PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Jordan Ryan (ranked 3738 p4p, 4371 weight class) and Kevin Gates (ranked 474 p4p, 538 weight class). Ryan kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genius that is dababy-masterpiece . The key to victory for Jordan Ryan has got to be keeping the fight on the feet.

Ryan
vs
Gates

200 cm
22
205
2 - 0 - 0

180 cm
25
205
1 - 0 - 0

Powerful takedowns
Counter fighter
Very strong

Good wrestler
Brawler
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the light heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Jordan Ryan!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Kevin Gates!
The judges for this bout are Andrew Berry, Donald Grub and James Ackerman.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Gates shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Ryan napping and manages to drive through into side control!

Gates is trying to get an arm triangle but Ryan is defending well.
Ryan is trying to improve his position.
Ryan is working hard here to advance position.
Ryan is not content to let Gates control the position.

Gates goes for an armbar! This could be all over! Wait, no, Ryan rolls with the submission and now he's on top in Gates's guard! Nice work there by Ryan!
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Gates is trying to hold Ryan in close to prevent damage but Ryan has managed to pass into half guard.
Gates is refusing to be controlled, as Ryan sits in half guard.

Ryan is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ryan thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Ryan prevents Gates from improving his position.
Gates is positioning himself well to prevent Ryan advancing to mount.
Ryan tries to pass the half guard into mount. Gates knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Ryan missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Gates wants to improve his position but Ryan is controlling well.
Ryan thows a huge punch but Gates dodges it nicely.
Ryan is figuring out what he wants to do next.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Gates tries to roll over but Ryan keeps him under control.
Gates works his way to full guard. Good work.
Gates wants to control but instead he gets his guard passed and Ryan is now in half guard.
Ryan wants to pass to mount but Gates is defending the position.
Gates tries to roll over but Ryan keeps him under control.
Gates works his way to full guard. Good work.
Ryan won't allow Gates to sweep him here.

Gates working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Ryan doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Ryan manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Ryan trying to control but Gates is working from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ryan throws a big elbow that misses.
Ryan will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Gates tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Ryan trying to control the position from guard on top but Gates is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Gates looks to be working for a triangle here. Oh, it looks like he might have it! Ryan has picked Gates up and slammed him! Gates can't keep hold of the triangle and Ryan manages to pass to side control!
Gates tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Ryan wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.

Ryan wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Gates, who protects the arm well.
Gates tries to bench press Ryan off him but Ryan keeps the position.
Ryan tries to score with some ground and pound. Gates controls his posture well this time though and the shots don't do any damage.
Gates tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Ryan wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ryan 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.
Ryan misses with the ground and pound.
Gates tries to get back to half guard but can't.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Ryan wants to lay and pray for a moment but Gates keeps working.
Gates is looking to regain half guard here but Ryan keeps moving and retains side control.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Ryan misses with the ground and pound.
Gates tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Ryan wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Jordan Ryan will probably get the nod.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Gates looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
Ryan is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Gates's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Gates's back!
Ryan trying desperately to keep hold of the dominant position.
Ryan punches the canvas rather than the man.
You can see the frustration on Gates's face… He knows he is in trouble unless he improves his position sooner rather than later.
Gates turns into Ryan and is now in his guard.
Ryan tries to land a sweep but no joy.

Gates is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! Ryan is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! Ryan has escaped and now he's on top!

The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Ryan trying to control the position from guard on top but Gates is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Gates managing to control the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gates wants to control but Ryan passes easily into half guard.
Ryan trying to control the action but Gates is working from the bottom.
Gates is trying to get back to full guard.

Ryan is looking for a kimura but Gates is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Ryan to get the leverage.
Gates is trying to control but can't.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Gates can do anything to dispel that myth.
Gates blocking the ground and pound attempt from Ryan.
Gates is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Gates slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gates looking to sweep using the butterfly guard but Ryan puts pay to that idea as he passes nicely into half guard.
Ryan working over Gates with some ground and pound. Gates looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Ryan is looking to take a break and control but Gates is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Gates manages to get to full guard.
Ryan being controlled here momentarily.
Gates working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Ryan.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gates is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Gates looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Gates trying to control the position here.
Ryan slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
Gates manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!
Ryan trying to control from the bottom.
Ryan is pressing down on Gates's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.

Gates postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Ryan is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Gates, into his guard.

Gates tries to land a sweep but no joy.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ryan in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.

Ryan drops back looking for a leg! Gates is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Gates manages to kick Ryan off! Ryan jumps back into Gates's guard.
Ryan with a flurry of punches that miss.
Ryan is looking to work some ground and pound but Gates has wrist control.
Gates tries to land a sweep but no joy.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Gates pulls Ryan in close to prevent any damage.
Ryan postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Jordan Ryan will probably get the nod.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Gates throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Ryan was covering up waiting for the punch and Gates finishes the takedown easily into guard.

Gates drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but Ryan manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Gates has Ryan in his guard.

