PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Royston Rogers (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Keith Richards (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look pumped up here. Let's hope this is a good fight!

Rogers
vs
Richards

169 cm
22
162 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

175 cm
24
168 lbs
5 - 5 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

BJJ Brown Belt
World class MT
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 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of London, Royston Rogers!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 5 - 0, fighting out of London, Keith Richards!
The judges for this bout are Andrew Berry, Sam Margolis and Phil Schofield.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Richards looks to land a right hand but Rogers moved out of range.
Richards lands with an overhand left.

It looks like Royston Rogers has been cut.
Richards misses with a straight left.
Keith Richards seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Richards uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Rogers.
Richards scores with a kick to the midsection.
Rogers throws a looping overhand right but Richards ducks down to avoid it.
Richards uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Rogers.
Richards displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Rogers throws out the jab.
Richards cracks the inside of Rogers's front leg.
Richards fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Rogers has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Rogers moves out of range of the body kick.
Richards throws a sloppy head kick and Rogers moves out of range easily.
Richards takes one to the side of the head.
Rogers bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Richards tests Rogers's chin there with a solid looking shot.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
A combination from Richards does no damage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Richards throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Richards throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Rogers.
Richards throws a right and a left that both miss.
Richards throws out a loose jab but Rogers uses good head movement to avoid it.

Richards gets caught flat footed, as Rogers shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Rogers accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Richards avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Rogers pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Richards is keeping the position for now.
Rogers is looking to work some ground and pound but Richards has wrist control.
Richards looking to control.
Rogers trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Rogers is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Rogers postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rogers throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Richards works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Rogers working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Rogers throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Richards works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Rogers postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Richards looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Richards keeping moving, preventing Rogers from controlling successfully.
Rogers in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Rogers trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Richards tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Rogers stands up over Richards, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Richards working a defensive guard here.
Richards wants to sweep here but Rogers controlling him for the moment.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rogers throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Rogers keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Richards's head.

Rogers drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and Richards dives on top into guard.

Rogers looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Rogers utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Richards looking to pass the guard.
Richards is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.

Rogers has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Richards can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.

Rogers looking for a guillotine here but Richards defends easily.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Richards got a little sloppy there for a moment and Rogers has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Richards has managed to get both his arms back between Rogers's legs - danger averted.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Richards showing good wrestling skills to control the position.

Richards got a little sloppy there for a moment and Rogers has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Richards has managed to get both his arms back between Rogers's legs - danger averted.
Richards wants to control from the top but Rogers keeps moving.

Rogers had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Richards defends it easily.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Rogers looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Richards sitting in guard here, content to control.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Royston Rogers will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Royston Rogers's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Richards throws a body punch but Rogers moves out of range.
Rogers keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Richards fails in his attempt to clinch.
Rogers takes one to the side of the head.
Rogers moves away from the strike by Richards.
Richards slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Richards works the jab nicely.
Rogers throws a hook but Richards blocks it.
Rogers shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Richards but Richards pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Rogers checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Richards throws a nice outside leg kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rogers bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Richards throws a low kick but Rogers moves out of range easily.
Rogers blocks a jab.
Rogers lands a body shot.
Richards wants to clinch.
Keith Richards is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Richards misses with a wild body shot.
Rogers slips under a jab from Richards.
Richards misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Rogers.
Richards misses the jab.
Rogers keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Richards throws a head kick but Rogers moves out of range.
Rogers chopping away at his opponent's legs.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A jab from Rogers misses.
Richards throws a series of punches but Rogers avoids them all with ease.
Rogers looks to land a left hand but Richards moved out of range nicely.
Keith Richards seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Richards tries to clinch up.
Richards misses with the combination.
Rogers scores with a jab.
Richards stuffs the takedown attempt from Rogers. Rogers gets slowly back to his feet.
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!
Richards misses the shot to the body.
Richards looks to land a combination but Rogers avoids it well.
Rogers misses with a left hand
and Richards counters with a nice uppercut.
Richards checks a leg kick.
A big left from Richards misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Both fighters circling a little - Richards finishes the exchange with a kick to the body.
Rogers misses with an attempted mid kick.
Richards scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Rogers tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Richards swivels and escapes.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Royston Rogers. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Richards throws a front kick aimed at Rogers's knee but Rogers avoids it well.
Rogers chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Richards can pounce on him.
Rogers scores with a jab to the body.
Richards throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Richards tries to clinch there but Rogers circles away.
Richards misses with a right hand

