PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Jack Lester (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Danir Rand (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Lester comes to the cage accompanied by Five finger death punch - jekyll and hyde. These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Lester
vs
Rand

175 cm
24
176 lbs
6 - 8 - 0

186 cm
19
186 lbs
0 - 2 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Granite chin

BJJ White Belt
Decent boxing
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 6 - 8 - 0, fighting out of New York, Jack Lester!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 2 - 0, fighting out of New York, Danir Rand!
The judges for this bout are Steve Montenegro, Reed Andrews and Chad Campbell.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Rand connects with a looping right hand.
Lester uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Rand.
Lester went nuts there looking for a big combo counter but none of the flurry connected.
Rand throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Lester stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Danir Rand seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Rand with a jab.
Rand throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Lester.
We've been informed that Rand has been sparring a lot of Muay Thai in the buildup to this fight so let's see if that has an impact on the result.
Nice defenses there by Lester.
Rand misses with a right hand
and Lester counters with a left and a right that stings Rand.
Rand misses the shot to the body.
Lester throws a big counter combination but Rand scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
The fighters circle momentarily. Rand darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Rand lands a right hook to the body.
Rand throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
The crowd cheers as Rand lands an impressive looking overhand right. Lester doesn't seem phased though.
Nice uppercut there from Rand.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rand throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Rand misses with a straight left.
Lester staying out of range there.
Lester definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Rand fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Lester manages to avoid it.
As Rand looks to move away, Lester throws a big counter combo but Rand just gets out of the way.
Rand scores with a nice head shot.
Rand lands a body shot.
Rand misses with a body shot.
It looked like Lester was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.
Rand has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Rand punishes Lester's body with a nice straight punch.
Rand misses with a straight left.
Rand throws a jab when Lester was well out of range.
Rand wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rand throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
A head kick by Rand misses
and Lester counters with a series of strikes. Rand will be more careful next time no doubt.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Rand connects with a nice looking jab.
Rand takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Rand lands a jab to the head.
Rand throws a head kick that misses.
Lester throws a big counter combination but Rand scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
Lester moves away from the strike by Rand.
Lester seem to be loading up, looking for a big counter.
Rand lands a nice looking body shot.
Lester staying out of range there.
Rand misses with a straight left.
It looked like Lester was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.
Lester moves out of range as Rand strikes.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rand misses with a hook to the body
and Lester counters with a left and a right that stings Rand.
Rand fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Lester looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Rand fails to land with a series of punches.
Lester appears to be looking for a big counter.
Rand is using his reach advantage to land shots from outside his opponent's range.
A big right from Rand misses.
It looked like Lester was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.
Rand listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Rand throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Lester staying out of range there.
Lester went nuts there looking for a big combo counter but none of the flurry connected.
Lester slips under a jab.
Lester throws a big counter combination but Rand scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
Lester uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Rand.
Lester seem to be loading up, looking for a big counter.
Rand throws a sloppy head kick
and Lester counters with a one-two to the body.
A lazy left from Rand finds it's target.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Lester on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Lester slips a jab from Rand.
It looked like Lester was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.
Rand misses with a wild body shot.
Lester went nuts there looking for a big combo counter but none of the flurry connected.
Rand throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Lester throws a big counter combination but Rand scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
Rand lands with a cross.
Rand darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Rand getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Rand misses with a wild body shot.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
A telegraphed right hand from Rand misses the target.
Rand throws an off balance right hand
and Lester counters with a two punch combo.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Danir Rand dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Rand misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Rand throws a lazy uppercut
and Lester counters with a series of strikes. Rand will be more careful next time no doubt.
Rand throws a body kick that misses
and Lester counters with a one-two to the body.
Lester defending well as Rand loads up on a big left hand.
Rand ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Lester moves away.
It looked like Lester was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.
Lester displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Rand throws out the jab.
It looked like Lester was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.
Rand with a hook.
Rand misses with a body shot
and Lester counters with a series of strikes. Rand will be more careful next time no doubt.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Rand throws a hook to the side of Lester's head but Lester sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Jack Lester is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Rand throws out a powerful jab.
Rand throws a head kick but Lester moves out of range.
Lester appears to be looking for a big counter.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rand throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
It looked like Lester was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.
Rand looks to score with a jab to the body but Lester is just out of range.
Lester went nuts there looking for a big combo counter but none of the flurry connected.
Rand has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Rand connects with a looping right hand.
Danir Rand seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Rand lands with a nice body punch.
A lazy left from Rand finds it's target.
Rand scores with a hook.
Lester displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Rand throws out the jab.
Rand lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Lester takes a jab right on the kisser.
Lester ducks under a wild hook from Rand.
Lester throws a big counter combination but Rand scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
Rand misses with a hook. Lester ducked under it nicely.
Lester appears to be looking for a big counter.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rand works Lester's body with a nice hook.
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!
Rand throws a right hand that misses
and Lester counters with a series of strikes. Rand will be more careful next time no doubt.
Rand connects with a body shot that sends Lester's belly button to the back.
Lester takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Rand, as that shot connected.
Lester looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Rand slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Rand scores with a shot to the body.
Rand bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Rand scores with a crisp jab that stopped Lester in his tracks.
Rand with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rand jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Lester is working the combinations to good effect here.
Rand throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
It looked like Lester was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.
Lester keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Lester went nuts there looking for a big combo counter but none of the flurry connected.
This entire fight has taken place on the feet so far and you wonder whether Lester might be better served trying to take this one to the ground because he's losing the standup battle so far.
Rand throws a head kick but Lester moves out of range.
Rand connects with a body shot that sends Lester's belly button to the back.
Rand throws a body punch but Lester moves out of range.
Rand throws out a powerful jab.
Lester on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Rand bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Lester's head.
Rand scores with a hook.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rand throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Lester appears to be looking for a big counter.
Rand uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.

