PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Tony Skins (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and John Saunders (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Tony Skins has the edge in experience - let's see if he can make that count tonight.

Skins
vs
Saunders

190 cm
24
164 lbs
10 - 19 - 0

190 cm
20
169 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Solid boxing
Very strong

BJJ White Belt
Great elbows
Good gas tank

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 10 - 19 - 0, fighting out of London, Tony Skins!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, John Saunders!
The judges for this bout are Daniel Bishop, Andrew Berry and James Atkins.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A punch combination from Saunders misses.
Saunders looks to land a combination but Skins avoids it well.
Skins shoots in for a double leg but Saunders sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
John Saunders seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Saunders scores with a three punch combo!
Skins circles away from the clinch attempt.
The fight stays on the outside here - Saunders looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Skins is looking to clinch but Saunders is avoiding it.
Saunders uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Skins has time to react.
Saunders throws a body kick that misses.
Skins misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Skins tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Saunders paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Saunders misses with a body shot.
Skins takes a nasty kick to the mid section... That should keep him thinking. Does he try and block and risk a head kick landing?
Saunders throws a chopping leg kick but Skins manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Skins doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Skins misses with a takedown attempt - Saunders sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Saunders lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Saunders.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Skins shoots for a double leg takedown but Saunders sprawls well. He's pushed Skins's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Tony Skins. That's going to take a lot out of him.
A thudding body kick lands there by Saunders!
A decent looking body kick lands there for Saunders.
Skins is breathing heavily.

The fight moves into the clinch position.

Skins ties up his opponent against the cage and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. Skins no doubt will be looking to work submissions from his guard.
Saunders wants to stand and escape but instead Skins has hit a sweep and he's now on top in guard.
Skins won't allow Saunders to get back to his feet.
Skins controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Skins stopping the sweep attempt from Saunders.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Skins slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Skins stopping the sweep attempt from Saunders.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Saunders not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.

We're going to have a standup here because Tony Skins wasn't active enough for the referee's liking.
Saunders's jab looks to have found its range, popping Skins under the eye.
Saunders lands with a hook. Skins tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Saunders throws a front kick that sends Skins stumbling back into the cage.
Saunders misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Saunders scoring well with a low kick there.
Skins looks to land a combination but Saunders avoids it well.
Saunders throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Saunders is looking to clinch.
Skins tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in the close the distance. Saunders manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Skins shoots in for a takedown but Saunders shows good takedown defense.
Saunders throws a shot to the body.
Saunders lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
Saunders connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Skins momentarily.
A lazy body kick from Saunders

and Skins counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Saunders is trying to get back to full guard.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Saunders can do anything to dispel that myth.
Skins slows the pace down in half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.

The ref stands the fighters back up because Tony Skins just wasn't active enough.
Skins blocks a low kick nicely.
Skins tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Saunders paws at him with a jab and circles away.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Skins fails with the takedown.
Skins really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Saunders connects with a good right hand that stumbles Skins. Skins circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Saunders displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Skins.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

John Saunders dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Saunders uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Skins.
Skins fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Nice body punch from Saunders.
Saunders bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Skins's head backwards.
Skins throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Saunders counters with a leg kick that reverborates around the arena.
Skins fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Skins shoots in looking for a takedown. Saunders tries to sprawl out of it but Skins keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Saunders manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Tony Skins. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Skins shoots in and drives through. Saunders sprawls well.
Skins on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Saunders. Saunders obviously looking to wear him down.
Skins shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Saunders but Saunders pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
The fight stays on the outside here - Saunders looks like he's thinking about clinching though.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Skins takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Skins tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Saunders paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Saunders closes the distance but Skins moves to the side
and Skins counters with a body kick.
Saunders connects with a body shot that sends Skins's belly button to the back.
Skins takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Saunders ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Saunders uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Skins has time to react.
Saunders thuds a mid kick into his opponent's body. That will wear on Skins if he has to take too many more of those.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Saunders moves into range and connects with a jab.

