FFB 11: Holmes vs. Gracie, Jr. PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Reno Delgado (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Steve Sherdog (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look pumped up here. Let's hope this is a good fight!

Delgado
vs
Sherdog

180 cm
22
153 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

160 cm
18
150 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Good chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Solid chin

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 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Reno Delgado!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Steve Sherdog!
The judges for this bout are Matheus Silva, Leandro Rodrigues and Alexandre Firmino.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Sherdog throws a half hearted mid kick.
Delgado tries to close the distance and clinch up against the ropes but Sherdog paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Delgado keeps the fight on the outside.
Delgado avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Delgado drops Sherdog with a beautiful combination! Sherdog stares up at his opponent, who ushers him back to his feet - Delgado is looking for the KO!

Sherdog is rocked!

It looks like Steve Sherdog has been cut.
Delgado shoots for a double leg takedown but Sherdog sprawls well. He's pushed Delgado's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Sherdog is still on wobbly legs! Can Delgado finish him?
Delgado throws an overhand right that has Sherdog reeling! Delgado follows up with a more punches and Sherdog is out cold! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:20 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punches). Reno Delgado!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
100%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Rodrigo Reis (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Shane Beers (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Reis comes into the arena with Blood Brothers blaring out of the sound system. Shane Beers struggled to make weight for this fight. He only made it down to 171.1lbs at the first attempt and had to take the additional two hours to make the official bout weight. Let's see how much it's taken out of him. 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.

Reis
vs
Beers

180 cm
18
180 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

181 cm
20
180 lbs
1 - 2 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter striker
Big heart

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Plays chess

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 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Rodrigo Reis!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Shane Beers!
The judges for this bout are Daniel Cesar, Paulo Santos and Felipe Paraventi.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Beers looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Beers wants to clinch.
A punch combination from Beers misses.
Beers takes a body kick right on the floating rib. Ouchie.
Beers gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Beers avoids the head kick by Reis.
Beers wants to clinch up but Reis keeps it at a distance.
Beers moves in looking to clinch but Reis pushes him off.
Beers tries to clinch there but Reis circles away.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Reis misses with a kick to the body

and Beers counters by clinching up.
Beers keeps control of Reis as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.

Beers breaks from the clinch.
Beers stuffs the takedown attempt from Reis. Reis gets slowly back to his feet.
Beers tries to clinch up but Reis circles away and keeps his distance.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Beers tries to clinch but Reis moves out of range.

Reis looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
Reis stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Beers swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Reis wants to control from the top but Beers keeps moving.
Reis passes Beers's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.

Reis is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Reis sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Beers defending well though.
Reis seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Beers does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Reis throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Reis works his way into full mount!
Reis is breathing heavily.
Beers tries to lock up and control but Reis gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Reis throws an elbow from mount that misses. Lucky escape for Beers because Reis loaded up on that one.
Beers tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Beers is squirming around, avoiding Reis's attempts to control the action.
Beers is desperately trying to improve his position but Reis has a good base and remains in mount.

Beers tries to improve his position but Reis has taken his back! Reis has a choke - it's sunk in pretty tight... Will Beers tap? No... maybe... yes! He's tapped! Reis pushes Beers away and gets up to celebrate with his corner!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:01 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Rodrigo Reis!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
37%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Kevin Acosta (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Dudu Dantas (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Acosta comes to the ring accompanied by Child of Burning Time by Slipknot. Kevin Acosta had real problems making weight for this fight. After initially coming in at 146.1lbs, he had two hours to make the official fight weight. He made it but it will have taken a lot out of him to cut those extra few pounds. On his way into the ring it seems that Kevin Acosta has been attacked by a crazed fan! It looks like it might have been the just bleed guy! Luckily Kevin Acosta seems to be OK! I thought that lunatic was in prison!?

