PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Sitichai Silachai (ranked 3532 p4p, 0 weight class) and Rasheed Al Malik (ranked 4738 p4p, 0 weight class). Sitichai Silachai has the edge in experience - let's see if he can make that count tonight.

Silachai
vs
Al Malik

177 cm
25
158 lbs
3 - 1 - 0

177 cm
25
157 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent MT
Very strong

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

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 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of New York, Sitichai Silachai!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Rasheed Al Malik!
The judges for this bout are Dean Styles, Anthony Taglia and Jorge Garcia.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Al Malik rushes Silachai and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.

Al Malik successfully pulls guard.
Al Malik pulls Silachai in to control the position.
Al Malik not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Silachai would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.
Al Malik looking to hit a scissor sweep but Silachai is one step ahead there.
Al Malik tries to strike from the bottom.
Silachai wants to get up but he can't break Al Malik's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.
Silachai postures up.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Al Malik throwing strikes off his back to little effect.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Silachai pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Al Malik wants to counter with a clinch but Silachai pushes him away.
Al Malik dives in for a single leg takedown but Silachai sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Silachai misses with a two punch combination.
Al Malik avoids the head kick by Silachai.
Al Malik dives in and grabs Silachai's left leg, looking for a takedown. Silachai pushes down on Al Malik's head and hops out.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Silachai throws a sloppy head kick and Al Malik moves out of range easily.
Al Malik looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Silachai is fending him off so far but Al Malik persists. Nope, Silachai circles away and we're back to standing.
Sitichai Silachai has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Rasheed Al Malik.
Silachai throws a head kick but Al Malik moves out of range.
Al Malik fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Silachai avoids it really well and circles away.
Al Malik fails in his attempt to clinch.
Silachai throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Silachai misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Silachai throws a head kick that half lands.
Silachai is breathing heavily.
Silachai throws a head kick but Al Malik moves out of range.
Al Malik shoots in looking for a takedown but Silachai manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Al Malik's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Silachai rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Al Malik moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
A nice combination there by Al Malik.
Al Malik avoids the head kick by Silachai.

Al Malik gets a clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Silachai looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Al Malik is trying to break the clinch but Silachai is controlling him.

Silachai's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.

Al Malik instigates a clinch.
Al Malik is trying to pull guard but Silachai has him pressed against the cage.
Al Malik tries to score a body lock takedown but Silachai shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Al Malik is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.

Silachai escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Al Malik tries to score a power double leg takedown but Silachai sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Al Malik somewhat.
Al Malik slips a jab and a cross from Silachai.
Al Malik walks into a jab.
A head kick from Silachai lands but Al Malik takes it in his stride.
Al Malik misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A punch combination from Al Malik misses.
Silachai throws a sloppy head kick and Al Malik moves out of range easily.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Al Malik.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Al Malik.
Silachai throws a head kick that misses.
Sitichai Silachai is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Al Malik has a takedown stuffed.
Al Malik blocks a head kick by Silachai.
Al Malik looks for a takedown but Silachai sprawls well.
Silachai throws a sloppy head kick and Al Malik moves out of range easily.
Al Malik shoots in looking for a takedown but Silachai manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Al Malik's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Al Malik tries to clinch up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Silachai throws a head kick but Al Malik moves out of range.
Silachai throws a head kick that misses.

The fight moves into the clinch position.

Silachai breaks the clinch.
Al Malik shoots in for a takedown but Silachai shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Silachai avoids the head kick by Al Malik.
Silachai throws a nice head kick!
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Al Malik tries to clinch there but Silachai circles away.
Al Malik shoots in looking for a takedown. Silachai tries to sprawl out of it but Al Malik keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Silachai manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Silachai scores with a head kick. Al Malik tried to block it but didn't get his arm up in time.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Sitichai Silachai dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Al Malik tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Silachai paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Al Malik slips a jab and a cross from Silachai.
Silachai tries a head kick but it misses.
Sitichai Silachai seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Al Malik fails with an attempt to clinch.
Silachai misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Al Malik tries to clinch up but Silachai circles away and keeps his distance.
Al Malik tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Silachai defends well and Al Malik ends up having to push Silachai into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
A punch combination from Silachai misses.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Al Malik is defended easily by Silachai.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Silachai misses with a head kick.
Al Malik shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Silachai defends it nicely.
Sitichai Silachai has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Rasheed Al Malik.
Al Malik avoids the head kick by Silachai.
Al Malik throws a half hearted mid kick.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Al Malik shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Silachai as he avoids it easily.
Silachai is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Al Malik can do to turn this around?
Al Malik darts in looking for a takedown but Silachai gets double underhooks and turns Al Malik into the cage.

Al Malik has managed to clinch.

