PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Benjamin Bittaker (ranked 4134 p4p, 508 weight class) and Jake Ryan (ranked 8833 p4p, 0 weight class). Man, I cannot wait for this one!

Bittaker
vs
Ryan

185 cm
19
170 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

200 cm
22
177 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Good kicks
Cuts easily

BJJ White Belt
Brawler
Solid 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 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Benjamin Bittaker!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Jake Ryan!
The judges for this bout are Frank Dennis, Chris Downing and Stewart Dunkirk.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Ryan lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!

It looks like Benjamin Bittaker has been cut.
Bittaker throws a leg kick which misses Ryan's front leg but catches the back leg as Ryan tries to avoid it.
Ryan on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Bittaker. Bittaker obviously looking to wear him down.
Bittaker just misses with a punch to the body.
Bittaker throws a leg kick but Ryan sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Bittaker shoots in looking for a takedown. Ryan tries to sprawl out of it but Bittaker keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Ryan manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Bittaker fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Ryan avoids it really well and circles away.
Ryan shoots for a takedown but Bittaker saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.

Ryan forces Bittaker back against the cage and clinches.
Bittaker is trying to break the clinch but Ryan is controlling him.

Ryan pulls guard.
Ryan is pulling down on Bittaker's head. It's preventing any offense from Bittaker, at least for the moment.
Ryan is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bittaker working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Bittaker might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Bittaker working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Ryan wants to sweep here but Bittaker controlling him for the moment.

Ryan escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Bittaker gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Bittaker in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Bittaker has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Ryan is proving hard to escape from.
Bittaker postures up.
Bittaker 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.
Bittaker won't allow Ryan to sweep him here.

Bittaker gets to his feet - Ryan follows without any prompting.
Bittaker shoots for a takedown but Ryan saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Ryan changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Benjamin Bittaker. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Bittaker takes one on the chin but keeps coming.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Bittaker pushes Ryan up against the cage in a clinch.
Bittaker lands with a right to the head.

Ryan has managed to pull guard. Let's see whether he can work an aggressive guard. It will also be interesting to see what tactics Bittaker uses from the top position.

Bittaker gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.
Bittaker throws a head kick but Ryan moves out of range.
Bittaker throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
Bittaker throws a sloppy head kick and Ryan moves out of range easily.

Bittaker shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Ryan napping and manages to drive through into side control!

Ryan bucks up and manages to escape back to his feet!
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
A solid leg kick lands there for Bittaker.
Bittaker fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Ryan avoids the head kick by Bittaker.
Bittaker feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Ryan's calf.
Bittaker throws a nice inside leg kick.

Ryan closes the distance and clinches.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bittaker trying to land knees to the body.
Bittaker has had enough of the clinch but Ryan keeps him there for the moment.
Bittaker misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Ryan.
Bittaker throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Ryans head.
The referee is keeping an eye on Ryan - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.
Bittaker tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Ryan avoids it.

Bittaker breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Bittaker changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Ryan tries to avoid it but Bittaker manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Ryan to the ground. Ryan escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Bittaker wants to land a leg kick but Ryan is out of range.
Ryan tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Bittaker fails with the takedown.
Ryan lands a two punch combo.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Good leg kick by Bittaker there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Ryan checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.

Ryan moves into range and clinches up with Bittaker.
Ryan tries for a takedown but Bittaker manages to get underhooks.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Bittaker.

Bittaker manages to break the clinch.
Bittaker throws a head kick that half lands.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Ryan throws a nice inside leg kick.
Bittaker lands a front kick.
Bittaker shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Ryan sprawls well. Ryan wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Bittaker gets slowly back to his feet.
Bittaker goes for a double leg but Ryan avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Ryan continues to drive forward.
Bittaker misses with an attempted mid kick.
Bittaker throws a sloppy head kick and Ryan moves out of range easily.
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 Benjamin Bittaker will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Benjamin Bittaker's cut.
That's time! Back to the action!

An inside leg kick lands from Ryan.
Ryan tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Bittaker tries a low kick but Ryan avoids it.

Ryan has managed to clinch.
Ryan blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Ryan's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Bittaker works on Ryan's body with a couple of short punches.
Bittaker wants to break the clinch but can't.
Ryan utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Bittaker throws an elbow that misses.
Ryan blocks a punch to the side of the head.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ryan tries to pull guard but Bittaker forces him back to his feet, against the cage.

Bittaker breaks the clinch.
Bittaker shoots in looking for a takedown. Ryan tries to sprawl out of it but Bittaker keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Ryan manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Ryan drives through and clinches with Bittaker against the cage.
Bittaker throws a punch but it's blocked by Ryan.
Bittaker prevents the takedown attempt.
Bittaker tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Ryan blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Bittaker wants to break the clinch but can't.
Bittaker prevents a takedown attempt there.
Benjamin Bittaker has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jake Ryan.
Bittaker scores with a shoulder strike.
Bittaker tries to circle away but Ryan has him pinned against the cage.
Ryan fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Bittaker drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.

