PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Rasul Dolaev (ranked 6117 p4p, 0 weight class) and Stewart McCaffrey (ranked 2197 p4p, 0 weight class). Both these guys are coming into the fight with injuries so let's see if that has a bearing on the fight. The key to victory for Rasul Dolaev has got to be keeping the fight on the feet.

Dolaev
vs
McCaffrey

178 cm
25
158 lbs
5 - 9 - 1

174 cm
26
158 lbs
9 - 9 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

Good wrestler
Brawler
Knockout power

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 5 - 9 - 1, fighting out of New York, Rasul Dolaev!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 9 - 9 - 0, fighting out of New York, Stewart McCaffrey!
The judges for this bout are Franklyn Lucas, Anthony Taglia and Alyssa Summers.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

McCaffrey scores with a takedown into Dolaev's guard.
Dolaev is breathing heavily.
McCaffrey lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
McCaffrey is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
McCaffrey content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
McCaffrey lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
McCaffrey trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
McCaffrey lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
McCaffrey postures up and lands a big shot to Dolaev's brow.
McCaffrey chips away with some ground and pound.
Dolaev has momentary wrist control but McCaffrey slips an elbow through the middle.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells McCaffrey's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
McCaffrey postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
McCaffrey cracks Dolaev with a solid left hand.
McCaffrey is in close to Dolaev's body, working some short punches and elbows.
McCaffrey working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Dolaev's head.
Dolaev knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for McCaffrey on the ground.

That's one minute gone in the round.
McCaffrey content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
McCaffrey scoring with punches to the head and body.
McCaffrey lands a couple of digs.
McCaffrey is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Dolaev has momentary wrist control but McCaffrey slips an elbow through the middle.
Dolaev has momentary wrist control but McCaffrey slips an elbow through the middle.
McCaffrey lands a couple of elbows.
McCaffrey postures up and lands a big shot to Dolaev's brow.
McCaffrey connects with a couple of short punches.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
McCaffrey working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Dolaev wants to sweep but no luck.
McCaffrey working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Dolaev's head.
McCaffrey landing with the ground and pound.
McCaffrey lands a couple of elbows.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
McCaffrey keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Dolaev's head.
McCaffrey lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
McCaffrey working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
McCaffrey throwing strikes from guard but Dolaev blocks nicely.
McCaffrey postures up and lands a big shot to Dolaev's brow.
Dolaev on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Dolaev tries to get out of the position.
McCaffrey working some strikes from top position.
McCaffrey is in close to Dolaev's body, working some short punches and elbows.
McCaffrey working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
McCaffrey throwing strikes but missing.
McCaffrey throwing strikes but missing.
McCaffrey landing some decent shots from guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
McCaffrey postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
McCaffrey stands up over Dolaev, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
McCaffrey connects with a couple of short punches.
Dolaev is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Dolaev tries to land a sweep but no joy.
McCaffrey lands a couple of decent looking shots.
McCaffrey content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
McCaffrey has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells McCaffrey's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
McCaffrey content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
McCaffrey cracks Dolaev with a solid left hand.
McCaffrey postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
McCaffrey landing some decent shots from guard.
McCaffrey working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
McCaffrey content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
McCaffrey lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
McCaffrey is working Dolaev over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Dolaev looking to control.
Dolaev looking to hit a scissor sweep but McCaffrey is one step ahead there.
McCaffrey is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Stewart McCaffrey dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Dolaev keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.

McCaffrey drives through with a takedown into guard.
McCaffrey connects with a couple of short punches.
McCaffrey lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Dolaev is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
McCaffrey lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Dolaev working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from McCaffrey.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Dolaev is looking for a triangle but McCaffrey pushes his legs off easily.
McCaffrey landing with the ground and pound.
Dolaev looking for a sweep. Not yet Dolaev, not yet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
McCaffrey working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
McCaffrey lands a couple of digs.
McCaffrey working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Dolaev's head.
McCaffrey makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Dolaev has momentary wrist control but McCaffrey slips an elbow through the middle.
McCaffrey postures up and lands a big shot to Dolaev's brow.
McCaffrey content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
McCaffrey is working Dolaev over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
McCaffrey working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Dolaev's head.
Dolaev is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Dolaev has momentary wrist control but McCaffrey slips an elbow through the middle.
McCaffrey postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
McCaffrey scoring with punches to the head and body.
McCaffrey makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Dolaev controls McCaffrey momentarily but McCaffrey frees himself.
McCaffrey working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Dolaev's head.
McCaffrey trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
McCaffrey stands up over Dolaev, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Stewart McCaffrey has got the better of the ground game so far.
McCaffrey postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells McCaffrey's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
McCaffrey postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
McCaffrey working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Dolaev's head.
Dolaev wants to get back to his feet but McCaffrey is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
McCaffrey chips away with some ground and pound.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
McCaffrey content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
McCaffrey is in close to Dolaev's body, working some short punches and elbows.
McCaffrey working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Dolaev's head.
McCaffrey working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Dolaev's head.
McCaffrey postures up.
McCaffrey landing some decent shots from guard.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells McCaffrey's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
McCaffrey throwing strikes from guard but Dolaev blocks nicely.
McCaffrey keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Dolaev's head.
Dolaev utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Dolaev trying to control the position here.
Dolaev is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
McCaffrey working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Dolaev's head.
McCaffrey postures up and lands a big shot to Dolaev's brow.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells McCaffrey's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Dolaev has momentary wrist control but McCaffrey slips an elbow through the middle.
McCaffrey working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Dolaev's head.
McCaffrey makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
McCaffrey throwing strikes but missing.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
McCaffrey keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Dolaev's head.
McCaffrey is working Dolaev over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Stewart McCaffrey showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
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 hear some noise people - this is the final round!

