers misses with a short punch on the inside.
Rivers tries a body shot but Overeem blocks it.
A shot in the inside from Overeem.
Rivers misses with a body punch.
Overeem tries to work over Rivers's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Rivers lands with a light punch inside.
Rivers lands with a left to the head.
Overeem working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Overeem struggles to land a body shot inside as Rivers controls his hands.
Rivers can't find room to land a body shot as Overeem controls the action.
Overeem lands with a light punch inside.
A body shot lands from Overeem.
Rivers is breathing heavily.
Rivers misses with a short punch on the inside.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Overeem blocks a body shot from Rivers.
Overeem lands a body shot.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Overeem blocks a body shot from Rivers.
Rivers tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Overeem tries to throw a body punch but Rivers avoids it by throwing Overeem back against the cage.
Rivers lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Overeem scores with a nice hook to the head.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Alistair Overeem dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Overeem lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Overeem connects with a leg kick. Rivers looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Rivers takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Overeem avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Overeem moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Overeem misses with a head kick.
Overeem scores with a decent looking hook.
Overeem lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Rivers circles away quickly and effectively.
Rivers on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Rivers throws out a leg kick but Overeem moves out of range and Rivers only half commits.
Rivers misses with a jab to the body
and Overeem counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Rivers lands a head kick!
Rivers closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Overeem fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Rivers manages to avoid it.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Overeem, as that shot connected.
Overeem lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Overeem fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Rivers on the side of the head.
Overeem throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
A big left from Overeem misses.
Overeem works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Overeem bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Rivers's head.
Overeem misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Rivers.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Rivers crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Overeem - the referee stops the clock and Rivers gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Overeem. Rivers manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.
Overeem turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Overeem scores with a crisp jab that stopped Rivers in his tracks.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rivers goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Overeem throws a head kick that misses.
Alistair Overeem seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Overeem.
Overeem uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Rivers.
Overeem blocks the body kick.

Overeem instigates a clinch.
Alistair Overeem seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
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!
Overeem misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Rivers lands a right hand.
Overeem lands a body punch.
Overeem taking a breather.
Overeem goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Overeem misses with a punch to the body.
Rivers prevents a body shot from Overeem.
Overeem is trying to maintain a safe position but Rivers gets an underhook and turns Overeem into the cage.
Rivers working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Overeem tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Overeem.
Rivers goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Overeem misses with a hook to the ribs.
Rivers misses with a hook to the ribs.
Overeem tries to throw a body punch but Rivers avoids it by throwing Overeem back against the cage.
Overeem blocks an uppercut.
Overeem tries to throw a body punch but Rivers avoids it by throwing Overeem back against the cage.
Overeem lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Rivers or not.
Overeem makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Overeem can't find room to land a body shot as Rivers controls the action.
Overeem misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Overeem lands a body shot in the clinch.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Overeem blocking some punches.
Overeem tries a body shot but Rivers blocks it.
Nice body punch from Overeem.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Overeem looking to stall.
Overeem goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Overeem struggles to land a body shot inside as Rivers controls his hands.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Overeem lands a body punch.
Overeem lands a left hand that snaps the head of Rivers backwards.
Good body shot from Overeem.
Overeem lands with a short head shot on the inside.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Overeem creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Overeem lands a body punch.
Overeem misses with a body punch.
A body shot lands from Overeem.
Overeem lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Rivers.
Rivers prevents a body shot from Overeem.
Overeem tries a body shot but Rivers blocks it.
Overeem digs a right hand into Rivers's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Rivers's gas tank.
Overeem tries to work over Rivers's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Overeem struggles to land a body shot inside as Rivers controls his hands.
Rivers misses with a punch to the body.
Overeem tries to work over Rivers's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Nice body punch from Overeem.
Rivers blocks a body shot from Overeem.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Alistair Overeem showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
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!