Ryan manages to break the clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ryan dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Bittaker. That did some damage!

Ryan rushes Bittaker and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.

Ryan breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Bittaker moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Bittaker lands with a thumping leg kick.
Bittaker attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Bittaker fails with a takedown attempt.
Bittaker throws a lazy head kick
and Ryan counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Ryan stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Bittaker.
Bittaker is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Bittaker throws a head kick that Ryan semi-blocks.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Ryan closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.

Ryan jumps guard and drags Bittaker to the mat. He's obviously going to be looking for submissions off his back.

Bittaker stands up from guard. Let's bang!

Bittaker moves into the clinch.

Ryan escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Nice takedown defense from Ryan. No joy for Bittaker on that attempt.
A solid leg kick lands there for Bittaker.
A leg kick checked by Ryan.
Ryan checks a leg kick.

Bittaker takes the fight into the clinch.
Ryan is trying to pull guard but Bittaker turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.

Bittaker has hold of one of Ryan's legs. Ryan is fighting the takedown attempt but Bittaker gets the trip and lands the takedown into guard.
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!
Bittaker with a nice head shot there.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Bittaker accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Ryan is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Ryan is breathing heavily.
Bittaker postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Bittaker wants to stand but Ryan is controlling his posture from full guard.

Ryan is working an open guard so Bittaker takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Bittaker wants to break the clinch but can't.

Bittaker breaks from the clinch.
Ryan on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
Bittaker shoots and misses
and Bittaker takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
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 Benjamin Bittaker will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Benjamin Bittaker's cut.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!

Ryan with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Bittaker shoots in but no luck this time.
Ryan's corner calls for a 1, 2 combination and Ryan duly obliges.
Ryan shoots in but Bittaker avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Ryan avoids the body shot from Bittaker.
Ryan takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
No luck for Bittaker with that takedown attempt.
A combination from Ryan does no damage.
Benjamin Bittaker seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Bittaker tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Ryan defends well and Bittaker ends up having to push Ryan into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Ryan is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Benjamin Bittaker. That's going to take a lot out of him.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Bittaker throws the kick towards the body but Ryan avoids it.
Ryan slaps away a takedown attempt from Bittaker, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Ryan lands a nice shot to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bittaker scores with a head kick. Ryan tried to block it but didn't get his arm up in time.
Bittaker misses with a leg kick.
Bittaker throws a leg kick but Ryan sees it coming and moves out of range.
A head kick by Bittaker misses
and Ryan counters with a three punch combo that has Bittaker backing up. Bittaker nods at Ryan to acknowledge the strikes.
Bittaker shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Ryan as he avoids it easily.
Bittaker throws a leg kick that misses.
Bittaker throws a low kick but Ryan moves out of range easily.
Ryan wants to counter with a clinch but Bittaker pushes him away.
Bittaker looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Bittaker is trying to break free.

Ryan manages to pull guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ryan wants to sweep here but Bittaker controlling him for the moment.

Bittaker gets to his feet. Ryan looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!
Bittaker looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Ryan scores with a body shot.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
A looping hook to the body misses from Bittaker. Ryan does a little dance to reset his feet.
Ryan thuds a left hand into Bittaker's body.
Jake Ryan seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Bittaker doesn't manage to clinch there - Ryan circles away.
Ryan checks the leg kick.
Bittaker scores with a leg kick.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Bittaker, right into the meat.
Bittaker fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.

Ryan closes the distance and clinches.

Bittaker breaks the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bittaker looks for a takedown but Ryan sprawls well.
Ryan works over Bittaker's head and body with a nice combination.
Bittaker throws a head kick but Ryan moves out of range.
Jake Ryan is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Bittaker tries to score a power double leg takedown but Ryan sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Bittaker somewhat.
Ryan was about to counter that last move with a leg kick but changes his mind.
Bittaker throws a head kick that misses.
Bittaker fails with a takedown attempt.
Ryan lands a nice shot to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ryan connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Bittaker closes the distance but Ryan moves to the side

and Ryan counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Ryan.
Bittaker wants to stand up but Ryan is controlling him.
Bittaker keeping moving, preventing Ryan from controlling successfully.
Jake Ryan has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Bittaker wants to stand but Ryan is controlling the position.
Ryan trying to control but Bittaker is working from the bottom.
Benjamin Bittaker is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Bittaker is edging up against the cage. He's using the cage to get back to his feet. Nice work there - the fighters are clinched.

And that's the end of the fight!
Jake Ryan comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Bittaker has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Frank Dennis scores the fight 28:29
Judge Chris Downing scores the fight 29:28
Judge Stewart Dunkirk scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by split decision... Benjamin Bittaker!
Our winner, Benjamin Bittaker, made sure he spent some time buttering up the crowd during his post fight interview, which will no doubt bring him a few more fans.