Lester is rocked!
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Rand loads up on a big right hand but Lester slips the punch.
It looked like Lester was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.
Rand misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Lester.
Rand tries a head kick but it misses.
As Rand looks to move away, Lester throws a big counter combo but Rand just gets out of the way.
Rand swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Lester.
Rand takes a swing at Lester's ribcage but misses.
Lester is looking for a counter combo.
Rand connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Lester momentarily.
Lester displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Rand throws out the jab.
Rand lands a body shot.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Danir Rand showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!

Rand lands with a shot to the body.
Rand walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Lester checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Rand lands a lovely overhand right.
Lester walks into a stiff left hand from Rand.
Rand connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Rand misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Lester.
Lester ducks right into an uppercut from Rand.
Lester avoids the body shot from Rand.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A head kick misses from Rand.
Lester walks into a stiff left hand from Rand.
Rand misses with a hook to the body
and Lester counters with a one-two to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rand throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Rand throws a head kick that misses.
Rand takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Lester uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Rand.
Donk. Rand catches Lester right on the button with a cross.
Rand fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Lester manages to avoid it.
Rand tests Lester's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Lester takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Rand scores with a jab. Lester acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Rand misses with a head kick.
As Rand looks to move away, Lester throws a big counter combo but Rand just gets out of the way.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rand throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Lester takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
A jab from Rand finds it's way through Lester's defenses.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Lester keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Rand.
It looked like Lester was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.
Lester steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Rand.
Rand lands a lovely overhand right.
Rand takes a swing at Lester's ribcage but misses.
Rand loads up on a big right hand but Lester slips the punch.
Lester appears to be looking for a big counter.
Lester walks into a left hand.
Rand misses with a looping left.
Rand misses with a body shot.
Lester throws a big counter combination but Rand scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rand missing with a left hand there. Lester was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
It looked like Lester was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.
Jack Lester has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Rand lands a nice shot that snaps Lester's head back.
Rand keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Rand loads up on a big right hand but Lester slips the punch.
Lester went nuts there looking for a big combo counter but none of the flurry connected.
Rand throws a poor cross that misses
and Lester counters with a three punch combo that has Rand backing up. Rand nods at Lester to acknowledge the strikes.
Rand goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Rand throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Lester counters with a one-two to the body.
Rand scores with a hook to the body. Lester takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Rand throws the left hand but Lester avoids the punch easily.
Rand scores with a shot to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rand fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Lester walks into a straight right hand from Rand.
Rand scores with a hook to the body. Lester takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Rand pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Rand throws a combination that misses
and Lester counters with a two punch combo.
Lester takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Lester staying out of range there.
Lester seem to be loading up, looking for a big counter.
Rand keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Lester ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Rand throws a half hearted mid kick.

And that's the end of the fight!
Danir Rand comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Rand 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 Steve Montenegro scores the fight 27:30
Judge Reed Andrews scores the fight 27:30
Judge Chad Campbell scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Danir Rand!