PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Ko Van Den Born (ranked 653 p4p, 381 weight class) and Krsto Vujić (ranked 100 p4p, 55 weight class). Vujić has chosen Regeaton Montenegro as his entrance music. The crowd giving both fighters a great reception on their way into the arena. That's good to see.

Van Den Born
vs
Vujić

190 cm
29
190
16 - 8 - 0

187 cm
32
191
18 - 12 - 1

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
World class MT
Granite chin

Conviction

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 16 - 8 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Ko Van Den Born!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 18 - 12 - 1, fighting out of Amsterdam, Krsto Vujić!
The judges for this bout are Frank Antenori, Percy O'Donnell and Jack Bonds.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Vujić moves out of range of the body kick.
Vujić just misses with a punch to the body.
Van Den Born punishes Vujić's body with a nice straight punch.
Vujić uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Van Den Born.
Vujić keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
We can't be sure of the tactics at this early stage but we have heard that Vujić has been working on his takedowns a lot in the buildup to the fight and we can only assume he's going to look to take this to the mat.
Vujić slips a straight right by Van Den Born.
Van Den Born pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Vujić lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Van Den Born at a distance.
Vujić throws a left and a right that both miss
and Van Den Born counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Nice cross by Vujić.
Van Den Born uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Vujić.
Van Den Born swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Vujić throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Van Den Born is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from Vujić.
Van Den Born misses with a right hand
and Vujić counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.

Vujić rushes Van Den Born and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Van Den Born misses with the head strike.
A shot in the inside from Van Den Born.

Van Den Born breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Vujić throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Van Den Born takes one to the chin there.
Vujić tries to clinch
and Van Den Born counters with a nice uppercut.

It looks like Krsto Vujić has been cut.
Vujić throws a good cross that connects.
Krsto Vujić seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Vujić changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
A nice leg kick lands there from Van Den Born.

Vujić drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Van Den Born's coaches at potato place have been working on his defensive grappling in preparation for this fight so let's see if he can get out of this tricky position.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Vujić wants to control but Van Den Born is keeping him busy.
Van Den Born tries to bench press Vujić off him but Vujić keeps the position.
Vujić wants to lay and pray for a moment but Van Den Born keeps working.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Van Den Born is being controlled here.
Let's hope that Vujić has the urge to step up the pace any second now because for the last 15 or 20 seconds he's just been holding on tight.

Van Den Born explodes and escapes back to his feet! Nice escape there!
Van Den Born takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Vujić fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Van Den Born avoids it really well and circles away.
Van Den Born throws a leg kick
enabling Vujić to counter with a crisp jab.
A swing and a miss from Vujić.
Van Den Born dodges the punch combination from Vujić.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A slow jab from Vujić misses its intended target.
Vujić throws a body punch but Van Den Born moves out of range.
A left lands for Vujić.
Vujić tries to close the distance and clinch up but Van Den Born swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Ko Van Den Born is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Vujić scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Vujić slips a jab and a cross from Van Den Born.
Vujić fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Van Den Born takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Vujić lands a nice hook to Van Den Born's body. Van Den Born takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Vujić tests Van Den Born's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Van Den Born throws a lazy right hand but Vujić sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Vujić lands with an uppercut that bounces Van Den Born off the cage and back into range.
Vujić looks to clinch
and Van Den Born counters with an outside leg kick.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Van Den Born throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Vujić moves into the clinch.
Vujić misses with some punches.
Van Den Born misses with some punches.
Van Den Born blocking some punches.
Van Den Born misses with a hook from the clinch.
Van Den Born lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Vujić.
Vujić fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Van Den Born misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Van Den Born blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Vujić tries to work over Van Den Born's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Van Den Born misses with the head strike.
Van Den Born throws a punch but it's blocked by Vujić.
Vujić doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Vujić blocks a punch to the side of the head.

Van Den Born escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Van Den Born misses with a low kick.
Vujić throws a hook but Van Den Born avoids it easily.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Krsto Vujić dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Krsto Vujić's cut.
That's time! Van Den Born's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Van Den Born connects with a right hand. Vujić shakes it off.
Van Den Born looks to score with a jab to the body but Vujić is just out of range.
Vujić looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Van Den Born walks into a jab.
Vujić throws a hook to the side of Van Den Born's head but Van Den Born sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Vujić tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Van Den Born was well out of range. Poor timing from Vujić.
Van Den Born needs to keep his hands up - Vujić had a free shot at his head there.
Van Den Born connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Vujić's hands.

Vujić closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Van Den Born's guard.

Van Den Born has managed to wall walk up one of the corner posts to get back to his feet. Vujić is pushing him up against the cage, looking to control the position.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Vujić tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Van Den Born's elbow.

