PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Kevin Xonga (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Piktas Vilkas (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Kevin Xonga has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Xonga
vs
Vilkas

178 cm
27
195 lbs
0 - 2 - 0

183 cm
20
185 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Solid boxing
Cuts easily

BJJ Blue Belt
Good kicks
Determined

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 0 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Kevin Xonga!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Piktas Vilkas!
The judges for this bout are Nard Betker, Daniel Blasius and Saam Ante.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Xonga throws a series of punches but Vilkas moves out of range.
Vilkas changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Xonga tries to avoid it but Vilkas manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Xonga to the ground. Xonga escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Xonga scores with a nice looking left hook and follows it up with an uppercut!
Xonga displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Vilkas.
Vilkas fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Kevin Xonga has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Piktas Vilkas.
Vilkas with a lazy takedown attempt
and Xonga connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Xonga throws a series of punches but Vilkas moves out of range.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Vilkas.
Xonga throws a chopping leg kick but Vilkas manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Vilkas looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Xonga slaps away a takedown attempt from Vilkas, before circling back to the center of the mat.
No luck for Vilkas with that takedown attempt.
Vilkas doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Xonga counters with a three punch combo that has Vilkas backing up. Vilkas nods at Xonga to acknowledge the strikes.
Vilkas looks winded!
Vilkas closes the distance and clinches up with Xonga, looking for a takedown. Vilkas pushes Xonga against the cage but Xonga circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Kevin Xonga is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Xonga looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Xonga lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Vilkas backs up against the cage.
Piktas Vilkas seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Xonga throws a series of punches but Vilkas avoids them all with ease.
Xonga's corner calls for a 1, 2 combination and Xonga duly obliges.
Xonga looks to land a combination but Vilkas avoids it well.
Vilkas shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Xonga as he avoids it easily.
Vilkas shoots in looking for a takedown but Xonga manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Vilkas's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Xonga looks to land a combination but Vilkas avoids it well.
Xonga rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Vilkas moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Xonga throws a leg kick but Vilkas checks it.
Vilkas dodges the punch combination from Xonga.
Xonga jabs Vilkas to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Xonga throws a right and a left that Vilkas avoids nicely.
Vilkas avoids a punch combination nicely.
Vilkas tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Xonga swivels and escapes.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Xonga throws a right hand that Vilkas ducks under and follows up with a left that Vilkas also avoids with ease.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Vilkas.
Xonga scores with a nice one two combo and darts back out of range to avoid anything coming in the opposite direction.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
A left and a right from Xonga both land. Nice combination.
Xonga misses with a wild combination.
Some wild striking there from Xonga.
No luck for Vilkas with that takedown attempt.
Vilkas dives in and grabs Xonga's left leg, looking for a takedown. Xonga pushes down on Vilkas's head and hops out.
Xonga misses with a wild combination.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Vilkas fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging Xonga to the ground. Vilkas is now in Xonga's guard.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.
Vilkas throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Xonga works some decent striking defense from the bottom.

