PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Stuart Wray (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Olaf Saurkraut (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Saurkraut has chosen Poland National Anthem as his entrance music. Stuart Wray has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Wray
vs
Saurkraut

165 cm
29
161 lbs
25 - 10 - 1

163 cm
27
158 lbs
9 - 6 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

Fightworld Formula and Laundry Service

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 25 - 10 - 1, fighting out of Helsinki, Stuart Wray!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 9 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Olaf Saurkraut!
The judges for this bout are William Peck, Steve Smith and Elvis Blanc.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A big left from Saurkraut misses.
Saurkraut with a poor takedown
and Wray makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Saurkraut fails with the takedown.
Wray feints and then cracks Saurkraut's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Saurkraut down.
A nice leg kick lands there from Wray.
Saurkraut has a takedown stuffed.
Stuart Wray has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Olaf Saurkraut.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Saurkraut is defended easily by Wray.
Saurkraut is trying hard to land a takedown here. Wray sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Olaf Saurkraut seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Wray connects with a right hand. Saurkraut shakes it off.
Saurkraut looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Wray is fending him off so far but Saurkraut persists. Nope, Wray circles away and we're back to standing.

Wray forces Saurkraut back against the cage and clinches.

Saurkraut works for the underhooks and manages to get a trip takedown into guard.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Saurkraut is looking to work some ground and pound but Wray has wrist control.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Saurkraut pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Wray is keeping the position for now.
Wray controlling the position.
Wray looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Wray has his hands on Saurkraut's head, controlling the position.
Wray looking to control.

We're going to have a standup here because Stuart Wray wasn't active enough for the referee's liking.
Good leg kick by Wray there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Saurkraut misses with a takedown attempt - Wray sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Wray wants to clinch.
Saurkraut shoots in looking for a takedown but Wray manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Saurkraut's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Saurkraut fails to land the takedown.
Saurkraut throws a nice looking combination but Wray bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Saurkraut fails with the takedown
and Wray counters with a nice leg kick.
Wray defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Saurkraut.
Saurkraut fails to land the takedown.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Saurkraut.
Saurkraut looks gassed!
Wray throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.
Wray tries to close the distance and clinch but Saurkraut swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.

Saurkraut shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Wray's guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Wray wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Wray wants to stand and escape but Saurkraut is having none of it.
Saurkraut stopping the sweep attempt from Wray.
Saurkraut postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.
Wray working a defensive guard here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Stuart Wray has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.
Saurkraut shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Wray but Wray pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Wray throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Saurkraut's head.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Saurkraut is defended easily by Wray.

A momentary lapse in concentration from Wray enables Saurkraut to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. Wray manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.
Saurkraut postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Saurkrautis looking to pass into half guard but Wray pushes him away with his feet and jumps on top - now Wray is in guard.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Wray works a leg free and moves into half guard.

Saurkraut manages to escape and get back to his feet!
Saurkraut shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Wray as he avoids it easily.
The fight stays on the outside here - Wray looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Saurkraut misses with a looping right.
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!
Saurkraut shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Wray as he jumps to the side.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Wray connects with a nice looking jab.
Saurkraut takes a swing at Wray's ribcage but misses.
Saurkraut avoids the head kick by Wray.

Saurkraut 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.
Saurkraut has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Saurkraut accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Saurkraut throws an elbow that misses. Wray uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Saurkraut's guard. Nice move by Wray!
Wray looking to pass the guard.
Wray looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Wray trying to control the position from guard on top but Saurkraut is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Wray looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
Saurkraut can't keep his opponent in guard - Wray advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
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 Stuart Wray will probably get the nod.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.

Wray lands with an overhand left.
Wray scores with a one two! Saurkraut had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.
Wray throws a mid kick that lands with a slap.
Wray swings for the body but Saurkraut moves out of range.
Stuart Wray is winning the standup battle so far.
Saurkraut checks a leg kick nicely.
Wray lets loose with a powerful body kick. Saurkraut will feel that in the morning.

Saurkraut shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
Saurkraut keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Wray's head.
Saurkrautis looking to pass into half guard but Wray pushes him away with his feet and jumps on top - now Wray is in guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Saurkraut kicks Wray off and gets to his feet.

Saurkraut shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Saurkraut showed some decent athleticism there.
Saurkraut is looking to take a break and control but Wray is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Wray blocking the ground and pound attempt from Saurkraut.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Wray is looking to improve his position.

Saurkraut is looking for submissions but instead, Wray has regained full guard.
Wray seems keen to control Saurkraut's posture.
Wray 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.
Saurkraut postures up and lands a big shot to Wray's brow.

Saurkraut stands up from Wray's guard - Saurkraut perhaps looking for a knockout.
Wray turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Saurkraut takes a kick to the side of the head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Wray scores with a kick to the midsection.
Saurkraut shoots in and drives through. Wray sprawls well.
Saurkraut fails with the takedown.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Saurkraut shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Wray but Wray pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Stuart Wray has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Olaf Saurkraut.
Saurkraut is breathing heavily.
Wray lands a leg kick that knocks Saurkraut off balance momentarily.
Wray defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Saurkraut.
Saurkraut shoots in for a takedown but Wray shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Wray throws a head kick but Saurkraut moves out of range.
Wray feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Saurkrauts jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Saurkraut stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Wray.
Wray moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Wray uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Saurkraut has time to react.
Wray scores with a head kick. Saurkraut tried to block it but didn't get his arm up in time.
Saurkraut has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Wray finds it's way round the side to connect with Saurkraut's head.
A jab from Wray does it's job there.
Saurkraut fails with the takedown.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Wray fails with an attempt to clinch.
Wray throws a sloppy head kick and Saurkraut moves out of range easily.
Stuart Wray is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Saurkraut fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Wray avoids it really well and circles away.
Wray defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Saurkraut.
A thudding body kick lands there by Wray!

