PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Arthit Kittisak (ranked 4208 p4p, 5085 weight class) and Fez Rao (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Fez Rao has the power to score a knockout today if he connects clean with Arthit Kittisak's chin.

Kittisak
vs
Rao

180 cm
25
154
2 - 2 - 0

168 cm
25
165
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Intelligent

Good wrestler
Decent boxing
Solid 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 2 - 2 - 0, fighting out of London, Arthit Kittisak!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Fez Rao!
The judges for this bout are Paulsen Ambrosius, Paul Aken and Nard Betker.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kittisak misses with a looping right.
Kittisak throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
A nice side step and Rao releases a counter shot to the body, but it doesn't find it's home.

Kittisak tries to keep at a distance but Rao has taken the fight into the clinch.
Kittisak tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Rao is struggling to control the position.
Rao should think about turning a few of those tyres round his middle into muscle if he wants people to take him seriously as an athlete.
Rao blocking some punches.
Rao wants to get back to striking at distance but Kittisak won't allow it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rao has Kittisak pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Kittisak manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Kittisak is trying to break the clinch but Rao has him pressed against the cage.
Kittisak is defending well against a takedown attempt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kittisak gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Rao.
Arthit Kittisak has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Fez Rao.
Rao tries to pull guard but Kittisak won't allow it.
Rao tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Kittisak avoids it.
Rao scores with a shoulder strike.
Rao tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Kittisak just stands there and leans against the cage.

Kittisak breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Kittisak throws a shot to the body.
Rao fails with a takedown attempt from distance.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rao blocks a head kick by Kittisak.
Kittisak throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Kittisak throws a right hand that Rao ducks under and follows up with a left that Rao also avoids with ease.
Kittisak swings for the body but Rao moves out of range.
Despite the aggression on Rao's face he doesn't fully commit to the counter.
Kittisak takes a swing at Rao's ribcage but misses.
Rao throws a body punch but Kittisak moves out of range.
Kittisak tries to land a body kick

and Rao counters by clinching up.
Rao tries for a takedown but Kittisak manages to get underhooks.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Rao.
The referee is keeping an eye on Rao - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.

Rao successfully pulls guard.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Rao wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Rao tries to strike from the bottom.
Kittisak wants to stand but Rao has a closed guard, so he can't escape.

Kittisak stands up from Rao's guard - Kittisak perhaps looking for a knockout.
Rao fails with the takedown.

Rao fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Kittisak, pushing him back against the cage.
Rao wants to break free but Kittisak has control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.

Kittisak pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Rao blocks a head kick by Kittisak.
Kittisak throws a nice head kick!
Kittisak throws a head kick but Rao moves out of range.
Kittisak throws a wild body kick that Rao sees coming a mile off.
Rao with the counter takedown but Kittisak avoids it easily.
The fight stays on the outside here - Rao looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Arthit Kittisak seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Rao shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.

Kittisak gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.

Kittisak has butterfly guard. He's looking to stand up here. He pushes Rao off him and springs to his feet nicely. The crowd applauds.
Rao looks winded!
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Kittisak misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Nice cross by Kittisak.
Rao changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Kittisak tries to avoid it but Rao manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Kittisak to the ground. Kittisak escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Kittisak thuds a left hand into Rao's body.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Arthit Kittisak dominated that round.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.

Kittisak looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Rao throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Kittisak's waist but Kittisak gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Rao off to one side.
Kittisak throws a head kick that half lands.
Kittisak is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Rao can do to turn this around?
Rao has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Kittisak finds it's way round the side to connect with Rao's head.
Kittisak throws a lazy head kick
and Rao counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Rao lands the left hand.
Kittisak avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Rao takes a kick to the side of the head.
Rao takes a nasty kick to the mid section... That should keep him thinking. Does he try and block and risk a head kick landing?

Rao drives through and clinches with Kittisak against the cage.
Rao is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Rao is trying to pull guard but Kittisak has him pressed against the cage.
Arthit Kittisak has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Fez Rao.
Kittisak lands a right hand that snaps the head of Rao backwards.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Kittisak wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Rao has him pressed against the cage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kittisak wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Rao has him pressed against the cage.
Rao is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Rao is trying to force a seperation but Kittisak has the dominant position.
Rao is looking to take this one to the mat.

