PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Conor Larkin (ranked 570 p4p, 68 weight class) and Rocco OGrady (ranked 1688 p4p, 190 weight class). Conor Larkin has a significant reach advantage - let's see if he can make it count.

Larkin
vs
OGrady

186 cm
23
169 lbs
4 - 0 - 0

173 cm
23
157 lbs
5 - 2 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent MT
Cardio machine

BJJ Brown Belt
Excellent MT
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 2 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 4 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Conor Larkin!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 2 - 0, fighting out of New York, Rocco OGrady!
The judges for this bout are Hirohito Nitta, Yukihiro Yamamoto and Shigeki Fujiwara.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
OGrady scores with a leg kick.
Larkin displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as OGrady throws out the jab.
Larkin uses good head movement to avoid the hook from OGrady.
OGrady doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
OGrady throws a lazy right hand but Larkin sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
OGrady fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Larkin looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Larkin lands a leg kick that knocks OGrady off balance momentarily.

Larkin closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming OGrady to the mat! OGrady manages to get full guard.
OGrady trying to control the position here.
OGrady is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Larkin throws a big elbow that misses.
OGrady looking to control.
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.
Larkin throws a big elbow that misses.
Larkin being controlled here momentarily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Larkin throwing strikes from guard but OGrady blocks nicely.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Larkin's corner. There ya go! There ya go!

Larkin thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Larkin throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as OGrady works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
OGrady working a defensive guard here.
Larkin has improved his flexibility recently so we will have to see if he can use that to his advantage.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Larkin accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Larkin stands up over OGrady, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Larkin missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Larkin passes into half guard.
Larkin seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but OGrady does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Larkin missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Larkin throwing shots but OGrady is blocking nicely.
Larkin with the ground and pound but OGrady uses the opportunity to regain guard.
OGrady is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Larkin throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as OGrady works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Larkin is working OGrady over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
OGrady trying to control the position here.
OGrady working a defensive guard here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Larkin trying to control the position from guard on top but OGrady is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Larkin stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. OGrady swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Larkin is working hard here to advance position.
Larkin scoring with punches to the head and body.
Larkin trying to control but OGrady is working from the bottom.
OGrady controls Larkin momentarily but Larkin frees himself.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
OGrady utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
OGrady controls Larkin momentarily but Larkin frees himself.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Larkin throws a hook but OGrady avoids it easily.
OGrady looks like he wants to counter punch here.
OGrady staying out of range there.
No luck for Larkin with that takedown attempt.
Nice straight punches there by OGrady. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of OGrady.
Rocco OGrady seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Larkin looking to score a takedown here. OGrady is defending well but Larkin drives through and ends up in OGrady's guard.
Larkin wants to control from the top but OGrady keeps moving.
OGrady not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Larkin throws a big elbow that misses.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Larkin throws a big right hand that misses.
OGrady keeping moving, preventing Larkin from controlling successfully.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Larkin accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Larkin trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
OGrady has momentary wrist control but Larkin slips an elbow through the middle.
OGrady is trying to control the position but Larkin postures up.
OGrady looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
Larkin 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.
OGrady keeping moving, preventing Larkin from controlling successfully.
Larkin loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Larkin slips nicely into half guard.
OGrady moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
OGrady keeping moving, preventing Larkin from controlling successfully.
OGrady not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Larkin trying to control the position from guard on top but OGrady is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
OGrady is trying to control the position from the bottom.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Larkin throws a looping overhand right but OGrady ducks down to avoid it.
Rocco OGrady is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Larkin moves out of range as OGrady strikes.
Larkin shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Larkin swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Larkin drops his hands momentarily and OGrady takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
OGrady throws a hook but Larkin avoids it easily.
Larkin feinted with a counter takedown.
Larkin moves out of range as OGrady strikes.
Larkin misses with a low kick.
OGrady fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Larkin on the side of the head.
Larkin throws a good cross that connects.
Larkin defending well as OGrady loads up on a big left hand.
A left and a right from OGrady both land. Nice combination.
Larkin slips a straight right by OGrady.
Larkin feinted with a counter takedown.
Larkin darts in looking for a takedown but OGrady gets double underhooks and turns Larkin into the ropes.
OGrady staying out of range there.
Larkin lands a really nice looking cross but OGrady seems unphased.
OGrady throws a series of punches but Larkin avoids them all with ease.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
OGrady throws a leg kick which misses Larkin's front leg but catches the back leg as Larkin tries to avoid it.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Larkin.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Larkin wants to lay and pray for a moment but OGrady keeps working.
OGrady is trying to control Larkin's posture but Larkin avoids it.
Larkin fails to land a wild elbow strike.

Larkin wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by OGrady, who protects the arm well.
An elbow from Larkin crashes against the mat.

Larkin tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
OGrady stops Larkin from passing to mount.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
OGrady is looking to reverse the position.
OGrady regains half guard there - taking advantage of Larkin's attempt to lay and pray for a moment.
OGrady taking some punishment here, with Larkin in his half guard.
OGrady is looking for a sweep. Larkin is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Larkin frees up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Larkin punching from mount but OGrady doing a good job of avoiding damage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Conor Larkin dominated that round.
That's time! Larkin's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!