Silachai breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Silachai throws a head kick but Al Malik moves out of range.
Al Malik is looking to clinch but Silachai is avoiding it.
Sitichai Silachai is winning the standup battle so far.
Silachai throws a nice looking combination but Al Malik bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Some wild striking there from Silachai.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Al Malik.
Al Malik tries for a takedown but Silachai sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Silachai keeps the fight on the outside.
Silachai misses with a head kick.
Sitichai Silachai is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Silachai stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Silachai wants it to stay on the feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Silachai throws a sloppy head kick and Al Malik moves out of range easily.
Al Malik blocks a head kick by Silachai.
Silachai tries a head kick but it misses.
Al Malik shoots in and drives through. Silachai sprawls well.
Silachai throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Silachai blocks a head kick by Al Malik.
Al Malik closes this distance looking for a takedown but Silachai circles away.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Silachai tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Al Malik shoots in but Silachai avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Silachai misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Al Malik wants to clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Silachai throws a head kick that misses.
Al Malik goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Silachai misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Nice sprawl there from Silachai as Al Malik shoots in.
Silachai tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Silachai sets himself, and Al Malik steps forward looking for the clinch! Silachai avoids it this time.
Silachai throws a sloppy head kick

and Al Malik holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Al Malik tries for a takedown. No joy.

Silachai breaks the clinch.
Silachai misses with a head kick.
Al Malik blocks a head kick by Silachai.
Al Malik goes for a double leg but Silachai avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Silachai continues to drive forward.
Silachai throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Al Malik fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Silachai looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Al Malik tries to clinch up but Silachai circles away and keeps his distance.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Silachai throws a sloppy head kick and Al Malik moves out of range easily.
Al Malik tries a head kick but it misses.
Al Malik avoids the head kick by Silachai.
Silachai misses with the combination.
The fight stays on the outside here - Al Malik looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Al Malik tries to score a power double leg takedown but Silachai sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Al Malik somewhat.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Silachai lands with a slapping head kick.
Silachai throws a series of punches but Al Malik moves out of range.
And Al Malik tries to counter it with a takedown but Silachai pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Al Malik throws a series of punches but Silachai moves out of range.
Silachai appears to be looking for a big counter.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Sitichai Silachai dominated that second round.
That's time! Back to the action! Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Al Malik clinches up against the cage.

Al Malik pulls guard successfully.

Al Malik has his foot on Silachai's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Silachai works his way back into a safe position though.

Silachai stands up and waves to Al Malik to follow him.
Silachai throws a sloppy head kick and Al Malik moves out of range easily.
Silachai misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Silachai takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Silachai throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Silachai has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.
Al Malik shoots in for a double leg but Silachai sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Silachai misses with a head kick.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

Al Malik moves into the clinch.
Al Malik is trying to force a seperation but Silachai has the dominant position.

Silachai breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Silachai tries a head kick but it misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Al Malik dives in and grabs Silachai's left leg, looking for a takedown. Silachai pushes down on Al Malik's head and hops out.
Al Malik tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Al Malik throws a series of punches but Silachai moves out of range.
Al Malik blocks a head kick by Silachai.
Al Malik avoids a punch combination nicely.
Al Malik changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Silachai tries to avoid it but Al Malik manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Silachai to the ground. Silachai escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Sitichai Silachai has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Rasheed Al Malik.
Silachai plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
Silachai tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Al Malik tries to counter with a clinch but Silachai shakes him off and moves away.

Al Malik darts in and clinches Silachai up against the cage.
Silachai can't break the clinch.
Silachai wants to break the clinch but can't.
Silachai prevents Al Malik from breaking the clinch.
Silachai can't break the clinch.
Silachai wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Al Malik has him pressed against the cage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Silachai has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Silachai wants to get back to striking at distance but Al Malik won't allow it.
Silachai has had enough of the clinch but Al Malik keeps him there for the moment.
Al Malik is pushing Silachai up against the cage, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.
Al Malik is trying to force a seperation but Silachai has the dominant position.
Al Malik has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Silachai after a bit of a struggle.

Silachai escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Al Malik avoids the head kick by Silachai.
Al Malik fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Al Malik tries a head kick but it misses.
Al Malik avoids a punch combination nicely.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Silachai pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Al Malik shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Silachai as he avoids it easily.
Silachai misses the jab.
No luck for Al Malik with that takedown attempt.
Al Malik fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Silachai stuffs the takedown attempt from Al Malik. Al Malik gets slowly back to his feet.
Silachai throws a head kick but Al Malik moves out of range.
Silachai throws a sloppy head kick and Al Malik moves out of range easily.
Al Malik shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Silachai but Silachai pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Silachai misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Al Malik shoots in and drives through. Silachai sprawls well.
Al Malik avoids the head kick by Silachai.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Al Malik darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
Silachai is looking for a sweep. Al Malik is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Silachai throws a strike from the bottom that misses.
Al Malik controlling the action here.
Silachai misses with some strikes from the bottom.
Silachai punching from the bottom.
Silachai punching from the bottom.
Al Malik works his foot free and advances to mount.
Rasheed Al Malik has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Sitichai Silachai is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
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!
Al Malik throwing sloppy strikes, which aren't doing any damage.

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 Sitichai Silachai.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Silachai, 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 Dean Styles scores the fight 30:27
Judge Anthony Taglia scores the fight 30:27
Judge Jorge Garcia scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Sitichai Silachai!