PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Renji Abarai (ranked 1774 p4p, 2990 weight class) and Tyres Widforss (ranked 131 p4p, 200 weight class). Tyres Widforss told me before the fight that he's been watching a lot of DVDs so let's see if that helps him in this one! I can't wait to find out!

Abarai
vs
Widforss

175 cm
33
150
19 - 9 - 1

168 cm
27
150
11 - 12 - 0

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Granite chin

Good wrestler
Excellent boxer
Solid chin

Silverguard Outfitters 🛡
Furnace Performance 🔥

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 19 - 9 - 1, fighting out of New York, Renji Abarai!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 11 - 12 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Tyres Widforss!
The judges for this bout are Frank Dennis, Daniel Franklin and Tiny Johnson.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Abarai lands a nice leg kick that just misses Widforss's sensitive parts.

Widforss shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Abarai's guard.
Widforss pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Abarai is keeping the position for now.

Widforss has gone for a leg lock! Abarai slips out almost immediately though and dives into Widforss's guard.

Abarai got a little sloppy there for a moment and Widforss has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Abarai has managed to get both his arms back between Widforss's legs - danger averted.

Widforss escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Abarai gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Widforss has a closed guard, preventing Abarai from standing up.

Abarai gets to his feet - Widforss follows without any prompting.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Widforss crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Abarai - the referee stops the clock and Widforss gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Abarai. Widforss manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.
Abarai darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Widforss misses with a body shot.
Abarai is looking to counter punch.
Abarai throws a leg kick which misses Widforss's front leg but catches the back leg as Widforss tries to avoid it.
Widforss scores with the left hand. Abarai knows he should have avoided that one.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Widforss manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Abarai on his heels. He'll look to pass Abarai's guard now, I'm sure.
Widforss postures up in Abarai's guard and throws a big left but Abarai blocks it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Widforss in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Widforss is looking to work some ground and pound but Abarai has wrist control.

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

Abarai decides to take the fight back to the feet.
Abarai wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Abarai throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Widforss sees it coming and avoids it easily.
A looping hook to the body misses from Abarai. Widforss does a little dance to reset his feet.
Widforss stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Abarai.
Nice shot lands for Abarai.
Abarai lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Widforss shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Abarai as he jumps to the side.
Abarai half committed to a counter leg kick.
A head kick misses from Abarai.
Widforss drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Abarai defends it well.

Widforss darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Abarai keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Widforss throws a big elbow that misses, also allowing Abarai to regain full guard.
Abarai keeping moving, preventing Widforss from controlling successfully.
Abarai utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Widforss throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Widforss accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Widforss trying to control the position from guard on top but Abarai is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Widforss is looking to work some ground and pound but Abarai has wrist control.
Widforss postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Abarai utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Abarai is pulling down on Widforss's head to control his posture.
Widforss loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Widforss tries to free his leg and advance position but Abarai is retaining full guard.
Widforss is still trying to improve position.
Widforss trying to control the position from guard on top but Abarai is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Widforss trying to pass the guard. He's being very persistent here but Abarai manages to land a sweep and now he's on top!

The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Abarai tries to stand but Widforss is controlling from the bottom.
Widforss looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

Widforss is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Abarai gets to his feet - Widforss follows without any prompting.
Abarai connects with a leg kick.
Widforss throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Renji Abarai is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Widforss shoots in for a double leg but Abarai sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Abarai uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Widforss has time to react.
Abarai walks into a straight right hand from Widforss.
Abarai avoids the body shot from Widforss.
Abarai was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
Abarai ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Abarai with a nice calf kick.
A jab from Widforss misses.
Widforss misses with a looping left.
Abarai lands a nice looking body kick.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Widforss dives in and grabs Abarai's left leg, looking for a takedown. Abarai pushes down on Widforss's head and hops out.
Renji Abarai has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Tyres Widforss.
Abarai is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Abarai lands with an overhand left.
Abarai takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Widforss tries to score a power double leg takedown but Abarai sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Widforss somewhat.
Abarai half committed to a counter leg kick.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Renji Abarai dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Widforss slips a straight right by Abarai.
Widforss changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Widforss looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Abarai connects with a jab.
Widforss is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Abarai.
Widforss scores with a hook.
A swing and a miss from Abarai.
Abarai stuns Widforss with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Widforss misses the shot to the body.
Abarai scores with a leg kick.
Widforss dives in and grabs Abarai's left leg, looking for a takedown. Abarai pushes down on Widforss's head and hops out.
Abarai throws a wild body kick that Widforss sees coming a mile off.
Renji Abarai seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Abarai lands a nice shot that snaps Widforss's head back.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A leg kick checked by Widforss.
Widforss with the counter takedown but Abarai avoids it easily.

Widforss looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Widforss is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.

Widforss is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Abarai is just riding it out for now. Widforss eventually gives up the hold.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Widforss is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Abarai has managed to free his arm - good work.

Widforss is working for a submission of some sort.
Widforss prevents Abarai from standing back up.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.