OGrady misses with an uppercut.
Nice sprawl there from OGrady as Larkin shoots in.
Larkin is trying hard to land a takedown here. OGrady sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Larkin throws a lazy uppercut
and OGrady counters with a stiff right hand.
OGrady lands with a right hand.
OGrady lands with an uppercut that bounces Larkin off the ropes and back into range.
OGrady on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Larkin. Larkin obviously looking to wear him down.
OGrady ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
OGrady lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
OGrady throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Larkin is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that OGrady can do to turn this around?
OGrady waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Larkin.
A jab from OGrady misses.
Larkin tries to score with a low kick but OGrady moves his leg out of the way.
A cross from OGrady lands.
OGrady scores with a crisp jab that stopped Larkin in his tracks.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
OGrady connects with a good right hand that stumbles Larkin. Larkin circles away out of range and recomposes himself.

Larkin shoots in for a takedown and gets it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Larkin is thwarting OGrady's attempts to control the position.
OGrady is positioning himself well to prevent Larkin advancing to mount.
OGrady works his way to full guard. Good work.
Larkin missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
OGrady trying to keep a closed guard but Larkin is proving a slippery customer.
Larkin is looking to work some ground and pound but OGrady has wrist control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
OGrady trying to keep a closed guard but Larkin is proving a slippery customer.
Larkin loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Larkin throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as OGrady works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Larkin sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed OGrady's guard.
Larkin will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Larkin working over OGrady with some ground and pound. OGrady looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.

Larkin is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
OGrady is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Larkin scores with a couple of nice shots.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Larkin is trying to control. OGrady wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
OGrady is doing well to avoid being mounted. He's controlling the position at the moment.
OGrady is looking for a sweep. Larkin is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Larkin scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
OGrady works his way to full guard. Good work.
OGrady keeping moving, preventing Larkin from controlling successfully.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Larkin pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. OGrady is keeping the position for now.
Larkin landing with the ground and pound.
Larkin controlling from the top position.
OGrady is trying to keep Larkin in close.

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

That's five minutes gone in the round.
OGrady connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Larkin lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Rocco OGrady seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Larkin avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
OGrady connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
OGrady throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
OGrady bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Larkin tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts OGrady, as that shot connected.
OGrady throws the left hand but Larkin avoids the punch easily.
OGrady throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Larkin sees it coming and avoids it easily.
OGrady misses with a series of wild punches.
Larkin appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
OGrady throws a half hearted mid kick.
Larkin takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
OGrady stuffs the takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Conor Larkin. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Larkin shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with OGrady but OGrady pushes him off and we're back to square one.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
OGrady swinging wildly here.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
OGrady tries a low kick but Larkin avoids it.
Larkin checks the leg kick nicely there.
Larkin takes one to the chin there.
OGrady keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Larkin.
OGrady throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Larkin fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Larkin closes the distance and clinches up with OGrady, looking for a takedown. Larkin pushes OGrady against the ropes but OGrady circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Larkin throws a hard body shot but it just misses.

Larkin scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
OGrady struggling a bit here.
OGrady tries to bench press Larkin off him but Larkin keeps the position.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Larkin connects with a decent looking elbow from side control that caused OGrady some visible discomfort.
OGrady looks to move to half guard but instead Larkin has passed into mount! Damn!
Larkin looking to ground and pound his opponent to a finish here.
Larkin tries to control but OGrady wriggling away.
Larkin looking to finish OGrady with some ground and pound. This is bad for OGrady!

Larkin jumps to the side looking to secure the arm triangle…. Ooooh, that looks tight… OGrady is gargling but he's managed to escape! Nice work there by OGrady and Larkin has given up the dominant position trying to land that submission.
Larkin in side control, trying to ground and pound but not landing this time.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
OGrady tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Larkin wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
OGrady holds on to Larkin's head and controls the position momentarily.
OGrady managing to avoid any damage from the strikes thrown by Larkin.
OGrady avoids any damage from the ground and pound of Larkin.
OGrady struggling a bit here.
The ground and pound from Larkin seems to be hitting the mat more than his opponent.
OGrady struggling a bit here.
Rocco OGrady has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Larkin working the head and body with strikes.
Larkin landing a few strikes.
Larkin scores with punches from side control.
Larkin is looking to take a break and control but OGrady is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Larkin working the body and head with strikes.
Conor Larkin overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Larkin tries to cartwheel into mount but he doesn't manage it.
Larkin trying to control the position but OGrady is working away.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Conor Larkin.
I think Larkin 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 2 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Hirohito Nitta scores the fight for Conor Larkin!
Judge Yukihiro Yamamoto scores the fight for Conor Larkin!
Judge Shigeki Fujiwara scores the fight for Conor Larkin!

Conor Larkin wins by unanimous decision!
A victorious Conor Larkin thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.