PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Kaz McStafferson (ranked 419 p4p, 50 weight class) and Zedidiah Goldberg (ranked 1269 p4p, 157 weight class). Goldberg has chosen A Warrior's Call as his entrance music. Zedidiah Goldberg will no doubt be looking to use his reach advantage to good effect.

McStafferson
vs
Goldberg

150 cm
29
190 lbs
13 - 8 - 0

178 cm
21
203 lbs
8 - 4 - 1

Good wrestling
Basic striking
Insanely flexible

BJJ Purple Belt
Lethal high kicks
Good gas tank

Zenith Nutrition (160q/$200)

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 13 - 8 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Kaz McStafferson!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 4 - 1, fighting out of New York, Zedidiah Goldberg!
The judges for this bout are Winston Howard, Ben Hemmingworth and Darius Henderson.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
McStafferson fails with a takedown attempt.

McStafferson shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Goldberg manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
McStafferson wants to control from the top but Goldberg keeps moving.
McStafferson tries to free his leg and advance position but Goldberg is retaining full guard.
Goldberg is trying to control the position from the bottom.

McStafferson thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Goldberg utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
McStafferson wants to pass the guard but Goldberg is keeping the position.
McStafferson trying to control the position from guard on top but Goldberg is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

McStafferson drops back looking for a leg! Goldberg is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Goldberg manages to kick McStafferson off! McStafferson jumps back into Goldberg's guard.
McStafferson wants to pass the guard but Goldberg is keeping the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Goldberg wants to sweep but no luck.

McStafferson thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
McStafferson tries to free his leg and advance position but Goldberg is retaining full guard.
Goldberg is trying to keep McStafferson in close.
Goldberg managing to control the position.
Goldberg controls McStafferson momentarily but McStafferson frees himself.
We've been hearing good reports from McStafferson's training camp. Apparently he has been rolling around with some good quality BJJ practitioners and has been sharpening his skills. Let's see if that has an impact on the fight today.
McStafferson trying to control the position from guard on top but Goldberg is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
McStafferson pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Goldberg is keeping the position for now.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
McStafferson is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.

McStafferson changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Goldberg looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.

McStafferson is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Goldberg has escaped the position, nice work there.

McStafferson wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Goldberg, who protects the arm well.
Goldberg is looking to reverse the position.
Goldberg manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.
Goldberg tries to get to full guard but McStafferson has control of the leg.
Goldberg is looking to control McStafferson's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Goldberg avoid being mounted?
Goldberg preventing any damage for now, controlling his opponent's head.

McStafferson is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Goldberg wants to control but McStafferson is keeping busy and won't allow it.
McStafferson not doing much here.
Goldberg slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Goldberg looking to hit a scissor sweep but McStafferson is one step ahead there.
Goldberg not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
McStafferson wants to control from the top but Goldberg keeps moving.
Goldberg not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
McStafferson being controlled here momentarily.
McStafferson might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Goldberg controls McStafferson momentarily but McStafferson frees himself.

McStafferson drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and McStafferson jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Goldberg 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.
Goldberg not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
McStafferson's corner is telling him to maintain position.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
McStafferson doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Goldberg counters with a big head kick but McStafferson shrugs it off.
McStafferson shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Goldberg sprawls well. Goldberg wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. McStafferson gets slowly back to his feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Kaz McStafferson. That's going to take a lot out of him.
McStafferson swings for the body but Goldberg moves out of range.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
McStafferson tries for a takedown but Goldberg circles away easily
and Goldberg cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Goldberg throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Goldberg punishes McStafferson's body with a nice straight punch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

McStafferson misses with a jab to the body
and Goldberg cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
McStafferson tries to land a front kick but Goldberg steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
McStafferson misses with a takedown attempt
and Goldberg counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps McStafferson thinking.
Goldberg throws a nice head kick!
McStafferson shoots for a double leg takedown but Goldberg sprawls well. He's pushed McStafferson's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Goldberg lands with a straight right. McStafferson didn't see that one coming.
McStafferson shoots and misses
and Goldberg counters with a stiff right hand.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Kaz McStafferson. That's going to take a lot out of him.
McStafferson doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Goldberg counters with a flying knee. Nice.
Goldberg ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Goldberg connects with a right hand. McStafferson shakes it off.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Goldberg moves out of range of the body kick from McStafferson.
Goldberg plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
McStafferson tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Goldberg swivels and escapes.
McStafferson misses with a kick to the body
enabling Goldberg to counter with a crisp jab.
McStafferson shoots in for a double leg but Goldberg sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
McStafferson walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.

That's one minute gone in the round.

