PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between George Saint Pierre (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Mitsuharu Misawa (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). George Saint Pierre had a look across the cage there at his opponent. He definitely means business

Saint Pierre
vs
Misawa

178 cm
25
170 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

184 cm
18
177 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Cuts easily

BJJ White Belt
Good elbows
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, George Saint Pierre!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Mitsuharu Misawa!
The judges for this bout are Robert Douchet, Alec Ball and William Peck.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Saint Pierre throws a right hand that Misawa ducks under and follows up with a left that Misawa also avoids with ease.
Saint Pierre avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Misawa tries to clinch up.

Saint Pierre has taken the fight to the clinch.

Saint Pierre breaks the clinch.
Saint Pierre throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Misawa pivots, looking for a leg kick but Saint Pierre is out of range and Misawa settles back down.
Misawa tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Saint Pierre paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Saint Pierre looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Misawa is fending him off so far but Saint Pierre persists. Nope, Misawa circles away and we're back to standing.
Misawa tries to clinch there but Saint Pierre circles away.
Saint Pierre shoots in and drives through. Misawa sprawls well.
Misawa moves in looking to clinch but Saint Pierre pushes him off.
A telegraphed right hand from Saint Pierre misses the target.
Misawa is looking to clinch.

Misawa clinches up with Saint Pierre and pushes him back against the cage.
Misawa's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.
Misawa throws an elbow but it misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Misawa looking to slow down the pace here.
Knees to the body from Saint Pierre.
The referee is keeping an eye on Misawa - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.
Misawa throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
Misawa throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.

Saint Pierre manages to break the clinch.
Misawa tries to work over Saint Pierre's front leg with a kick but Saint Pierre checks it.
Mitsuharu Misawa is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Nice sprawl there from Misawa as Saint Pierre shoots in.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for George Saint Pierre. That's going to take a lot out of him.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Saint Pierre.
Saint Pierre tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Mitsuharu Misawa seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Saint Pierre circles away from the clinch attempt.

Saint Pierre clinches with his opponent.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Saint Pierre manages to pull guard.
Saint Pierre keeping moving, preventing Misawa from controlling successfully.
Misawa wanted to stand there but Saint Pierre had control of the position.
Saint Pierre managing to control the position.
Misawa trying to control the position from guard on top but Saint Pierre is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Mitsuharu Misawa was stalling too much, according to the referee.

Saint Pierre has taken the fight to the clinch.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Saint Pierre has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Misawa avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Misawa pushes off an throws an elbow but Saint Pierre leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
Misawa pushes off an throws an elbow but Saint Pierre leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Misawa misses with an elbow over the top.
Misawa creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Saint Pierre's defenses.

It looks like George Saint Pierre has been cut.
Misawa lands an elbow inside.
Saint Pierre is trying to break the clinch but Misawa has him pressed against the cage.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Misawa creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Saint Pierre's defenses.
Saint Pierre looking to stall.
Misawa has Saint Pierre pressed against the cage.
Saint Pierre misses with a hook to the ribs.
Misawa throws an elbow but it misses.
Misawa stalling against the cage.
Saint Pierre is trying to break the clinch but Misawa has him pressed against the cage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Misawa looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Misawa is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Misawa just misses with a elbow thrown towards Saint Pierre's brow.
Good body shot from Saint Pierre.
Saint Pierre avoids a wild elbow strike from Misawa.

Saint Pierre breaks the clinch.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Saint Pierre.
A combination from Saint Pierre does no damage.
Misawa tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Saint Pierre paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Misawa tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in the close the distance. Saint Pierre manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Saint Pierre throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Misawa's waist but Misawa gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Saint Pierre off to one side.
Saint Pierre is breathing heavily.
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!

Misawa clinches up against the cage.
Saint Pierre blocks the elbow strike.

Saint Pierre manages to break the clinch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Mitsuharu Misawa will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on George Saint Pierre's cut.
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.

Saint Pierre shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Misawa defends it nicely.

Saint Pierre clinches.
Misawa creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
Saint Pierre tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Misawa lands an elbow inside.
Saint Pierre takes an elbow to the temple.
Saint Pierre misses with the head strike.
The referee is keeping an eye on Misawa - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.

Saint Pierre ties up his opponent against the cage and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. Saint Pierre no doubt will be looking to work submissions from his guard.
Saint Pierre has his hands on Misawa's head, controlling the position.
Saint Pierre keeping moving, preventing Misawa from controlling successfully.
Saint Pierre is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Misawa is defending against the submission attempts here by Saint Pierre.
Misawa wants to get back to his feet.
Saint Pierre keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.
Saint Pierre thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Misawa's head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Misawa blocking the ground and pound attempt from Saint Pierre.
Misawa pushes Saint Pierre off looking to stand but Saint Pierre dives back in and keeps control.
Misawa is breathing heavily.
Well, if Saint Pierre is going to just lie there, perhaps we should talk about what we're having for dinner tonight… I'm having a ham and pineapple pizza… Yum. Can't wait.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Misawa avoids the head kick by Saint Pierre.
Saint Pierre keeps the fight on the outside.
Misawa fails with an attempt to clinch.
Saint Pierre closes the distance and clinches up with Misawa, looking for a takedown. Saint Pierre pushes Misawa against the cage but Misawa circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for George Saint Pierre. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Misawa takes the fight into the clinch.
Saint Pierre fails to pull guard.
Saint Pierre displaying some good clinch control by pressing Misawa up against the cage.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Misawa just misses with a elbow thrown towards Saint Pierre's brow.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Saint Pierre is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Misawa to keep the fight standing.
Mitsuharu Misawa seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Misawa slowing the pace effectively.
Misawa lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.

