PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Pablo Escobar (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Rey Jericho (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Jericho has chosen Creedence Clearwater Revival: Fortunate Son as his entrance music. Fingers crossed for an exciting fight - I'm sure both fighters are looking for a nice under the table bonus!

Escobar
vs
Jericho

180 cm
19
160 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

173 cm
19
165 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Big heart

Good takedowns
Basic striking
Solid chin

Red Light Clothing ► Amsterdam!
Adrenaline

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 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Pablo Escobar!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Rey Jericho!
The judges for this bout are Paulsen Ambrosius, Aafke Stam and Saam Ante.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Escobar shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Jericho as he avoids it easily.

Jericho closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Escobar quickly recovers to half guard.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.
Jericho not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Jericho throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.

Jericho is looking for a kimura but Escobar is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Jericho to get the leverage.
Jericho looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Escobar has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Jericho is working away from the top position though.
Jericho thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Escobar's head.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Jericho stops Escobar from getting back to his feet.
Jericho missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Escobar is looking to improve his position.
Escobar has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Jericho is working away from the top position though.
Jericho working Escobar over with strikes.
Escobar is looking to improve his position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Jericho working over Escobar with some ground and pound. Escobar looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Jericho looks to score some points with some ground and pound.

Jericho is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Escobar defends it well.

Jericho wants to work for an arm triangle but Escobar is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Jericho throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Escobar blocking the ground and pound attempt from Jericho.
Escobar is looking for a sweep. Jericho is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Jericho is thwarting Escobar's attempts to control the position.
Escobar wants to get back to his feet.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Jericho lands a nice short elbow.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Escobar has hold of Jericho's hands but Jericho slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Escobar is looking to improve his position.
Jericho lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Jericho connects with a nice short shot to Escobar's temple.
Jericho working Escobar over with strikes.

Escobar is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Jericho pulls his head out easily.

Escobar actively working from the bottom here.
Escobar is looking to control Jericho's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Escobar avoid being mounted?

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

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Jericho looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Escobar with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Jericho with the ground and pound but Escobar uses the opportunity to regain guard.
Escobar lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Jericho!
Jericho is looking to get to half guard.
Escobar trying to control but Jericho is having none of it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Jericho wants to hold on but Escobar pushes him away.
Escobar controlling his opponent.
Jericho is in all sorts of trouble here.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Jericho holds of for dear life.
Escobar throwing strikes but Jericho recovers to half guard. A much better position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Rey Jericho dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Escobar fails miserably with a takedown attempt.

Jericho closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Escobar's guard.
Jericho makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Jericho with a nice head shot there.
Jericho must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Jericho postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Escobar is trying to keep Jericho in close.

Jericho is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.
Jericho is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Jericho passes Escobar's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Rey Jericho has got the better of the ground game so far.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Jericho is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Escobar is trying to control but can't.
Escobar is not content to let Jericho control the position.
Jericho looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Jericho slips a nice elbow through Escobar's hands, connecting with Escobar's forehead.
Escobar looks like he's trying to stand up.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Jericho connects with a nice short shot to Escobar's temple.
Escobar has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Jericho is working away from the top position though.

Jericho is looking for a kimura but Escobar is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Jericho to get the leverage.
Escobar trying to control from the bottom.
Jericho missing with the ground and pound from half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Jericho lands with a punch from half guard.
Escobar avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Jericho.
Jericho wants to control but Escobar is keeping him busy.
Jericho is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
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!
Jericho throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Jericho working Escobar over with strikes.
Escobar on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Jericho sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Escobar defending well though.
Escobar gets back to full guard.
Jericho postures up in Escobar's guard and throws a big left but Escobar blocks it.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Jericho's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Jericho makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Jericho missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Jericho is pushing down on Escobar's leg trying to pass to half guard. Escobar is fighting to maintain full guard but Jericho has managed to sneak the leg through.
Escobar pushes Jericho off looking to stand but Jericho dives back in and keeps control.
Jericho not landing any meaningful shots this time.

Escobar looking for submissions off his back.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

Jericho is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Escobar defends it well.
Escobar has hold of Jericho's hands but Jericho slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Jericho seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Jericho missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Jericho throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Escobar is trying to maintain the position but Jericho is very close to passing his half guard.
Jericho thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Jericho landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Jericho lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Escobar trying to control here.
Jericho throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Jericho lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Nice strikes from Jericho there.
Jericho lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Escobar blocking the ground and pound attempt from Jericho.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Rey Jericho showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!

Jericho circles away from the clinch attempt.
Jericho tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Escobar swivels and escapes.
Escobar tries to clinch

and Jericho counters with a shoot takedown. Escobar fights it but they end up in guard.
Jericho postures up in Escobar's guard and throws a big left but Escobar blocks it.
Jericho throws an elbow that misses. Escobar uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Jericho's guard. Nice move by Escobar!
Escobar trying to control but Jericho is working from the bottom.
Escobar loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Jericho can do anything to dispel that myth.
Escobar throws an elbow that misses. Jericho uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Escobar's guard. Nice move by Jericho!
Escobar manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Escobar thowing shots but they're missing.
Escobar trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Jericho wants to hold on but Escobar pushes him away.

Escobar moves into side control, trying to work for a kimura. That looks painful! Will he finish!!?? No, Jericho has worked his arm free - good work by Jericho!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Jericho pushes Escobar away and creates a bit of space to escape. He's almost out here... but no, Escobar gets a good hold of his legs and remains firmly in side control.
Escobar wants to lay and pray for a moment but Jericho keeps working.
Jericho gets back to half guard.
Escobar throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Escobar looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Jericho tries to roll over but Escobar keeps him under control.
The fighters are battling for position here. Jericho manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Rey Jericho is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Escobar is looking to work some ground and pound but Jericho has wrist control.
Jericho is controlling Escobar's posture.

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

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Jericho is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Jericho is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Jericho controlling Escobar's posture.

And that's the end of the fight!
Rey Jericho comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Jericho 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 Paulsen Ambrosius scores the fight 27:30
Judge Aafke Stam scores the fight 27:30
Judge Saam Ante scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Rey Jericho!
Rey Jericho spent the whole post fight interview bigging himself up. It didn't go down that well with the fans after a while as they thought it was a big arrogant.