Vilkas postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Xonga is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Vilkas, into his guard.
Xonga wants to stand but Vilkas has a closed guard, so he can't escape.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Xonga accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Xonga has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Vilkas is proving hard to escape from.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Xonga stands up from Vilkas's guard - Xonga perhaps looking for a knockout.
Xonga swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Vilkas shoots in for a double leg but Xonga sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Xonga with a hook.
Xonga takes a swing at Vilkas's ribcage but misses.
Xonga throws a series of punches but Vilkas avoids them all with ease.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Vilkas shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Xonga sprawls well. Xonga wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Vilkas gets slowly back to his feet.
Vilkas shoots in for a takedown but Xonga shows good takedown defense.
Vilkas shoots in for a takedown but Xonga shows good takedown defense.
Kevin Xonga has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Piktas Vilkas.
Xonga throws a right and a left that both miss.
Xonga throws a nice looking combination but Vilkas bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Xonga scoring well with a low kick there.
A right-left combo lands from Xonga.
Xonga will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Xonga lands a nice looking kick to the body. Vilkas takes a step back to recover.
Xonga stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Xonga wants it to stay on the feet.
Vilkas is breathing heavily.
Nice takedown defense from Xonga. No joy for Vilkas on that attempt.
No joy there for Xonga, who threw a few shots but didn't land.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Vilkas shoots for a double leg takedown but Xonga sprawls well. He's pushed Vilkas's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Xonga misses with a jab, cross combination.
Xonga misses with a wild combination.
Vilkas takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Xonga displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Vilkas.
Xonga lands with a nice combination. Vilkas backs away looking to recover.
Vilkas shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Xonga sprawls well. Xonga wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Vilkas gets slowly back to his feet.
Xonga looks to land a combination but Vilkas avoids it well.
Xonga throws a combination. Vilkas tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
Xonga throws a head kick but Vilkas moves out of range.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Vilkas tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Xonga swivels and escapes.
Xonga throws a head kick that Vilkas semi-blocks.
Xonga misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Xonga misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Vilkas shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Xonga tries a low kick but Vilkas avoids it.
Xonga displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Vilkas.
Vilkas slips a jab and a cross from Xonga.
Xonga takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Vilkas dives in and grabs Xonga's left leg, looking for a takedown. Xonga pushes down on Vilkas's head and hops out.
Xonga scores with a jab.
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!
Vilkas takes one on the button.
Vilkas fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Xonga misses with a low kick.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Vilkas is defended easily by Xonga.
Xonga throws a right and a left that Vilkas avoids nicely.
Kevin Xonga is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Vilkas dodges the punch combination from Xonga.
Kevin Xonga is winning the standup battle so far.
Vilkas avoids the head kick by Xonga.
Xonga misses with a double jab.
Vilkas fails with a takedown attempt.
Vilkas throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Xonga's waist but Xonga gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Vilkas off to one side.
Vilkas shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Xonga sprawls well. Xonga wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Vilkas gets slowly back to his feet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Xonga misses with the combination.
Vilkas looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Xonga is fending him off so far but Vilkas persists. Nope, Xonga circles away and we're back to standing.
Vilkas showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Xonga.
Xonga throws a quick inside leg kick.
A combination from Xonga does no damage.
Xonga fails to land with a series of punches.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Vilkas.
Xonga throws a sloppy head kick and Vilkas moves out of range easily.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Kevin Xonga dominated that second round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!

Vilkas shoots in for a double leg but Xonga sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Vilkas shoots in for a takedown but Xonga shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Vilkas fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Kevin Xonga has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Piktas Vilkas.
Vilkas fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Xonga throws a right and a left that both miss.
Xonga misses with a few strikes there.
No joy there for Xonga, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Vilkas slips a jab and a cross from Xonga.
Xonga takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Xonga looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Vilkas fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Vilkas tries for a takedown but Xonga sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Xonga misses with a series of wild punches.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Xonga throws a head kick that misses
and Vilkas counters with a head kick.
Vilkas shoots in looking for a takedown. Xonga tries to sprawl out of it but Vilkas keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Xonga manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Xonga misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Vilkas.
Xonga scores to the head and body with a nice combination!
Vilkas slips a jab and a cross from Xonga.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Vilkas is defended easily by Xonga.
Vilkas dodges the punch combination from Xonga.
Some wild striking there from Xonga.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Vilkas tries for a takedown but Xonga sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Vilkas takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Vilkas dodges the punch combination from Xonga.
Vilkas fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Xonga throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Vilkas stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Xonga connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Xonga stuffs the takedown attempt from Vilkas. Vilkas gets slowly back to his feet.
Xonga wants to land a leg kick but Vilkas is out of range.
Vilkas tries for a takedown but Xonga sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Xonga looks to land a combination but Vilkas avoids it well.
Vilkas showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Xonga.
Nice sprawl there from Xonga as Vilkas shoots in.
Xonga lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Xonga stuffs the takedown attempt from Vilkas. Vilkas gets slowly back to his feet.
Xonga throws a right and a left that Vilkas avoids nicely.
Vilkas fails with a takedown attempt.
Xonga lands a head kick!
No luck with that takedown attempt from Vilkas.
Xonga throws a right and a left that both miss.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Vilkas shoots in looking for a takedown. Xonga tries to sprawl out of it but Vilkas keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Xonga manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Xonga misses with the combination.
Vilkas shoots in but Xonga avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Xonga swinging wildly here.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Vilkas.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Vilkas shoots in but Xonga avoids the takedown attempt easily.

And that's the end of the fight!
Kevin Xonga showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Xonga 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 Nard Betker scores the fight 30:27
Judge Daniel Blasius scores the fight 30:27
Judge Saam Ante scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Kevin Xonga!