Acosta
vs
Dantas

182 cm
18
154 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

170 cm
18
150 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Good knees
KO power

BJJ Blue Belt
Decent knees
Intelligent

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 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Kevin Acosta!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Dudu Dantas!
The judges for this bout are Seu Braga, Matheus Silva and Emerson Jorge.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Acosta closes the distance and clinches up with Dantas, looking for a takedown. Acosta pushes Dantas against the ropes but Dantas circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Dantas shoots in but Acosta avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Dantas has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by Acosta.
Acosta lands with a slapping head kick.
A chopping leg kick lands by Acosta.
Dantas avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Acosta shoots and misses

and Dantas counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Dantas.
Acosta will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Dantas looks gassed!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Acosta manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Dantas manages to get himself to full guard.
Acosta trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Dantas trying to control the position.

Dantas working away from the bottom but not quite defensive enough there because Acosta has passed into half guard!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Acosta is keen to just control but Dantas is a slippery customer.
Acosta wants to pass to mount but Dantas is defending the position.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.
Acosta stops Dantas from getting back to his feet.
Dantas is looking to improve his position.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
A decent looking body kick lands there for Acosta.

Dantas feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.

Dantas postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Acosta is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Dantas, into his guard.

Acosta postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Dantas is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Acosta, into his guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Acosta keeping moving, preventing Dantas from controlling successfully.

Acosta is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Acosta keeping moving, preventing Dantas from controlling successfully.
Acosta working a defensive guard here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Acosta looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

Acosta looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Acosta trying to keep a closed guard but Dantas is proving a slippery customer.
Acosta looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Acosta is trying to keep Dantas in close.
Acosta managing to control the position.
Acosta looking to control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Dantas trying to control the position from guard on top but Acosta is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Acosta trying to control the position here.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Dantas closes the distance and clinches up with Acosta, looking for a takedown. Dantas pushes Acosta against the ropes but Acosta circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Dantas avoids the clinch attempt nicely.

Dantas pushes Acosta up against the ropes in a clinch.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Dantas avoiding damage as Acosta throws knees to the body.
Dantas stalling.
Acosta looking to throw knees to the head but Dantas is blocking nicely.
Acosta tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Dantas blocks an elbow strike.

Dantas jumps guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Kevin Acosta dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Acosta stuffs the takedown attempt from Dantas. Dantas gets slowly back to his feet.
Acosta throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Dantas looks to score with a jab to the body but Acosta is just out of range.
Acosta lands a high kick!
Acosta wants to clinch

and Dantas counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Dantas.
Acosta can't break the clinch.
Acosta has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Dantas avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.

Dantas breaks the clinch.

Dantas moves into range and clinches up with Acosta.

Dantas wants the takedown. Acosta is fighting it off but Dantas persists and manages to bring the fight to the ground, ending up in Acosta's guard against the ropes.

Dantas stands up from guard. Let's bang!
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Dantas throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Acosta tries to close the distance and clinch up but Dantas swats him away and circles back towards the center.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Dantas closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the ropes.
Acosta using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Acosta drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Acosta tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Dantas smiles and moves away.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Kevin Acosta. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Dantas is looking to land body kicks.
Acosta tries for a takedown but Dantas circles away easily

and Dantas counters by clinching up.
Dantas is looking for a takedown up against the ropes. Acosta gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Acosta is trying to break free.
Acosta tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Acosta is trying to break free.

Dantas breaks from the clinch.
Dantas tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Acosta finishes the little exchange by landing a big kick to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Acosta has his takedown stuffed
and Dantas counters with an outside leg kick.
Dantas blocks a leg kick.
Acosta misses with a takedown attempt

and Dantas counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for leaving it all in the cage!

Dantas stands up from half guard... He's had enough of that ground malarky for the time being.
Acosta misses with a takedown

and Dantas counters with a takedown into side control.
Acosta is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Dantas off and has taken his back!
Acosta tries to get the hooks in deep but Dantas pushed the leg off.

Acosta looking for the choke but no joy.
Acosta trying to control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Dantas tries to escape the position.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.

