PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Yancy Makaki Iii (ranked 234 p4p, 36 weight class) and Russell Northrop (ranked 454 p4p, 63 weight class). Northrop has chosen Alive And Kicking as his entrance music. Yancy Makaki Iii has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Makaki Iii
vs
Northrop

182 cm
31
177 lbs
21 - 10 - 0

180 cm
32
175 lbs
19 - 11 - 0

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

BJJ Red Belt
World class boxer
Good gas tank

Urban Fighter

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 21 - 10 - 0, fighting out of New York, Yancy Makaki Iii!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 19 - 11 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Russell Northrop!
The judges for this bout are James Atkins, James Glass and Donald Grub.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Makaki Iii throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Makaki Iii lands a lovely overhand right.
Makaki Iii fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Northrop manages to avoid it.
Russell Northrop seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Jab from Makaki Iii.
Makaki Iii gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Northrop.

It looks like Yancy Makaki Iii has been cut.
Makaki Iii throws a shot from downtown. Northrop moves away and avoids it.
Northrop will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Makaki Iii tried to counter with a leg kick but Northrop avoided it.
Makaki Iii tries to bum rush Northrop with a series of wild strikes but Northrop uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Northrop swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Northrop misses with a leg kick
and Makaki Iii cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Northrop scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Northrop on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
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!
Northrop lands a nice shot to the body.
Makaki Iii lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
We've been told by Makaki Iii's head coaches at Little Lebowski Urban Achievers that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Makaki Iii blocks a head kick by Northrop.
Northrop pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Northrop tries to clinch
and Makaki Iii counters with a stiff right hand.
Northrop takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Northrop tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.

Northrop closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
Northrop throws a strike aimed at the side of Makaki Iii's head but Makaki Iii avoids it well.
Makaki Iii avoids any damage from the ground and pound of Northrop.

Northrop looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.
Northrop throwing strikes but Makaki Iii manages to buck up and roll into a nice reversal - now he's on top in side control!
Northrop is trying to get back to half guard.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Northrop is still trying to improve position.
The referee tells the fighters to keep busy.
Northrop is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Makaki Iii off and has taken his back!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Northrop is working the ground and pound here and the referee is taking a close look at Makaki Iii. He must escape soon or this one will be stopped.
Northrop misses with an elbow to the head.
Northrop has his opponent trapped and is landing shots. Not a good position for Makaki Iii.
Makaki Iii trying to control the hands but Northrop breaks the grip.
Makaki Iii tries to escape the position - he's now mounted. Is that better or worse? Hard to tell!
Makaki Iii is wriggling around trying to escape.

Northrop with some aggressive grappling here. He's looking for submissions here, rather than waiting for the opportunity to counter.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Northrop unloading with bombs!
Makaki Iii is looking to improve his position but Northrop isn't that keen on the idea.
Northrop looking to ground and pound but Makaki Iii is blocking nicely.
Northrop looking to ground and pound but Makaki Iii is blocking nicely.
Makaki Iii wants to control but Northrop is having none of it.
Northrop has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Northrop prevents Makaki Iii from getting the reversal.
Makaki Iii is working hard here to advance position.
Northrop looking to finish with strikes here!

Northrop is working for a guillotine from mount but Makaki Iii frees his head quite easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Northrop thowing shots but they're missing.
Makaki Iii avoids a series of strikes thrown by Northrop.
BOOM! Northrop connects with a massive shot to the dome!
Northrop thowing shots but they're missing.
Northrop looking to finish with strikes here!
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Makaki Iii tries to hold on but Northrop postures up.
Northrop looking to finish with strikes here!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Russell Northrop dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Yancy Makaki Iii's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Makaki Iii takes a swing at Northrop's ribcage but misses.
Northrop falls off balance throwing a combination
and Northrop takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Northrop lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Northrop will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.

Northrop manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Makaki Iii on his heels. He'll look to pass Makaki Iii's guard now, I'm sure.
Northrop working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Northrop sitting in guard here, content to control.
Northrop throws a big elbow that misses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Makaki Iii not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Northrop throwing strikes but missing.
Northrop in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Northrop advances position into side control!
Makaki Iii avoids any damage from the ground and pound of Northrop.
Northrop working the ground and pound from side control.
Northrop landing strikes.