Widforss wants to work for an arm triangle but Abarai is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Widforss wants to take a breather but Abarai is having none of it.
Widforss prevents Abarai from improving his position.
Widforss wants to advance to full mount but Abarai doesn't think that's going to happen and regains full guard instead.
Widforss wants to pass the guard but Abarai is keeping the position.
Abarai wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Widforss trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Widforss throws an elbow that misses. Abarai uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Widforss's guard. Nice move by Abarai!

Widforss trying to strike off his back.

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

Abarai decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Widforss, up you get!
Abarai is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Widforss can do to turn this around?
Widforss has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Widforss there as he acknowledges the shot.
Abarai scores with a jab to the jaw.

Widforss closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
Widforss trying to control the action but Abarai is working from the bottom.

Widforss goes for an armbar here - this could be all over! But no, Abarai has escaped beautifully and is now on top in side control! Oh, that's unlucky for Widforss but great work by Abarai.
Renji Abarai overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Abarai stands up and we're back to a striking position.
Abarai lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Widforss has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Abarai finds it's way round the side to connect with Widforss's head.
Renji Abarai is winning the standup battle so far.
A slow jab from Widforss misses its intended target.
Abarai throws a looping overhand right but Widforss ducks down to avoid it.
Widforss smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Widforss fails with a takedown attempt.
Renji Abarai has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Tyres Widforss.
Abarai connects with a solid leg kick.
Widforss shoots in but no luck this time.
Widforss moves forwards but Abarai connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Widforss fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Abarai throws a body shot but no joy.
Abarai tries to score with a low kick but Widforss moves his leg out of the way.
Widforss fails with a takedown attempt.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Renji Abarai 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. This is the final round!

Widforss moves into range and connects with a jab.
Abarai fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Widforss has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Widforss takes one on the button.
Widforss tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Abarai was well out of range. Poor timing from Widforss.
Widforss shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Sloppy strikes from Widforss. Those never looked like landing.
Abarai ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Widforss moves away.
Widforss swings for the body but Abarai moves out of range.
Abarai uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Widforss.
Abarai lands with a shot to the body.
Widforss throws out a loose jab but Abarai uses good head movement to avoid it.
Widforss walks into a straight right hand from Abarai.
Widforss steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Abarai.
Widforss walks into a stiff left hand from Abarai.
Good leg kick by Abarai.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
A telegraphed right hand from Abarai misses the target.
Widforss is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Widforss throws out a loose jab but Abarai uses good head movement to avoid it.
A nice leg kick lands there from Abarai.
Abarai moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Abarai scores with a nice strike.
Widforss walks into a jab.
Abarai throws a shot from downtown. Widforss moves away and avoids it.
Widforss stuns Abarai with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
A nice leg kick from Abarai, right into the meat of the thigh.
Abarai dips down and scores with a jab to the body.

Widforss looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
Abarai working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Widforss.
Widforss pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Abarai is keeping the position for now.
Widforss sitting in guard here, content to control.
Widforss looking to sit in guard and control but Abarai gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

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!
Abarai has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Widforss is proving hard to escape from.
Tyres Widforss has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Renji Abarai is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Both fighters have adopted an aggressive gameplan on the ground!

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Widforss throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Widforss looking to control.

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

Abarai gets to his feet. Widforss looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!
Widforss misses with a body shot.
Widforss throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Abarai digs a good hook to Widforss's body.
Widforss dives in and grabs Abarai's left leg, looking for a takedown. Abarai pushes down on Widforss's head and hops out.
Widforss takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Abarai cracks Widforss with a good jab.
Widforss misses the jab.
Abarai lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Widforss shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Widforss's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Widforss looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Widforss darts in looking for a takedown but Abarai gets double underhooks and turns Widforss into the cage.
A solid body kick from Abarai.
Widforss takes one on the button.
Abarai scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Widforss misses with a hook.
The fighters circling - Widforss throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
A looping hook to the body misses from Widforss. Abarai does a little dance to reset his feet.
Abarai connects with a single shot there.
Abarai turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Abarai works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Abarai connects with a crisp jab.
Abarai scores with a nice head shot.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Widforss takes a swing at Abarai's ribcage but misses.
A punch lands to the side of Widforss 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Abarai clobbers Widforss with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Widforss throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Widforss has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Abarai.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Widforss tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Abarai scores with a punch to the head.
Widforss is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Abarai.
Widforss fails with a takedown attempt.
Renji Abarai has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Tyres Widforss.
A low kick lands for Abarai.
Widforss walks into a jab.
Abarai scores with the left hand. Widforss knows he should have avoided that one.
Nice shot lands for Widforss.
Abarai connects with a nice looking jab.
Abarai changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Widforss throws a body shot but no joy.
Widforss takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Widforss gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Abarai connects with a crisp jab.
Widforss has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Widforss throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Abarai scores with a sloppy right hand. Widforss should have avoided that one.
Nice jab there from Abarai.

And that's the end of the fight!
Renji Abarai showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Abarai 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Frank Dennis scores the fight 30:27
Judge Daniel Franklin scores the fight 30:27
Judge Tiny Johnson scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Renji Abarai!
Renji Abarai decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.