Acosta has got one arm under Dantas's chin. This could be trouble... Dantas trying to control the other hand but Acosta gets it free and sqeezes tight - just a matter of time now! Yep, Dantas has tapped out! The fight is over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:39 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Kevin Acosta!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
46%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a super heavyweight MMA rules bout between Frank Horrigan (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Choncho Rodriguez (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Rodriguez has chosen haunted as his entrance music, which hasn't gone down very well with the crowd. Well, the cameraman is lingering on a pretty young lady for a bit too long there. Keep your eyes on the fighters buddy or you'll miss the fighter intros!

Horrigan
vs
Rodriguez

213 cm
21
278 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

225 cm
22
300 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Cuts easily

BJJ Purple Belt
Decent boxing
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the super heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Frank Horrigan!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Choncho Rodriguez!
The judges for this bout are Matheus Silva, Edson Gomes and Felipe Paraventi.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Horrigan tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Rodriguez swivels and escapes.
Horrigan looks exhausted already! Oh dear, he should have come in in better shape than this!
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Horrigan.

Horrigan shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Rodriguez's guard.

Rodriguez has managed to work for a loose triangle. I think Horrigan should be able to defend this one pretty easily though. Oh, Rodriguez has tightened it up now! Horrigan should have reacted faster there - he's in big trouble and yes, he's tapped out! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:32 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle). Choncho Rodriguez!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
50%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Jamal Jones (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and George Vernos (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). George Vernos will no doubt be trying to keep this one on the feet, where he has a distinct advantage.

Jones
vs
Vernos

186 cm
20
250 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

195 cm
20
224 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter striker
Big heart

BJJ Blue Belt
Good kicks
Very confident

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Jamal Jones!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, George Vernos!
The judges for this bout are Felipe Paraventi, Thiago Cunha and Paulo Santos.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
The fight stays on the outside here - Vernos looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Vernos is looking to clinch but Jones is avoiding it.
Vernos is looking to clinch but Jones is avoiding it.
Vernos is looking to take this fight into the clinch.

Vernos gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Jones pushes down on Vernos's leg and manages to get into half guard.

Jones seems like he's working for an arm triangle here. He's freed his trapped foot and he's rotating nicely. Vernos is in big trouble! He's tapping out! This one is aaaaaaaaaaaall over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:57 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Arm Triangle). Jamal Jones!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
37%

Main event

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between JB Holmes (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Heio Gracie Jr (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). JB Holmes has the edge in experience - let's see if he can make that count tonight.

Holmes
vs
Gracie Jr

180 cm
20
146 lbs
4 - 0 - 0

180 cm
22
145 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Improved boxing
Big right hand

Good takedowns
Counter striker
Solid chin

Synergy Supplements

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the featherweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 4 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, JB Holmes!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Heio Gracie Jr!
The judges for this bout are Alexandre Firmino, Luis Engracia and Felipe Paraventi.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Holmes looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Some wild striking there from Holmes.
Gracie Jr fails with the takedown.
Holmes throws a nice looking combination but Gracie Jr bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Holmes fails to land with a series of punches.
Holmes throws a series of punches but Gracie Jr avoids them all with ease.
Holmes misses with a double jab.
Gracie Jr avoids a punch combination nicely.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Gracie Jr blocks a head kick by Holmes.
Holmes throws a looping overhand right but Gracie Jr ducks down to avoid it.
Holmes tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Holmes looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A head kick misses from Holmes.
Holmes throws a series of punches but Gracie Jr moves out of range.
Holmes looks to land a combination but Gracie Jr avoids it well.
Holmes throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Holmes is breathing heavily.
Holmes rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Gracie Jr moves out of range and avoids them all easily.

Gracie Jr drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.

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

Gracie Jr is active off his back here, looking for submissions.

Gracie Jr is working for submissions here. He's thrown up his legs looking for a tringle but Holmes frees his head nicely. Oh but Gracie Jr has switched to an armbar! Holmes is tapping furiously! Lovely submission there!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:01 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle Armbar). Heio Gracie Jr!
Heio Gracie Jr is the new featherweight champion!