Overeem clinches.
Overeem struggles to land a body shot inside as Rivers controls his hands.
Overeem scores with a shot to the side of Rivers's head.
Overeem blocking some punches.
Overeem tries to throw a body punch but Rivers avoids it by throwing Overeem back against the cage.
Overeem tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Rivers's elbow.
Good body shot from Overeem.
A left hand lands to the body for Overeem.
Nice body punch from Overeem - that landed with a thud.
Overeem presses Rivers against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Overeem tries to throw a body punch but Rivers avoids it by throwing Overeem back against the cage.
Overeem digs a right hand into Rivers's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Rivers's gas tank.
Overeem misses with a hook to the ribs.
Nice body punch from Overeem - that landed with a thud.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
A body shot lands from Overeem.
Overeem misses with a punch to the body.
Overeem tries to work over Rivers's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Overeem lands a shot to the body.
Overeem lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Rivers or not.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Overeem lands a left hand that snaps the head of Rivers backwards.
Overeem is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Rivers is keeping busy.
Overeem goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Overeem misses with a hook to the ribs.
Overeem tries to throw a body punch but Rivers avoids it by throwing Overeem back against the cage.
Overeem tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Overeem tries to work over Rivers's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Rivers working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Rivers tries to throw a body punch but Overeem avoids it by throwing Rivers back against the cage.
Overeem struggles to land a body shot inside as Rivers controls his hands.
A nice right hand lands inside from Overeem.
Overeem lands a body punch.
Overeem tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Rivers's elbow.
Overeem tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Nice body punch from Overeem - that landed with a thud.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Overeem lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Overeem can't find room to land a body shot as Rivers controls the action.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Overeem lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Rivers or not.
Overeem tries a body shot but Rivers blocks it.
Overeem dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.
Overeem tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Still in the clinch, Overeem scores with a nice short uppercut.
A shot in the inside from Overeem.
Overeem lands a body shot in the clinch.
Overeem stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Overeem lands with a left to the head.
Rivers blocks a body shot from Overeem.
Overeem's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.
Overeem misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Overeem tries to work over Rivers's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Overeem tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Rivers's elbow.
Overeem tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Rivers's elbow.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Overeem works on Rivers's body with a couple of short punches.
Nice body punch from Overeem - that landed with a thud.
Overeem tries a body shot but Rivers blocks it.
Overeem stalling in the clinch but Rivers improves position.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Overeem.
Overeem stalling in the clinch.
Overeem misses with a hook to the ribs.
Overeem misses with a punch to the body.
Rivers's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Rivers goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Overeem tries to throw a body punch but Rivers avoids it by throwing Overeem back against the cage.
Rivers prevents a body shot from Overeem.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Overeem misses with a body punch.
Overeem has Rivers pushed against the cage.
Overeem lands a body punch.
Overeem has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Overeem tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Rivers's elbow.
Overeem struggles to land a body shot inside as Rivers controls his hands.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Overeem misses with a hook to the ribs.
Overeem tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Rivers's elbow.
Rivers prevents a body shot from Overeem.
Overeem tries to work over Rivers's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
A head punch on the inside from Rivers fails to land.
Overeem struggles to land a body shot inside as Rivers controls his hands.
Overeem is leaning against Rivers and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Overeem scores with a hook to the body.
Overeem lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Alistair Overeem is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
A right handed body shot lands from Overeem.
The referee is keeping an eye on Overeem - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.
Overeem tries to throw a body punch but Rivers avoids it by throwing Overeem back against the cage.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Rivers tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Overeem's elbow.
Overeem tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Rivers's elbow.
Overeem tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Dru Rivers has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Overeem tries to throw a body punch but Rivers avoids it by throwing Overeem back against the cage.
Overeem tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Rivers's elbow.

And that's the end of the fight!
Alistair Overeem comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Overeem 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 Marco Blurström scores the fight 26:30
Judge Ben Zyskovitsi scores the fight 26:30
Judge Johanna Lukiainen scores the fight 26:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Alistair Overeem!
An out of breath and clearly excited Alistair Overeem thanked Reaper Combatwear for their help and support (and free stuff they sent him).