Kittisak breaks from the clinch.
Rao takes a nasty kick to the mid section... That should keep him thinking. Does he try and block and risk a head kick landing?
Rao takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Kittisak misses with a body shot.
Arthit Kittisak is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Rao shoots in and drives through. Kittisak sprawls well.
Rao is breathing heavily.
A head kick by Kittisak misses
and Rao counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rao keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Rao wants to counter the offense by Kittisak and move into the clinch position.
Rao blocks the body kick.
Kittisak swings for the body but Rao moves out of range.
Kittisak throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Rao fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Kittisak throws a head kick that half lands.
Rao avoids a kick to the body.
Kittisak feints a jab promting Rao to slip. Kittisak then demonstrates his capabilities by jabbing again. Rao slips again and ducks right into an uppercut.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Rao tries to score a power double leg takedown but Kittisak sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Rao somewhat.
Kittisak throws a mid kick that lands with a slap.
Kittisak scores with a head kick. Rao tried to block it but didn't get his arm up in time.
Arthit Kittisak is winning the standup battle so far.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rao shoots in but Kittisak avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Rao blocks a head kick by Kittisak.

Rao clinches with his opponent.
Kittisak throws a head punch that misses.
Kittisak misses with a punch on the inside.
Rao has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Kittisak avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Kittisak on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Kittisak struggles to land a body shot inside as Rao controls his hands.
Rao has had enough of the clinch but Kittisak keeps him there for the moment.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kittisak lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Kittisak can't find room to land a body shot as Rao controls the action.
Kittisak pushes Rao back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Kittisak.

Kittisak's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Rao blocks a head kick by Kittisak.
Kittisak throws a head kick that misses.
Rao misses with a double jab.
Rao tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Kittisak swivels and escapes.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Arthit Kittisak dominated that second round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare each other down, ready to get back to the action. And we move into the final round!

Rao tries for a takedown but Kittisak sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Rao avoids a punch combination nicely.
Kittisak throws a body kick that misses.
Rao misses with a head kick.
Kittisak throws a nice head kick!
Rao throws a combination. Kittisak tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
Rao shoots for a takedown but Kittisak saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Rao tries for a takedown but Kittisak sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Arthit Kittisak has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Fez Rao.
Rao has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by Kittisak.
Kittisak lands with a nice body punch.
A thudding body kick lands there by Kittisak!
A big left from Kittisak misses.
Rao takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Rao closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Kittisak lands with a kick to the temple. Rao shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
Kittisak lands an overhand right.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kittisak lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
Rao tries to close the distance and clinch up but Kittisak swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Kittisak changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Rao is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Rao shoots in for a takedown but Kittisak shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Kittisak scores with a head kick.
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Kittisak. Rao shrugs it off though.
Rao goes for a double leg but Kittisak avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Kittisak continues to drive forward.
Kittisak connects with a jab.
Kittisak lands with a kick to the temple. Rao shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
Rao lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Kittisak circles away quickly and effectively.
Kittisak lets loose with a powerful body kick. Rao will feel that in the morning.
Kittisak is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Kittisak lands a head kick!
Rao moves in looking to clinch but Kittisak pushes him off.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nice uppercut there from Kittisak.
Kittisak changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
A slapping body kick lands there for Kittisak.
Kittisak misses with a wild body shot.
Kittisak goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Rao tries to clinch there but Kittisak circles away.
Fez Rao is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Rao wants to clinch up but Kittisak keeps it at a distance.
Kittisak looks to land a left hand but Rao moved out of range nicely.
Kittisak is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
Kittisak throws a body shot but no joy.
A big left from Kittisak misses.

Rao closes the distance and clinches.
Rao wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Kittisak has him pressed against the cage.
Kittisak is trying to force a seperation but Rao has the dominant position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rao tries to break the clinch but Kittisak is controlling the position.
Rao goes for a takedown in the clinch but Kittisak prevents it.

Kittisak breaks from the clinch.
Rao steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Kittisak.
Rao avoids the head kick by Kittisak.
Kittisak throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Rao has developed a nice purple lump on his ribcage, as a result of some heavy body kicks from Kittisak.
Nice body kick there by Kittisak.
Kittisak stuffs the takedown attempt from Rao. Rao gets slowly back to his feet.
Rao slips a jab and a cross from Kittisak.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rao fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Kittisak avoids it really well and circles away.
Kittisak throws the kick towards the body but Rao avoids it.
Kittisak throws a hook but Rao avoids it easily.
Kittisak throws a half hearted mid kick.
Kittisak goes for a high kick. It partially lands.

Rao moves into the clinch.
Rao is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Kittisak to keep the fight standing.
Rao jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Kittisak walks away with a smile on his face. Rao gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Rao tries to close the distance and clinch up but Kittisak swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Kittisak swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Kittisak goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Fez Rao has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Arthit Kittisak is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Kittisak stuns Rao with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.

And that's the end of the fight!
Arthit Kittisak showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Kittisak, 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 Paulsen Ambrosius scores the fight 30:27
Judge Paul Aken scores the fight 30:27
Judge Nard Betker scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Arthit Kittisak!