Ryan throwing strikes but missing.
Ryan won't allow Gates to sweep him here.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Gates is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Ryan trying to control but Gates is working from the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ryan with a flurry of punches that miss.
Ryan advances position into side control!
Ryan misses with the ground and pound.
Gates tries to get back to half guard but can't.
The referee tells the fighters to keep busy.
Gates tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Ryan wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Ryan wants to lay and pray for a moment but Gates keeps working.
A lull in the action here.

Ryan is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Gates knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ryan throwing strikes but missing, from side control.
Ryan moving around in side mount but really he's just happy to control for now.
You can see the frustration on Gates's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Ryan throwing strikes but missing, from side control.
Gates tries to buck Ryan off but Ryan is having none of it.
Gates is not content to let Ryan control the position.
Gates tries to get back to half guard but can't.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gates gets one leg under and gets the fight to half guard.

Ryan is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Gates wants to improve his position but Ryan is controlling well.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Ryan wants to lay and pray for a moment but Gates keeps working.
Ryan is really struggling to control Gates but he's trying to hold on to the position.
Gates has his hands clasped together around Ryan's back. He's all about the action.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.

Gates looking to score a takedown here. Ryan is defending well but Gates drives through and ends up in Ryan's guard.

Ryan looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.

Gates drops back, looking for a kneebar! Ryan looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Ryan looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Ryan!

Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Gates tries to get back to half guard but can't.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but Jordan Ryan did the better work so I'd imagine he'll take it.
That's time! Ryan's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Gates throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Ryan was covering up waiting for the punch and Gates finishes the takedown easily into guard.
Ryan is trying to control the position but Gates postures up.

Ryan is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Gates defends well.

Gates drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and Ryan dives on top into guard.

We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Gates looking for a sweep. Not yet Gates, not yet.
Ryan trying to control but Gates is working from the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ryan missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.

Ryan got a little sloppy there for a moment and Gates has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Ryan has managed to get both his arms back between Gates's legs - danger averted.
Gates looking to sweep using the butterfly guard but Ryan puts pay to that idea as he passes nicely into half guard.
Ryan is looking to take a break and control but Gates is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Gates is trying to get back to full guard.
Ryan wants to free his trapped foot but Gates is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Gates tries to get to full guard but Ryan has control of the leg.
Gates gets full guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ryan wants to pass the guard but Gates is keeping the position.
Gates is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Gates is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Ryan is just riding it out for now. Gates eventually gives up the hold.
Ryan trying to control from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Ryan is defending against the submission attempts here by Gates.
Ryan is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Gates's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Gates's back!

Gates defends a rear naked choke attempt by controlling one of Ryan's arms.
Gates is really stuck here.
Ryan is trying to stick to Gates's back but Gates is turning into Ryan. He's managed to reverse the position - now he's in Ryan's guard. Polite applause from the crowd in appreciation of some nice Jiu Jitsu by Gates.
Ryan keeping full guard, as Gates tries to pass.
Gates is still trying to improve position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ryan looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

Gates is looking to reverse the position.
Gates is not content to let Ryan control the position.

Ryan working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Gates is trying to get back to half guard.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close fourth round but I would say that Jordan Ryan will probably get the nod.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

A punch combination from Ryan misses.

Gates looking to score a takedown here. Ryan is defending well but Gates drives through and ends up in Ryan's guard.
Gates wants to pass the guard but Ryan is keeping the position.
Gates must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Ryan bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Gates's guard.

Gates is pulling down on Ryan's head to control his posture.
Gates is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Ryan loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ryan won't allow Gates to sweep him here.
Ryan sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Gates's guard.
Gates is looking for a sweep. Ryan is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Ryan seems to be working for a kimura but Gates defends the submission attempt.
Ryan prevents Gates from improving his position.
Gates keeping hold of Ryan's head, controlling as best he can.

Gates looking for submissions off his back.
Ryan prevents Gates from improving his position.
Ryan wants to take a breather but Gates is having none of it.

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.
Gates blocking the ground and pound attempt from Ryan.
Gates trying to control but Ryan postures up.

Ryan looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
Ryan frees up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Jordan Ryan overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Gates is trying to reverse the position but instead Ryan has taken his back - oops!

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Ryan patiently working for the choke. Which fighter will keep their nerve here?
Even with his hooks in, Ryan manages to miss with strikes from the back.
Gates is keeping busy.
Ryan doesn't have the hooks in and Gates manages to turn into his guard.
Gates trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

Gates is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! Ryan is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! Ryan has escaped and now he's on top!

Gates trying to keep a closed guard but Ryan is proving a slippery customer.

Gates had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Ryan defends it easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ryan trying to control the position from guard on top but Gates is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Jordan Ryan is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Ryan is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Gates 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.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Gates controlling Ryan's posture.
Kevin Gates has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Gates keeping moving, preventing Ryan from controlling successfully.

And that's the end of the fight!
Jordan Ryan showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Ryan has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Andrew Berry scores the fight 50:45
Judge Donald Grub scores the fight 50:45
Judge James Ackerman scores the fight 49:46

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jordan Ryan!
Jordan Ryan retains his light heavyweight title!
Post fight, an emotional Jordan Ryan said 'Let'ssss goooooo'.