Saunders closes the distance and pushes Skins back into the cage.
Saunders lands a nice shot to the body.
Saunders lands a body shot.
Saunders digs a right hand into Skins's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Skins's gas tank.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Saunders missing with knees to the body.
Saunders lands a hook that snaps the head of Skins backwards.
Saunders taking a breather.
Saunders pushes Skins back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Skins avoiding damage as Saunders throws knees to the body.
Saunders gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Skins.
Saunders lands a good knee to the midsection. Skins won't want to take too many of those.
Skins will be looking to protect his midsection after taking some solid kicks to the body.
Skins takes an elbow to the temple.
Saunders will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Skins up against the cage.
Saunders tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Skins is looking to break free of the clinch but Saunders has double underhooks.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Skins is looking to break free of the clinch but Saunders has double underhooks.
Skins blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Saunders trying to land knees to the body.
Saunders taking a breather.
Saunders throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Saunders doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Skins tries to stall but Saunders uses the opportunity to gain a better position.

Skins manages to break the clinch.
Saunders tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Skins paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Saunders fails with an attempt to clinch.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Saunders.
Skins tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Skins tries to clinch there but Saunders circles away.
Skins misses with a jab, cross combination.
John Saunders seems to be getting the better of the standup.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Crunch! Saunders slams his shin into Skins's torso.
Saunders wants to clinch.
Saunders stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Saunders wants it to stay on the feet.

Saunders pushes Skins up against the cage in a clinch.

Skins ties up his opponent against the cage and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. Skins no doubt will be looking to work submissions from his guard.

Saunders got a little sloppy there for a moment and Skins has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Saunders has managed to get both his arms back between Skins's legs - danger averted.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Saunders wants to pass the guard but Skins is keeping the position.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Saunders is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

John Saunders showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!

Saunders fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Skins closes the distance and lands a one-two.
Skins tries to close the distance and clinch but Saunders swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Skins tries to close the distance and clinch but Saunders swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Skins looks for a takedown but Saunders sprawls well.
Skins shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Saunders connects with a looping right hand.
Saunders leaves Skins with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Tony Skins. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Skins dodges the punch combination from Saunders.
Saunders slaps away a takedown attempt from Skins, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Tony Skins is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Saunders is looking to clinch but Skins is avoiding it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Skins throws a solid leg kick but Saunders takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Skins.
Saunders checks the leg kick.
Saunders tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Skins paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Skins misses with a takedown attempt
and Saunders counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Skins crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Saunders - the referee stops the clock and Skins gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Saunders. Skins manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.
Saunders throws a one two combo.
Saunders scores with a leg kick.
Saunders lands a leg kick that knocks Skins off balance momentarily.
Saunders throws a right and a left that both miss.
Skins wants to clinch up but Saunders keeps it at a distance.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Saunders goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Saunders lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.

Skins is rocked!
Skins looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Oh Skins is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Saunders connects with an inside leg kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Saunders connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
A punch lands to the side of Skins 's head but he takes it in his stride.
A left lands for Saunders.
Saunders is looking to clinch.
Saunders jabs Skins right on the nose. Skins blinks but takes it well.
Skins walks forward, straight into a front kick from Saunders.
Skins moves in looking to clinch but Saunders pushes him off.
Saunders misses with a body shot.
Saunders uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Saunders changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Saunders lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Skins at a distance.
Saunders connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Skins seems to have got his legs back now.
The fight stays on the outside here - Saunders looks like he's thinking about clinching though.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Saunders sizes up Skins with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Skins shoots in looking for a takedown but Saunders manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Skins's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Saunders lands a leg kick that knocks Skins off balance momentarily.
Saunders lands an overhand right.
Saunders stuffs the takedown.
Skins takes one on the button.
Saunders lands a nice leg kick that just misses Skins's sensitive parts.

Saunders gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Saunders has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Saunders goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Skins blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Skins struggles to land a body shot inside as Saunders controls his hands.
Saunders tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Saunders tries to land knees in the clinch but Skins avoids the damage to the body.
Saunders lands a body shot in the clinch.
Saunders is looking to control Skins's arms but Skins gets an underhook and turns him. Now Saunders has his back to the cage.
Skins fails to pull guard.
Saunders is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Skins is defending well for now.
Saunders tries to land knees in the clinch but Skins avoids the damage to the body.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Skins fails to pull guard.
Skins fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Skins tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Saunders smiles and moves away.
Saunders fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Skins has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Saunders's jab looks to have found its range, popping Skins under the eye.
Tony Skins has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Skins tries to bum rush Saunders with a series of wild strikes but Saunders uses good footwork to avoid the assault.

And that's the end of the fight!
John Saunders comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Saunders winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 Daniel Bishop scores the fight 27:30
Judge Andrew Berry scores the fight 27:30
Judge James Atkins scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... John Saunders!