George Saint Pierre's cut is getting worse.
Saint Pierre avoids the elbow strike from Misawa, against the cage.
Misawa misses with an elbow over the top.
Misawa lands a damaging elbow.
Saint Pierre blocks an elbow strike.
Misawa is pressed up against the cage. Saint Pierre has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Misawa down to the mat. Misawa avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Misawa tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in the close the distance. Saint Pierre manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Misawa is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Saint Pierre swats away the attempt to clinch by Misawa.
Saint Pierre fails to land the takedown.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Misawa tries to close the distance and clinch up but Saint Pierre swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Saint Pierre fails with a takedown attempt.

Misawa moves into the clinch.
Saint Pierre tries to pull guard but Misawa holds him up against the cage and eventually Saint Pierre drops back down to his feet.
Misawa lands an elbow that stopped Saint Pierre in his tracks for a moment.
Misawa throws an elbow that misses.
Misawa pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the cage.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Saint Pierre jumps guard but Misawa stands there with Saint Pierre around his waist. Saint Pierre gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Misawa holding his opponent close, against the cage.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Saint Pierre dodges an elbow strike from Misawa.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mitsuharu Misawa showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on George Saint Pierre's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

Saint Pierre circles away from the clinch attempt.
Misawa fails with an attempt to clinch.
Misawa is looking to clinch.
Misawa closes the distance looking to clinch
and Saint Pierre counters with a flying knee. Nice.
Misawa keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Misawa tries to clinch but fails miserably
and Saint Pierre counters with a series of strikes. Misawa will be more careful next time no doubt.
Saint Pierre shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Misawa leaves Saint Pierre 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 George Saint Pierre. That's going to take a lot out of him.
The fight stays on the outside here - Misawa looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Saint Pierre keeps the fight on the outside.
The fight stays on the outside here - Misawa looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Saint Pierre keeps the fight on the outside.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Misawa is looking to clinch.
Good standup being displayed there by Saint Pierre as he connects with a hook.

Misawa closes the distance and clinches.
Saint Pierre tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Misawa smiles and moves away.
Misawa tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Misawa wants to clinch.
Misawa moves in looking to clinch but Saint Pierre pushes him off.
Saint Pierre circles away from the clinch attempt.
Saint Pierre swats away the attempt to clinch by Misawa.
Misawa is looking to take this fight into the clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Saint Pierre swats away the attempt to clinch by Misawa.
Misawa wants to clinch.
Misawa tries to close the distance and clinch up but Saint Pierre swats him away and circles back towards the center.

Misawa drives through and clinches with Saint Pierre against the cage.
Misawa lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
With the fighters up against the cage, Misawa throws an elbow but misses.
Saint Pierre is trying to pull guard but Misawa has him pressed against the cage.
Misawa lands a damaging elbow.
Misawa creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
With the fighters up against the cage, Misawa throws an elbow but misses.
Saint Pierre tries to pull guard but Misawa holds him up against the cage and eventually Saint Pierre drops back down to his feet.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Misawa just misses with a elbow thrown towards Saint Pierre's brow.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Saint Pierre wants to break the clinch but can't.
Saint Pierre blocks an elbow strike from Misawa.
Saint Pierre wants a takedown.
With the fighters up against the cage, Misawa throws an elbow but misses.
Misawa lands an elbow inside that Saint Pierre shrugs off.
Misawa misses with an elbow strike.
Misawa lands a damaging elbow.
Misawa throws an elbow that misses.
Misawa gets underhooks to prevent Saint Pierre's takedown attempt.
Saint Pierre blocks an elbow strike.
Misawa lands an elbow inside.
Saint Pierre is trying to stall.
Misawa lands a damaging elbow.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Misawa throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
Misawa throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
Saint Pierre is looking for a takedown.
Misawa lands an elbow inside that Saint Pierre shrugs off.

George Saint Pierre's cut is bleeding quite badly. He's got to try and protect it.
Saint Pierre avoids the elbow strike from Misawa, against the cage.
Misawa lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Saint Pierre tries to pull guard but Misawa won't allow it.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Misawa.
Stalling in the clinch from Misawa.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Misawa just misses with a elbow thrown towards Saint Pierre's brow.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Misawa creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Saint Pierre's defenses.
Misawa tries to stall but Saint Pierre uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Misawa misses with an elbow over the top.
Saint Pierre blocks the elbow strike.
George Saint Pierre has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Misawa is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Misawa throws an elbow that misses.

And that's the end of the fight!
Mitsuharu Misawa comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Misawa 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 Robert Douchet scores the fight 27:30
Judge Alec Ball scores the fight 27:30
Judge William Peck scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Mitsuharu Misawa!