and Rogers moves into the clinch.
Rogers trying to stall but Richards improves his position.
Rogers misses with a hook from the clinch.
Rogers tries to break free but Richards pushes him back against the cage.
A short right from Rogers on the inside.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Richards lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Rogers.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Rogers misses with a hook to the ribs.

Rogers breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Rogers steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Richards.
Rogers misses the jab.
Rogers moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Rogers fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Richards manages to avoid it.
Rogers looks to throw the jab but Richards is out of range.
Richards throws a push kick but Rogers slaps the foot to one side.
Rogers uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Richards.
Rogers closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
A cross from Richards lands.
Rogers avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Rogers throws a looping overhand right but Richards ducks down to avoid it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Keith Richards showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Royston Rogers's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

Richards misses with a straight right.
Richards keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Nice cross by Rogers.
Richards's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Rogers connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Richards scrambles back to his feet.
Richards buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Rogers waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Richards.
Richards lands a front kick.
Richards with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Rogers stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Richards.
Richards tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Good exchange - Richards coming out on top.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
A jab from Rogers misses.
Richards tries to work over Rogers's front leg with a kick but Rogers checks it.
Rogers ducks right into an uppercut from Richards.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A big left from Rogers misses.
Richards delivers a nice body kick.
Richards takes a swing at Rogers's ribcage but misses.
Richards takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
A big left from Richards misses.
Richards misses with a body shot.
Richards jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Rogers connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Richards momentarily.
Rogers swats away the attempt to clinch by Richards.
Richards throws a nice looking combination but Rogers bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Rogers missing with a left hand there. Richards was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rogers throws a big shot that misses.
Richards throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Rogers on the side of the head.
Richards misses with a straight left.
Richards jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Richards tries to close the distance and clinch but Rogers swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Richards swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Richards throws a lazy right hand but Rogers sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Richards misses with an uppercut.

Richards forces Rogers back against the cage and clinches.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Rogers misses with a hook from the clinch.
Rogers is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Richards is keeping busy.
Richards is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Rogers is defending well for now.
Richards taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
Richards can't find room to land a body shot as Rogers controls the action.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rogers has a couple of punches blocked by Richards.
Rogers is trying to pull guard but Richards turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Richards prevents a body shot from Rogers.
Rogers working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Richards connects with a nasty looking knee right to Rogers's face.
Richards throws an elbow that misses.
Rogers blocks an elbow strike.
Richards blocks a punch to the side of the head.
A head punch on the inside from Rogers fails to land.
Rogers on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Nice elbow from Richards.
Rogers misses with a punch on the inside.
Rogers fails to pull guard.
Richards is trying to maintain a safe position but Rogers gets an underhook and turns Richards into the cage.
Rogers tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Royston Rogers. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Richards keeps control of Rogers as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Rogers wants a takedown but no success here.

Rogers escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rogers digs a good body shot into Richards's ribs.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Richards.

Richards closes the distance and pushes Rogers back into the cage.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Richards stalling the fight.

Rogers breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Richards tries a head kick but it misses.
Richards steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Rogers.
Richards walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Rogers connects with a looping right hand.
Rogers thows a body shot but no joy.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Rogers misses with a body shot.
A head kick misses from Richards.
Richards is looking to take this fight into the clinch.

And that's the end of the fight!
Keith Richards comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Richards has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Andrew Berry scores the fight 28:29
Judge Sam Margolis scores the fight 28:30
Judge Phil Schofield scores the fight 28:30

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