PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Emilio Rojas (ranked 1089 p4p, 129 weight class) and Khal Stark (ranked 2544 p4p, 279 weight class). The crowd seem to be enjoying Stark's choice of entrance music: Gardenia by KYUSS. Well, the cameraman is lingering on a pretty young lady for a bit too long there. Keep your eyes on the prize buddy or you'll miss the fighter intros!

Rojas
vs
Stark

175 cm
32
168 lbs
12 - 9 - 0

174 cm
39
158 lbs
27 - 27 - 2

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Cardio machine

Excellent grappler
World class boxer
Granite chin

Conviction

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 12 - 9 - 0, fighting out of New York, Emilio Rojas!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 27 - 27 - 2, fighting out of New York, Khal Stark!
The judges for this bout are Andrew Berry, Phil Schofield and James Ackerman.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Rojas throws a head kick that misses.
Rojas displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Stark throws out the jab.
Rojas half committed to a counter leg kick.
Stark tries to score a power double leg takedown but Rojas sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Stark somewhat.
Stark closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.

Stark shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Rojas's guard.
Stark landing some decent shots from guard.
Rojas wants to stand up but Stark is controlling him.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Stark trying to control but Rojas is working from the bottom.
Stark postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Rojas utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Stark won't allow Rojas to get back to his feet.
Stark working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rojas is looking to stand up but Stark isn't so interested in that idea.
Stark trying to control but Rojas is working from the bottom.
Stark working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Rojas's head.
Stark trying to control the position from guard on top but Rojas is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Rojas wriggles free and stands up.

Stark fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Rojas, pushing him back against the cage.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Rojas.
Rojas is trying to push Stark away but Stark has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.

Rojas manages to break the clinch.
Rojas looks to score with a jab to the body but Stark is just out of range.
Stark throws a counter combo.
Stark uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Rojas has time to react.
Rojas works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Rojas tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Stark was well out of range. Poor timing from Rojas.
Stark has been spending a lot of time sparring his boxing in the run up to the fight, trying to sharpen up those hands and look for a knockout.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Stark looks to land a combination but Rojas avoids it well.
Stark lands a body shot.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Rojas bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rojas catches Stark with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!

Stark clinches with his opponent.
A nice left hand lands by Rojas.
Rojas is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Rojas lands an uppercut.
Rojas stops a takedown attempt from Stark.
Emilio Rojas has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Khal Stark.
Rojas tries to break free but Stark pushes him back against the cage.
Stark throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Rojas's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Rojas struggles to land a body shot inside as Stark controls his hands.
Rojas wants to break free but Stark has control.
Rojas blocks an uppercut.
Stark is trying to pull guard but Rojas has him pressed against the cage.
Stark lands an elbow inside.

It looks like Emilio Rojas has been cut.
Rojas tries to break free but Stark pushes him back against the cage.

Rojas pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.

Stark drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Stark throws a strike but Rojas rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

Rojas stopping the sweep attempt from Stark.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Stark scrambles and gets back to his feet.
A jab from Stark does it's job there.
Stark throws the left hand but Rojas avoids the punch easily.
Rojas scores with a jab to the jaw.
Emilio Rojas is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

A momentary lapse in concentration from Rojas enables Stark to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. Rojas manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Rojas kicks Stark off and gets to his feet.
Stark ducks under a wild hook from Rojas.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Rojas misses with an uppercut.
Stark throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Rojas misses with a wild body shot.

Stark clinches with his opponent.

Rojas escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Stark slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.

Rojas gets caught napping as Stark dives in and scores a takedown. Rojas manages to retain guard.
Both fighters have adopted an aggressive gameplan on the ground!
Stark trying to control the position from guard on top but Rojas is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Stark has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Stark working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Stark prevents Rojas from getting back to his feet.
Stark postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Stark trying to control the position from guard on top but Rojas is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Rojas wants to stand up but Stark is controlling him.

Rojas has scooted to the edge of the canvas and used the cage to get back to his feet. Stark has stuck on his opponent and is forcing him back against the cage.

Rojas escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Nice takedown defense from Rojas. No joy for Stark on that attempt.
Stark on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Rojas misses with a low kick as Stark jumps back.
Rojas throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.