Wray has managed to clinch.
A nice right hand lands inside from Wray.
Wray connects with a nasty looking knee right to Saurkraut's face.

It looks like Olaf Saurkraut has been cut.
Wray putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Saurkraut in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Saurkraut is trying to drag Wray to the mat but Wray just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Saurkraut is looking for a takedown.
A short body shot lands from Wray as the two fighters clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Wray taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
Saurkraut looking for a takedown.
Wray slows down the pace here.
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!
Saurkraut on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Wray lands an elbow that stopped Saurkraut in his tracks for a moment.
Wray tries to land a knee to the head but Saurkraut blocks with his arms.
Saurkraut has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Wray avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Wray is trying to stall.
Wray scores with a knee to the head.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Saurkraut is trying to drag Wray to the mat but Wray just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
A knee to the head by Wray.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Stuart Wray dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Olaf Saurkraut's cut.
That's time! Wray's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!

Saurkraut on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Wray. Wray obviously looking to wear him down.
Wray displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Saurkraut.
A big right from Saurkraut misses.
Wray tries to clinch but Saurkraut moves out of range.

Wray has Saurkraut up against the cage in a clinch.
Wray throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Saurkraut blocks it with crossed arms.
Wray landing knees to the head.
Saurkraut is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Wray connects with a knee to the head.
Saurkraut blocks an elbow strike.
Saurkraut goes for a takedown attempt but Wray pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Stuart Wray has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Olaf Saurkraut.

Wray moves into range and clinches up with Saurkraut.
Wray tries a knee to the head but Saurkraut blocks it.
Saurkraut takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Saurkraut tries for a takedown but Wray manages to get underhooks.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Saurkraut on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Wray stalling in the clinch but Saurkraut improves position.
Nice body punch from Wray.
Saurkraut takes a knee right on the jaw!
A frustrated look appears on Saurkraut's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Wray is pressed up against the cage. Saurkraut has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Wray down to the mat. Wray avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Saurkraut throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Wray tries to clinch but Saurkraut is having none of it.
Wray fails in his attempt to clinch.
Saurkraut takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Wray scores with a body shot.
Wray connects with an inside leg kick.

Wray moves into the clinch.
Wray tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Saurkraut avoids it.
Wray tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Saurkraut avoids it.
Wray lands a body shot in the clinch.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Wray controlling the action here for a moment.
Saurkraut is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Wray gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Olaf Saurkraut has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Saurkraut avoiding damage as Wray throws knees to the body.
Wray is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.

Wray manages to break the clinch.
Wray buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Wray scores with a kick to the midsection.
Wray fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Wray fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Saurkraut.
Saurkraut misses with a takedown attempt
and Wray counters with a head kick. That will keep Saurkraut thinking before he tries any more sloppy attacks!
Saurkraut gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Wray scoring well with a low kick there.
Stuart Wray is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Wray lands with a thumping leg kick.
Saurkraut fails to land the takedown.
Wray lands a head kick!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Saurkraut walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Wray lands with an uppercut that bounces Saurkraut off the cage and back into range.
Saurkraut closes the distance and clinches up with Wray, looking for a takedown. Saurkraut pushes Wray against the cage but Wray circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Saurkraut avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Wray getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Wray scores with a punch to the head.
Olaf Saurkraut is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Saurkraut misses with a two punch combination.
Wray dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Saurkraut fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Wray swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Saurkraut.
Saurkraut's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Wray slaps away a takedown attempt from Saurkraut, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Wray fails in his attempt to clinch.
Wray throws a front kick that sends Saurkraut stumbling back into the cage.
Saurkraut has developed a nice purple lump on his ribcage, as a result of some heavy body kicks from Wray.
Wray scores with a slapping inside leg kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Saurkraut ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Wray moves away.
Wray throws a nice outside leg kick.
Wray lands a right hook to the body.
Wray tries to close the distance and clinch up but Saurkraut swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Saurkraut takes a push kick to the midsection and stumbles backwards.
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!
Saurkraut looks to land a right hand but Wray moved out of range.
Wray bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
Saurkraut shoots in for a double leg but Wray sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Wray leaves Saurkraut with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Wray scores with a head kick.
Saurkraut sees a low kick coming and goes to check it, but it's actually a body kick and it thuds into his unprotected ribs.
The fight stays on the outside here - Wray looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Wray lands a glancing blow to the side of Saurkraut's head.
Wray closes the distance but Saurkraut moves to the side

and Saurkraut counters with a single leg into guard. Wray didn't expect that.

And that's the end of the fight!
Stuart Wray showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Wray, 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 William Peck scores the fight 29:28
Judge Steve Smith scores the fight 30:27
Judge Elvis Blanc scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Stuart Wray!
Stuart Wray managed to slip a mention for his sponsors, Rōnin, into his post fight interview.