McCaffrey shoots in for a takedown but Dolaev shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Dolaev feinted with a counter takedown.
McCaffrey shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Dolaev as he avoids it easily.
Dolaev will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
McCaffrey fails with the takedown.
Rasul Dolaev has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Stewart McCaffrey.
Horrible takedown attempt by Dolaev or perhaps it was just good defense by McCaffrey, which made it look bad.
Stewart McCaffrey seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
McCaffrey misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Nice takedown defense from Dolaev. No joy for McCaffrey on that attempt.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
McCaffrey misses with a takedown attempt
and Dolaev counters with a lovely shot to the body.
McCaffrey is trying hard to land a takedown here. Dolaev sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Dolaev displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from McCaffrey.
Dolaev stuffs the takedown.

That's one minute gone in the round.
McCaffrey with a lazy takedown attempt
and Dolaev counters with a one-two to the body.
Dolaev defends well against a solid takedown attempt from McCaffrey.
Dolaev fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
McCaffrey tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
McCaffrey changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Dolaev tries to avoid it but McCaffrey manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Dolaev to the ground. Dolaev escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Nice sprawl there from Dolaev as McCaffrey shoots in.
Dolaev stuffs the takedown attempt from McCaffrey. McCaffrey gets slowly back to his feet.
McCaffrey shoots in but no luck this time.
As McCaffrey tries to get set, Dolaev tries to push him back and clinch up but McCaffrey manages to avoid the attempt.
Dolaev will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
McCaffrey shoots for a double leg takedown but Dolaev sprawls well. He's pushed McCaffrey's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Dolaev throws a big counter combination but McCaffrey scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
Dolaev lands a jab-cross combination.
McCaffrey shoots in looking for a takedown but Dolaev manages to keep the fight standing, pushing McCaffrey's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
McCaffrey fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Dolaev fails to land the takedown.
Rasul Dolaev is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Dolaev keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
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!
McCaffrey fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Dolaev avoids it really well and circles away.
Dolaev tries to counter by clinching up but McCaffrey breaks away and moves out of range.
Dolaev tries for a takedown but McCaffrey sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
McCaffrey dives in and grabs Dolaev's left leg, looking for a takedown. Dolaev pushes down on McCaffrey's head and hops out.
McCaffrey blocks a head kick by Dolaev.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from McCaffrey.
McCaffrey shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Dolaev but Dolaev pushes him off and we're back to square one.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Dolaev slaps away a takedown attempt from McCaffrey, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Rasul Dolaev is winning the standup battle so far.
McCaffrey darts in looking for a takedown but Dolaev gets double underhooks and turns McCaffrey into the cage.
Dolaev is looking to counter the offense by McCaffrey and move into the clinch.
Dolaev shoots in looking for a takedown but McCaffrey manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Dolaev's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.

McCaffrey is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Dolaev's half guard.
McCaffrey throwing shots but Dolaev is blocking nicely.
Ground and pound from McCaffrey.

Dolaev makes some distance and scrambles quickly back to his feet. Nice work!
McCaffrey stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and McCaffrey wants it to stay on the feet.
McCaffrey shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Dolaev defends it nicely.
It looked like Dolaev was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.
McCaffrey shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Dolaev but Dolaev pushes him off and we're back to square one.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
McCaffrey will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
As McCaffrey looks to move away, Dolaev throws a big counter combo but McCaffrey just gets out of the way.
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!
Dolaev fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
McCaffrey closes the distance and clinches up with Dolaev, looking for a takedown. McCaffrey pushes Dolaev against the cage but Dolaev circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.

McCaffrey decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.

Dolaev makes some distance and scrambles quickly back to his feet. Nice work!
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from McCaffrey.
Dolaev thinks about countering with a head kick.
McCaffrey looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Dolaev is fending him off so far but McCaffrey persists. Nope, Dolaev circles away and we're back to standing.
Dolaev seemed to be looking to counter by closing the distance.
McCaffrey takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.

McCaffrey decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
McCaffrey missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Rasul Dolaev has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Stewart McCaffrey is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. McCaffrey connects with a nice short shot to Dolaev's temple.

And that's the end of the fight!
Rasul Dolaev showed his dominance in that final round.
I think McCaffrey 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 Franklyn Lucas scores the fight 27:29
Judge Anthony Taglia scores the fight 26:29
Judge Alyssa Summers scores the fight 26:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Stewart McCaffrey!