PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Rajja Khan (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Aaron Witt (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Witt has chosen Animal by Disturbed as his entrance music. Well, I have no idea who's going to take this one!

Khan
vs
Witt

179 cm
34
160 lbs
26 - 8 - 2

165 cm
32
157 lbs
29 - 7 - 2

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Olympic wrestler
Excellent MT
Good gas tank

Sinister Nutrition
Milwaukee's Best Nutrition

Bloodlust Horde Fightwear
Backyard Fighting

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 26 - 8 - 2, fighting out of London, Rajja Khan!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 29 - 7 - 2, fighting out of Montreal, Aaron Witt!
The judges for this bout are Alec Ball, Dillan Fox and Trevor Gratis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Witt keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Khan.
Witt blocks a low kick nicely.
Nice jab there from Khan.
Witt looks to land a left hand but Khan moved out of range nicely.
We can't be sure of the tactics at this early stage but we have heard that Witt has been working on his takedowns a lot in the buildup to the fight and we can only assume he's going to look to take this to the mat.
Jab from Khan.
Khan lands with a slapping head kick.
Witt moves into range and connects with a jab.
Witt walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Khan checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Witt has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Khan.
Witt misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Khan.
Witt throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Khan on the side of the head.
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!
Witt takes one to the chin there.
Witt tries for a takedown but Khan sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Witt scores with a jab to the jaw.
Nice sprawl there from Witt as Khan shoots in.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Witt throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Witt throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.

Khan closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Witt is controlling Khan's trapped leg to prevent Khan from advancing to side control.
Witt is trying to control but can't.
Ground and pound from Khan.
Khan is controlling the pace.
Khan has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Khan throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Khan is keen to just control but Witt is a slippery customer.
Witt tries to get to full guard but Khan has control of the leg.

Khan is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Witt keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Witt wants to control the action here but instead Khan manages to pass to full mount!
Khan will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Khan punching from mount but Witt doing a good job of avoiding damage.
Witt tries to reverse the position but Khan maintains control.
Khan trying to control but he's not successful this time.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Witt keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
A nice elbow there by Khan.

Khan working for a submission but Witt is keeping him at bay.
Witt regains half guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Khan seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Witt does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Khan is controlling the pace.
Khan trying to pass the guard but Witt defending well.
Witt tries to get to full guard but Khan has control of the leg.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Khan is working for a kimura but Witt is defending it quite comfortably.

Khan seems to be looking for submissions.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Rajja Khan 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.

Khan ducks under a wild hook from Witt.
Khan looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Khan takes one to the chin there.
Khan on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Khan closes this distance looking for a takedown but Witt circles away.

Witt looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
Witt landing some decent shots from guard.
Witt must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Khan trying to control the position.
Witt content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Khan looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.

Khan had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Witt defends it easily.

Witt avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Witt lands a couple of digs.

Khan is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Witt is aware though and is defending well.
Witt trying to control but Khan is working from the bottom.
Witt postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Witt controlling from the top position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Witt wants to control from the top but Khan keeps moving.
Rajja Khan overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Witt trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Witt throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Khan is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Witt distracts Khan with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Khan is trying to keep Witt in close.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Witt accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Khan seems keen to control Witt's posture.
Khan wants to sweep here but Witt controlling him for the moment.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Khan controls Witt momentarily but Witt frees himself.
Khan keeping moving, preventing Witt from controlling successfully.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Khan had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Witt defends it easily.

Witt got a little sloppy there for a moment and Khan has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Witt has managed to get both his arms back between Khan's legs - danger averted.

Khan is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Witt is aware though and is defending well.
Witt postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Witt trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Witt got a little sloppy there for a moment and Khan has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Witt has managed to get both his arms back between Khan's legs - danger averted.
Witt trying to control the position from guard on top but Khan is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Witt loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Witt trying to control the position from guard on top but Khan is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Witt passes Khan's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Witt slows the pace down in half guard.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Witt connects with a nice short shot to Khan's temple.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Aaron Witt showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Back to the action!

Khan keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.

Witt bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
Witt throws an elbow but Khan slips to the side and avoids it well.
Witt working the head and body with strikes.
Witt throwing strikes but missing, from side control.
Khan wants to control but Witt postures up.
Witt is putting a hurting on Khan here, landing some big shots from side control.
Witt scores with a couple of short elbows.
Khan sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.
Khan gets back to full guard.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Witt throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.