Stark has taken the fight to the clinch.

Rojas manages to break the clinch.
Rojas scores with a hook to the body. Stark takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Stark ducks under a wild hook from Rojas.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
A looping hook to the body misses from Stark. Rojas does a little dance to reset his feet.
Rojas lands a jab to the nose.
Stark connects with a crisp jab.
Rojas feints and then cracks Stark's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Stark down.
Stark tries to clinch there but Rojas circles away.
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 Emilio Rojas will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Emilio Rojas's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

A decent looking cross lands there for Stark.
Rojas misses with an uppercut.
Stark is looking to clinch.
It looked like Rojas was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Stark.
Stark lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Rojas circles away quickly and effectively.
Stark shoots in for a takedown but Rojas shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Stark tries to clinch but Rojas is having none of it.
Rojas blocks a leg kick.
Rojas misses the jab.
Rojas dips to his left and cracks Stark with an uppercut!
Stark throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
A punch combination from Stark misses.
Rojas uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Stark.
Stark takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Rojas throws a series of punches but Stark moves out of range.
Stark throws a series of strikes that have Rojas backpedaling.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Rojas connects with a good right hand that stumbles Stark. Stark circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
A lazy left from Rojas finds it's target.
Stark fails with an attempt to clinch.
Rojas misses the jab.
Rojas throws a low kick but it's checked well by Stark.
Emilio Rojas is winning the standup battle so far.
Stark uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Rojas.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Stark is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Rojas.
Stark comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Rojas lands with an overhand left.
Stark loads up on a big right hand but Rojas slips the punch.
An attempted straight right counter from Rojas misses the target.
Rojas lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Rojas misses with a straight right.
Rojas looks to land a body kick but Stark moved away.
Stark changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Stark tries to move into range but Rojas moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Stark darts in looking for a takedown but Rojas gets double underhooks and turns Stark into the cage.
Rojas takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Some wild striking there from Stark.
Stark throws a hook but Rojas avoids it easily.
Stark wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Stark connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Rojas momentarily.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Stark tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Rojas was well out of range. Poor timing from Stark.
Stark pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Stark tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Rojas was well out of range. Poor timing from Stark.
Stark changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Rojas tries to avoid it but Stark manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Rojas to the ground. Rojas escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Emilio Rojas has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Khal Stark.
Rojas lands a slapping body shot.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Stark takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Stark shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Rojas as he avoids it easily.
Rojas lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Rojas throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
An inside leg kick from Rojas misses.
Stark shoots in but no luck this time.
Stark lands a nice leg kick that just misses Rojas's sensitive parts.
Rojas fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Stark has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Stark goes for a double leg but Rojas avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Rojas continues to drive forward.
Stark shoots in looking for a takedown. Rojas tries to sprawl out of it but Stark keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Rojas manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
No luck for Stark with that takedown attempt.
Rojas swings for the body but Stark moves out of range.
Stark looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Rojas throws a jab but it's blocked by Stark.
Rojas is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Stark.
A jab from Rojas misses.
Rojas throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Rojas throws a good cross that connects.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Stark drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.

The fighters are working up against the cage. Rojas manages to wriggle his way back to his feet, so the fighters are now clinched against the cage.
Stark blocks an uppercut.
Knees to the body from Stark.
Stark misses with a punch on the inside.
Stark jumps guard but Rojas turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
A frustrated look appears on Rojas's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Rojas wants to get back to striking at distance but Stark won't allow it.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Stark.
Stark is looking to control Rojas's arms but Rojas gets an underhook and turns him. Now Stark has his back to the cage.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Rojas.
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!
Rojas tries to circle away but Stark has him pinned against the cage.
Rojas looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Stark blocks a couple of punches on the inside.

