PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Marcelo Santiago (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Dan Killer (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Santiago
vs
Killer

155 cm
21
150 lbs
4 - 5 - 0

168 cm
20
160 lbs
3 - 1 - 0

Powerful takedowns
Excellent MT
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Good kicks
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 4 - 5 - 0, fighting out of London, Marcelo Santiago!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of London, Dan Killer!
The judges for this bout are Vladimir Khabensky, Ivan Kurochkin and Fedor Mirinova.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Killer throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Santiago steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Killer.
Killer throws a chopping leg kick but Santiago manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Santiago attempts a counter takedown but Killer avoids it well and moves away.
Santiago checks a low kick from Killer.

Killer closes the distance and clinches.
Killer presses Santiago against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Killer gets underhooks to prevent Santiago's takedown attempt.
Killer prevents a takedown attempt there.
A short right from Santiago.
We can't be sure of the tactics at this early stage but we have heard that Killer has been working on his takedowns a lot in the buildup to the fight and we can only assume he's going to look to take this to the mat.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Killer pushes Santiago back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
A left hand lands to the body for Killer.
A short right from Killer.
Killer content to slow the pace in the clinch.
Killer lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Santiago lands with a short shot to the head.

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

That's one minute gone in the round.
Killer avoids the body shot from Santiago.
Dan Killer is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Santiago throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.

Killer closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Killer scores with a nice hook to the head.
Killer prevents the takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Marcelo Santiago. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Killer is struggling to control the position.
Santiago tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Santiago is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Killer pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Killer lands a left hand.
Killer throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Santiagos head.
Santiago lands with a short head shot on the inside.
We've been hearing reports that Santiago has been drilling takedowns in recent sessions so let's see if that has an impact on the result of this fight.
Santiago tries to break the clinch but Killer is controlling the position.
Santiago tries to pull guard but Killer holds him up against the cage and eventually Santiago drops back down to his feet.
Killer dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.
Santiago is working for takedown but Killer is calmly controlling the position for now.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A head punch on the inside from Santiago fails to land.
Killer lands a body shot.

Killer breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Santiago has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Killer finds it's way round the side to connect with Santiago's head.
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!
Santiago shoots in for a double leg but Killer sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Santiago misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
A head kick misses from Killer.
Santiago fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Santiago sets himself, and Killer steps forward looking for the clinch! Santiago avoids it this time.
Killer throws a chopping leg kick but Santiago manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Killer throws a leg kick that is checked
and Santiago counters with a stiff right hand.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Santiago is trying hard to land a takedown here. Killer sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Dan Killer seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Killer swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Killer lands a nice shot to the body.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Killer, right into the meat.
Killer scores with a crisp jab that stopped Santiago in his tracks.
Santiago comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Santiago dives in and grabs Killer's left leg, looking for a takedown. Killer pushes down on Santiago's head and hops out.

Killer closes the distance and clinches.
A short uppercut from Killer.
Killer lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Killer stalls.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A short right from Santiago on the inside.
Santiago tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Killer just stands there and leans against the cage.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Santiago is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Killer pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Killer stops a takedown attempt from Santiago.
Killer lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Santiago backwards.
Killer lands a body punch in the clinch.

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

Killer takes the fight into the clinch.
A short right from Killer.
Santiago misses with a punch on the inside.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Killer.
Killer works on Santiago's body with a couple of short punches.

Killer's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Killer cracks the inside of Santiago's front leg.
Santiago takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Dan Killer dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Killer lands with a nice body punch.
Dan Killer seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Killer throws a sloppy body shot
and Santiago connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Santiago goes for a double leg but Killer avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Killer continues to drive forward.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Killer prevents the takedown attempt.
Killer has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Killer keeps control of Santiago as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Killer.
Santiago jumps guard but Killer turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Marcelo Santiago. That's going to take a lot out of him.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Santiago has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Killer after a bit of a struggle.
Killer blocking some punches.
Killer lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Killer lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Santiago is looking for a takedown.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Santiago.
Killer lands with a left to the head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Killer lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Santiago or not.
Killer is working Santiago over against the cage.
Santiago drops down looking for an ankle pick but Killer pulls his leg out and moves away.
Santiago walks into a jab.
Santiago needs to keep his hands up - Killer had a free shot at his head there.
A leg kick checked by Santiago.
Killer lands a nice shot that snaps Santiago's head back.
We are yet to see a takedown attempt from Killer in the fight. On paper you would think he is the more dominant ground fighter so let's see if these unusual tactics pay off.
Santiago tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Killer swivels and escapes.
Killer throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Killer is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Killer instigates a clinch.