Witt is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! Khan is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! Khan has escaped and now he's on top!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Khan throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Witt works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Khan trying to control the position from guard on top but Witt is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Khan stays in close to Witt's body and controls the position.
Khan trying to control but Witt is working from the bottom.
Witt wants to sweep here but Khan controlling him for the moment.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Khan stands and throws Witt's legs to the side, diving into side control.
Khan moves into full mount!
Witt tries to hold on but Khan postures up.
Witt is squirming around, avoiding Khan's attempts to control the action.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Witt sneaks a leg back under and regains half guard and is working straight away to try and get back to guard. He hasn't managed just yet though.
Khan thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Witt's head.
Khan wants to lay and pray for a moment but Witt keeps working.
Witt is looking for a sweep. Khan is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Khan is thwarting Witt's attempts to control the position.
Witt is looking for a sweep. Khan is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Still in half guard, Khan seems content to control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Witt works his way to full guard. Good work.
Khan trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Witt trying to control the position.
Khan stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Witt swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Khan content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Witt is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Witt lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Khan!
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!
Khan can't escape the position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close third round but Aaron Witt just about did enough to take it.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Witt shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.
Still in half guard, Witt seems content to control.
Khan is trying to get back to full guard.
Khan trying to control but Witt postures up.
Khan tries to roll over but Witt keeps him under control.
Witt is looking to take a break and control but Khan is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Witt missing with the ground and pound from half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Witt throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.

Khan is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Witt pulls his head out easily.
Witt tries to pass to full mount but Khan defends it.

Khan actively working from the bottom here.
Witt thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Khan's head.
Khan is not content to let Witt control the position.
Khan trying to control from the bottom.

Khan looking for submissions off his back.
Witt not landing any meaningful shots this time.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Witt sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Khan defending well though.
Witt winds up and cracks Khan with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
The fighters are battling for position here. Khan manages to regain full guard. Nice work.

Khan is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Witt chips away with some ground and pound.
Witt trying to control the position from guard on top but Khan is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Khan working a defensive guard here.
Witt controls from within his opponent's guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Khan controls Witt momentarily but Witt frees himself.
Witt cracks Khan with a solid left hand.

Khan escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Witt gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.

Khan had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Witt defends it easily.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Khan keeping moving, preventing Witt from controlling successfully.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Witt is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Khan is trying to control the position but Witt postures up.

Khan escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Witt gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Khan keeping full guard, as Witt tries to pass.
Witt is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Witt is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.

Khan is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Witt is aware though and is defending well.
Khan utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Aaron Witt dominated that fourth round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!

Khan lands with a right hand.
Witt misses with a low kick.
A jab lands there for Khan.
Witt darts in looking for a takedown but Khan gets double underhooks and turns Witt into the cage.
Khan looking for a takedown.
Witt gets through Khan's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Khan misses with the head strike.
Witt misses with a short punch on the inside.
Come on Witt - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
Khan tries for a takedown but Witt manages to get underhooks.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Witt.
Witt misses with a hook to the ribs.
Witt misses with a body punch.

Witt gets double underhooks and manages to take the fight to the ground.
Khan controls Witt momentarily but Witt frees himself.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Khan is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Witt defends well.

Khan is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Witt is aware though and is defending well.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - a gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
Witt works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Khan is looking to improve his position.

Witt seems to be looking for submissions.
Witt scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Khan works his way to full guard. Good work.

Khan has his foot on Witt's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Witt works his way back into a safe position though.
Rajja Khan has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Khan is looking for a triangle but Witt pushes his legs off easily.
Witt distracts Khan with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.

Khan working for a triangle but Witt defends it easily.
Witt makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Witt forces his way into half guard.
Witt is keen to just control but Khan is a slippery customer.
Witt thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Khan's head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Khan is refusing to be controlled, as Witt sits in half guard.
Witt takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Witt looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Khan is looking for a sweep. Witt is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Witt slips a nice elbow through Khan's hands, connecting with Khan's forehead.
Witt is keen to just control but Khan is a slippery customer.
Khan gets full guard.

Witt stands up over his opponent, looking to dive in with a big punch. Here he comes, superman style! Oh, the punch misses and Khan has got him in a triangle choke for good measure! Oh no! Witt manages to get his head free but now Khan has transitioned to an armbar! Witt grimaces and is forced to tap! Beautiful Jiu Jitsu from Khan! I'd be surprised if that didn't end up as submission of the night!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:58 of round 5, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Rajja Khan!
Rajja Khan retains his lightweight title!
Rajja Khan very nearly forgot to thank GTI - 1337 sponsors VERSUS amongst all the excitement of his win but just as the interview came to a close, he screamed their name. Hopefully he'll get a few nice freebies in the mail as a thank you.