Stark successfully pulls guard.
Stark has a closed guard, preventing Rojas from standing up.
Stark is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rojas wants to stand but Stark has a closed guard, so he can't escape.
Stark is trying to control the position but Rojas postures up.
Rojas stopping the sweep attempt from Stark.
Rojas wants to stand but Stark has a closed guard, so he can't escape.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.
Stark pulls Rojas in close to prevent any damage.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Nice straight punches there by Rojas. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Rojas.
Some wild striking there from Stark.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Rojas throws a hook but Stark blocks it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Emilio Rojas dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Emilio Rojas's cut.
That's time! Rojas's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

Rojas fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Stark on the side of the head.
Stark blocks a low kick nicely.
Stark displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Rojas throws out the jab.
Stark throws a looping overhand right but Rojas ducks down to avoid it.
Stark fails in his attempt to clinch.
Stark tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Rojas swivels and escapes.
Rojas leaves Stark with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Stark shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Rojas defends it nicely.
Emilio Rojas has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Khal Stark.
Stark thuds his right hand into Rojas's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rojas moves into range and connects with a jab.

Stark rushes Rojas and presses him up against the cage.
Rojas lands a right hand that snaps the head of Stark backwards.

Rojas manages to break the clinch.
That kick from Rojas tenderised Stark's leg. Stark is trying to keep his angry face on.
Rojas ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Stark with a hook.
Stark misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Rojas.
Rojas throws a lazy right hand but Stark sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Rojas sizes up Stark with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Nice shot by Rojas.
Rojas connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Rojas takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Stark shoots in for a takedown but Rojas shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Stark tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Rojas swivels and escapes.
Rojas scores with a sloppy right hand. Stark should have avoided that one.
Stark has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Stark there as he acknowledges the shot.
Stark blocks a jab.
Rojas's jab looks to have found its range, popping Stark under the eye.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Rojas takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
Stark misses with a jab, cross combination.
Stark throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Rojas's waist but Rojas gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Stark off to one side.
Rojas jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Stark slips a straight right by Rojas.
Stark lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Rojas keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Stark has managed to clinch.

Rojas's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Rojas connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Rojas throws a looping overhand right but Stark ducks down to avoid it.
Stark connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Rojas momentarily.
Stark shoots in for a takedown but Rojas shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Rojas throws out a loose jab but Stark uses good head movement to avoid it.
Stark looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Decent striking displayed by Rojas there.
Stark shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Rojas but Rojas pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Stark moves forwards but Rojas connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Khal Stark has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Stark has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Stark displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Rojas throws out the jab.
Rojas rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Stark counters with a one-two to the body.
Rojas throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Stark sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Rojas misses with an attempted mid kick.
Stark staying out of range there.
Rojas throws a hook but Stark avoids it easily.
Stark throws out a counter right but Rojas avoids it with no problem.
Rojas misses with a double jab.
Emilio Rojas is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Stark gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Rojas.
Stark just misses with a punch to the body.
Rojas swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Stark fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Rojas with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Stark fails to land with a series of punches.
Rojas appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
Rojas swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Stark throws a counter combo.
Stark showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Rojas.
Stark tries to clinch but Rojas moves out of range.
Rojas tries a head kick but it misses.
Rojas misses with a looping left.
Stark lands a really nice looking cross but Rojas seems unphased.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Stark is defended easily by Rojas.
Rojas was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Rojas throws a body punch but Stark moves out of range.
Stark tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Rojas paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Stark is looking to take this fight into the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Stark has a takedown stuffed.
Stark takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Stark throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Rojas misses with a straight right.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Stark pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Stark misses with a straight right.
Rojas lands with a kick to the temple. Stark shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
Stark shoots in and drives through. Rojas sprawls well.
Rojas is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Stark can do to turn this around?
Stark goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Stark throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Rojas stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Rojas throws a jab when Stark was well out of range.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Stark loads up on a big right hand but Rojas slips the punch.
A head kick misses from Stark.
Stark takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Stark moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Stark scores with a leg kick.

And that's the end of the fight!
Emilio Rojas showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Rojas, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 Andrew Berry scores the fight 30:27
Judge Phil Schofield scores the fight 30:27
Judge James Ackerman scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Emilio Rojas!
A very excited looking Emilio Rojas made sure he remembered to thank all the fans both in the arena and on the internet. He said all the coolest people spend all day on MMA websites, which got a big reaction.
Khal Stark was interviewed post fight and said 'Thanks to all the fans!'.