Northrop wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Makaki Iii, who protects the arm well.
Northrop wants to take a breather but Makaki Iii manages to regain guard - a lesson learnt for Northrop.
Northrop is working Makaki Iii over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Northrop stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Makaki Iii swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Northrop being controlled here momentarily.
Northrop throwing strikes from guard but Makaki Iii blocks nicely.
Makaki Iii avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Northrop missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Northrop throwing strikes but missing.
Makaki Iii controlling the position.
Northrop working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Northrop postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Makaki Iii keeping moving, preventing Northrop from controlling successfully.
Northrop missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Northrop tries to free his leg and advance position but Makaki Iii is retaining full guard.
Northrop throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Northrop throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Northrop scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Makaki Iii keeping moving, preventing Northrop from controlling successfully.
Northrop makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Northrop working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Makaki Iii avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Northrop throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Makaki Iii works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Russell Northrop has got the better of the ground game so far.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Northrop accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Makaki Iii utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Northrop throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Makaki Iii works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Northrop scoring with punches to the head and body.
Northrop missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Makaki Iii working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Northrop.
Northrop connects with a couple of short punches.
Northrop trying to control the position from guard on top but Makaki Iii is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Makaki Iii throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Makaki Iii working a defensive guard here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Russell Northrop showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Yancy Makaki Iii's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Northrop avoids the body shot from Makaki Iii.
Northrop misses with a left hand
and Makaki Iii counters with a nice low kick that buckles Northrop's knee momentarily.
Makaki Iii bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Northrop swings widly with a right hand
and Makaki Iii counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Northrop tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Makaki Iii throws a head kick that misses.
Northrop tries to clinch but Makaki Iii moves out of range.
Makaki Iii dips to his left and cracks Northrop with an uppercut!
Northrop throws a lazy uppercut
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
Makaki Iii uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Northrop.
Northrop fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Makaki Iii looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Makaki Iii takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Northrop looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Northrop shoots and misses
letting Makaki Iii counter with a right hand.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Makaki Iii moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Northrop fails with a takedown attempt.
Northrop takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Northrop has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Northrop there as he acknowledges the shot.
Northrop throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Makaki Iii's waist but Makaki Iii gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Northrop off to one side.
Yancy Makaki Iii has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Russell Northrop.

Northrop closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the ropes.
Northrop drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Makaki Iii gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Northrop fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Makaki Iii lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Makaki Iii misses with a punch to the body.
Makaki Iii takes a shot to the head.
Northrop misses with a knee to the head.
Makaki Iii lands with a short shot to the head.
Makaki Iii stalling in the clinch but Northrop improves position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Northrop as Makaki Iii tries to tie him up.
Makaki Iii can't seem to implement his control oriented gameplan at the moment. That's no bad thing of course, for those of us who want to see a good fight.
Makaki Iii presses Northrop against the ropes and delivers a mid-strength body shot.

Makaki Iii pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Northrop wants to clinch up but Makaki Iii keeps it at a distance.
Makaki Iii throwing a counter right hand but Northrop manages to avoid it.
Northrop shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Makaki Iii counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Makaki Iii slips a jab from Northrop.
Northrop throws a solid leg kick but Makaki Iii takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Northrop.

Northrop bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
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!
Northrop is trying to ground and pound but Makaki Iii uses the momentary lack of control by Northrop to regain half guard.
Northrop looks to land a strike but Makaki Iii avoids it nicely and regains full guard.
Makaki Iii working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Northrop.
Yancy Makaki Iii has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Northrop's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Makaki Iii not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Makaki Iii keeping moving, preventing Northrop from controlling successfully.
Northrop connects with a couple of short punches.
Makaki Iii preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Makaki Iii tries to strike from the bottom.
Makaki Iii is trying to keep Northrop in close.
Northrop scoring with some ground and pound.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Northrop wants to control from the top but Makaki Iii keeps moving.
Makaki Iii not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Northrop postures up in Makaki Iii's guard and throws a big left but Makaki Iii blocks it.
Northrop wants to pass the guard but Makaki Iii is keeping the position.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.
Makaki Iii working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Northrop.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Makaki Iii lands with an uppercut that bounces Northrop off the ropes and back into range.
Northrop dips to his left and cracks Makaki Iii with an uppercut!
Makaki Iii walks into a jab.
Makaki Iii throws a head kick but Northrop moves out of range.
Makaki Iii scores with a hook to the body. Northrop takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Northrop has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Northrop throws a wild combination but nothing lands.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Russell Northrop.
I've got Northrop winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 James Atkins scores the fight 28:30
Judge James Glass scores the fight 28:30
Judge Donald Grub scores the fight 28:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Russell Northrop!
An out of breath and clearly excited Russell Northrop thanked RAGS of a RONIN for their help and support (and free stuff they sent him).