Killer breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Santiago drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Santiago is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Killer.
Santiago on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Killer clinches up with Santiago and pushes him back against the cage.
Santiago is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Killer to keep the fight standing.
Killer effectively controlling the action here.
Dan Killer seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Killer lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Killer gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Santiago.
Santiago fails to pull the fight into his guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A nice right hand lands inside from Killer.

Killer manages to break the clinch.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Santiago jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Killer walks away with a smile on his face. Santiago gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Killer lands a jab to the nose.
Nice defenses there by Killer.
Killer leaves Santiago with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Decent striking displayed by Santiago there.
Santiago chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Killer can pounce on him.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Killer feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Santiagos jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Killer takes a swing at Santiago's ribcage but misses.
Killer lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.

Killer drives through and clinches with Santiago against the cage.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Killer lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Killer stalling against the cage.
Santiago doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Santiago throws a head punch that misses.
Santiago wants a takedown.
Killer cracks Santiago with a nice body shot.
Killer is struggling to control the position.
Killer stalling in the clinch.
A bit of stalling here from Killer.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Dan Killer showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Killer lands with a cross.
Santiago slips under a jab.
Santiago half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Killer keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Santiago shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Killer as he avoids it easily.
Killer wants to counter with a clinch but Santiago pushes him away.
Santiago gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Killer stuns Santiago with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Killer stuffs the takedown.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Killer lands a slapping body shot.
Santiago checks the leg kick nicely there.
A looping hook to the body misses from Killer. Santiago does a little dance to reset his feet.
An attempted straight right counter from Santiago misses the target.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Killer misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Santiago.
Santiago walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.

Killer moves into the clinch.

Killer manages to break the clinch.
Killer is using his reach advantage to land shots from outside his opponent's range.
Santiago walks into a jab.
Killer looks to score with a jab to the body but Santiago is just out of range.
Killer stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Killer wants it to stay on the feet.
Santiago moves out of the way of the counter high kick fromKiller.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Marcelo Santiago. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Killer loads up on a big right hand but Santiago slips the punch.
Santiago swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Killer throws a right and a left that both miss.
It looked like Santiago was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.
A punch combination from Killer misses.
Marcelo Santiago has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Killer sizes up Santiago with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.

Killer moves into the clinch successfully.
Killer is struggling to control the position.
Santiago is trying to pull guard but Killer has him pressed against the cage.
Santiago tries to pull guard but Killer holds him up against the cage and eventually Santiago drops back down to his feet.
Stalling in the clinch from Killer.
A shot in the inside from Killer.
Killer has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
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!
Killer scores with a nice hook to the head.
Killer lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Santiago backwards.

Killer pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Killer throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Santiago takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Killer lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Santiago circles away quickly and effectively.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Killer closes the distance and pushes Santiago back into the cage.
Killer lands a shoulder strike.
Killer lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Santiago tries to pull guard but Killer holds him up against the cage and eventually Santiago drops back down to his feet.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Santiago.
Killer lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Santiago backwards.
A short right from Killer.
Santiago working aggressively here.
Santiago wants a takedown.
Killer digs a right hand into Santiago's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Santiago's gas tank.
Killer lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Santiago's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!

Killer breaks the clinch.
Santiago with a poor takedown

and Killer counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Killer.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
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!
Killer lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Killer lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Santiago misses with the head strike.

Killer breaks the clinch.
A good leg kick by Killer.
Santiago moves forwards but Killer connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Santiago takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Killer throws an overhand right that lands on Santiago's shoulder, as Santiago tries to avoid the shot.
An attempted straight right counter from Santiago misses the target.

Killer moves into the clinch.
Santiago blocks a body shot from Killer.
Santiago misses with a hook from the clinch.
Santiago has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Killer after a bit of a struggle.
Santiago tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Killer just stands there and leans against the cage.
Dan Killer is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Santiago tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.

And that's the end of the fight!
Dan Killer comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Killer has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 Vladimir Khabensky scores the fight 26:30
Judge Ivan Kurochkin scores the fight 26:30
Judge Fedor Mirinova scores the fight 26:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Dan Killer!