McStafferson is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Goldberg's half guard.
Goldberg trying to hold on to McStafferson's head to control him but McStafferson postures up.
Goldberg is looking for a sweep. McStafferson is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

McStafferson is trying to work for a kimura but Goldberg is defending well.
Goldberg wants to improve his position but McStafferson is controlling well.
Goldberg is controlling McStafferson's trapped leg to prevent McStafferson from advancing to side control.
McStafferson prevents Goldberg from improving his position.

McStafferson is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Goldberg has managed to free his arm - good work.
Goldberg wants to get back to full guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Goldberg keeping control of the position.
McStafferson prevents Goldberg from improving his position.

McStafferson is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Goldberg is doing well to avoid being mounted. He's controlling the position at the moment.
Goldberg wants to control but McStafferson is keeping busy and won't allow it.

McStafferson is trying to work for a kimura but Goldberg is defending well.
McStafferson trying to mount his opponent but Goldberg defends it.
Goldberg wants to improve his position but McStafferson is controlling well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Goldberg keeping control of the leg, stopping his opponent passing to mount.
McStafferson passes the guard and advances to mount!
McStafferson trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Kaz McStafferson overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
McStafferson wants to take Goldberg's back but he can't do it this time.
Goldberg tries to get back to half guard but can't.
McStafferson throwing sloppy strikes, which aren't doing any damage.
McStafferson wants to control the pace but Goldberg is squirming around nicely.

McStafferson is working for a guillotine from mount but Goldberg frees his head quite easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

McStafferson is going oldschool here, as he tries to force Goldberg to tap using a forearm choke. This isn't 1993 though, so Goldberg shrugs it off.

McStafferson working for a submission but Goldberg is keeping him at bay.
Goldberg is looking to improve his position but McStafferson isn't that keen on the idea.
McStafferson fails to take his opponent's back.

McStafferson is going oldschool here, as he tries to force Goldberg to tap using a forearm choke. This isn't 1993 though, so Goldberg shrugs it off.
Goldberg really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
Goldberg wants to control but McStafferson is having none of it.
McStafferson fails to advance to Goldberg's back.
Goldberg gets back to half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Zedidiah Goldberg will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Goldberg cracks McStafferson with a right hand to the side of the head.
McStafferson gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Goldberg counters with a lovely straight right hand!
McStafferson misses with a takedown
and Goldberg cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
McStafferson shoots in looking for a takedown. Goldberg tries to sprawl out of it but McStafferson keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Goldberg manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
A countering left hand to the body from Goldberg misses.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Kaz McStafferson. That's going to take a lot out of him.
McStafferson throws a series of punches but Goldberg avoids them all with ease.
Goldberg lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.

McStafferson fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Goldberg sprawls well initially but McStafferson persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
Goldberg is pressing down on McStafferson's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Goldberg tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Goldberg seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
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!
Goldberg looking to hit a scissor sweep but McStafferson is one step ahead there.

That's one minute gone in the round.
McStafferson wants to control from the top but Goldberg keeps moving.
Goldberg seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
McStafferson wants to control from the top but Goldberg keeps moving.
McStafferson wants to pass the guard but Goldberg is keeping the position.
McStafferson being controlled here momentarily.

McStafferson drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and McStafferson jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Goldberg looking to hit a scissor sweep but McStafferson is one step ahead there.
McStafferson trying to control the position from guard on top but Goldberg is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Goldberg is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Goldberg looking to hit a scissor sweep but McStafferson is one step ahead there.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
McStafferson swinging wildly here.
McStafferson fails with the takedown
and Goldberg counters with a nice uppercut.
McStafferson fails with the takedown.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Goldberg stuffs the takedown.
Goldberg doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
McStafferson misses the jab.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from McStafferson is defended easily by Goldberg.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Goldberg scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Goldberg tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Goldberg scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
McStafferson tries for a takedown but Goldberg sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Kaz McStafferson is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
McStafferson fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Kaz McStafferson seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Goldberg scores with a shot to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
McStafferson fails with the takedown
and Goldberg counters with an outside leg kick.
Goldberg scores with the left hand. McStafferson knows he should have avoided that one.
Goldberg lands with a good body shot.

McStafferson shoots in and bounces Goldberg off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Goldberg is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
Goldberg manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. McStafferson manages to get himself to full guard.

Goldberg wants to get up but he can't break McStafferson's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.

And that's the end of the fight!
Zedidiah Goldberg comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Goldberg has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Winston Howard scores the fight 28:29
Judge Ben Hemmingworth scores the fight 28:29
Judge Darius Henderson scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Zedidiah Goldberg!
Zedidiah Goldberg was full of energy after the big win and talked about how he thinks he can do big things in this sport. The crowd were appreciative of his determination to succeed.