Vujić is working on a single leg takedown against the cage. Van Den Born can't fight it off and eventually Vujić manages to take the fight to the floor. Van Den Born looks annoyed but at least he's managed to land in guard.
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Vujić stands and throws Van Den Born's legs to the side, diving into side control.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Van Den Born manages to get back to half guard.
Vujić content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.
Vujić lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Van Den Born wants to improve his position but Vujić is controlling well.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Vujić is just content to waste time from the top position. Van Den Born takes advantage of the situation and regains full guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Vujić slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Vujić is fighting to break Van Den Born's control of his arms but Van Den Born is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
Vujić trying to control the position from guard on top but Van Den Born is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Vujić controlling from the top position.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.
Vujić trying to move into half guard but instead Van Den Born has managed to sweep!

Van Den Born showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Vujić is looking to sweep but instead, Van Den Born has passed into half guard.

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.
Vujić wants to improve his position but Van Den Born is controlling well.
Van Den Born content to control rather than advance.
Van Den Born is looking to take a break and control but Vujić is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Vujić trying to control but Van Den Born postures up.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.
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 Ko Van Den Born will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Krsto Vujić's cut.
That's time! Van Den Born's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Van Den Born uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Vujić.

Vujić instigates a clinch.
Vujić goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Van Den Born misses with a short punch on the inside.
Van Den Born tries to throw a body punch but Vujić avoids it by throwing Van Den Born back against the cage.
A short right from Van Den Born on the inside.
A shot in the inside from Van Den Born.
Vujić is looking for a takedown.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Van Den Born.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Van Den Born.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Vujić.
Van Den Born blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Vujić tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Van Den Born's elbow.

Van Den Born pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Vujić connects with a body shot that sends Van Den Born's belly button to the back.
Vujić swings for the body but Van Den Born moves out of range.
A slow jab from Van Den Born misses its intended target.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Vujić swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Van Den Born connects with a jab.
Van Den Born moves into range and connects with a jab.
Van Den Born throws a big shot that misses.
Vujić lands a lovely overhand right.
Vujić connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Vujić tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Vujić is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Van Den Born uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Vujić.
It looked like Van Den Born wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Van Den Born scores with a one two! Vujić had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.
Vujić misses with a wild body shot.
Van Den Born misses with a looping right.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Vujić.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Van Den Born scores with a body shot.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Van Den Born throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Van Den Born misses with a hook.
Vujić tries to counter by closing the distance.
Van Den Born throws out a loose jab but Vujić uses good head movement to avoid it.
Vujić wants to clinch.
An attempted straight right counter from Van Den Born misses the target.
Van Den Born takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Van Den Born misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Vujić.
And Vujić tries to counter it with a takedown but Van Den Born pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Vujić throws a sloppy body shot
and Van Den Born counters with a straight right hand.
Van Den Born staying out of range there.
It looked like Van Den Born wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
A slow jab from Vujić misses its intended target.
Van Den Born misses with a right hand
and Vujić connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Van Den Born ducks under a wild hook from Vujić.
Vujić connects with a single shot there.
Van Den Born closes the distance and lands a one-two.
Krsto Vujić seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Van Den Born goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Vujić misses with a telegraphed body shot
and Van Den Born counters with a series of strikes. Vujić will be more careful next time no doubt.
Vujić connects with a good right hand that stumbles Van Den Born. Van Den Born circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Vujić scores with a jab.
Van Den Born uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Vujić.
Van Den Born throwing a counter right hand but Vujić manages to avoid it.
Vujić misses with a wild body shot.
Van Den Born looks to score with a jab to the body but Vujić is just out of range.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Vujić! But no joy.
Van Den Born moves out of range as Vujić strikes.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Vujić lands a nice looking body shot.
Van Den Born throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Van Den Born slips under a jab from Vujić.
Vujić throws a lazy right hand but Van Den Born sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
And Van Den Born counters with a quick kick to the body but Vujić blocks it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Vujić tries to clinch there but Van Den Born circles away.
Vujić throws a series of strikes that have Van Den Born backpedaling.
Vujić bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Vujić uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Van Den Born.
And Vujić tries to counter it with a takedown but Van Den Born pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Van Den Born throws a lazy right hand but Vujić sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Van Den Born looks to land a body kick but Vujić moved away.
Van Den Born misses with a hook.
Van Den Born cracks Vujić with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Vujić misses with a takedown attempt - Van Den Born sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Ko Van Den Born has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Krsto Vujić.
Van Den Born displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Vujić throws out the jab.
Van Den Born uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.

That has opened up Krsto Vujić's cut even more.
Vujić looks to land a right hand but Van Den Born moved out of range.
Van Den Born moves away from the strike by Vujić.
Vujić ducks down and throws a hook to the body.

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 Ko Van Den Born.
I think Van Den Born has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Frank Antenori scores the fight 29:28
Judge Percy O'Donnell scores the fight 29:28
Judge Jack Bonds scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Ko Van Den Born!
A relieved looking Ko Van Den Born thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.
In defeat, Krsto Vujić stepped up to the mic, saying 'Who loses a Win, wins a Loss'.