IFC 9: Souza vs Larente PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Koyomuki Yashigawa (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Apolo Creed (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Yashigawa
vs
Creed

177 cm
25
161 lbs
0 - 2 - 0

163 cm
25
163 lbs
1 - 2 - 0

Good wrestling
Counter striker
Good in bed

Good takedowns
Basic striking
Enjoys gardening

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 0 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Koyomuki Yashigawa!
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, Apolo Creed!
The judges for this bout are Thiago Cunha, Seu Braga and Paulo Santos.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Creed throws a right and a left that Yashigawa avoids nicely.
Creed throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Creed shoots in but doesn't get the takedown

and Yashigawa counters with a single leg into guard. Creed didn't expect that.
Yashigawa throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Creed looking to control.
Yashigawa will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.

Creed pushes a forearm under Yashigawa's chin to create some space. He's escaped his hips and pivoted quickly for an armbar! Can he extend the arm? Yes, Yashigawa is tapping out! Damn, that was fast!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:36 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Apolo Creed!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
57%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Helio Lataville (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Renato Laranja (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Renato Laranja told me before the fight that he's been watching a lot of DVDs so let's see if that helps him in this one! I can't wait to find out!

Lataville
vs
Laranja

179 cm
18
190 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

170 cm
18
193 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
KO power

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter striker
Granite chin

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 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Helio Lataville!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Renato Laranja!
The judges for this bout are Mauricio Rocha, Leandro Rodrigues and Daniel Cesar.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Lataville tries to clinch but fails miserably

and Laranja counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.

Laranja drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Laranja jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.

Laranja drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Laranja jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Lataville looking to control.
We're hearing some news coming in from back stage. It's official - Laranja has eaten all the pies!

Laranja drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Laranja jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Laranja is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.

Laranja drops back for a leg here. A bit of a high risk move... He's looking for a kneebar by the looks of things. Now both of them are looking for submissions. Laranja seems to have locked his on tight now - Lataville screams in pain and taps out furiously! It certainly was a high risk move but it's paid off for Laranja, as he picks up the win!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:54 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kneebar). Renato Laranja!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
54%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Nate Benditson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Larry Hayes (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Benditson
vs
Hayes

185 cm
25
270 lbs
0 - 3 - 0

200 cm
18
270 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Good in bed

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter striker
Granite chin

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 0 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Nate Benditson!
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, Larry Hayes!
The judges for this bout are Leandro Rodrigues, Seu Braga and Edson Gomes.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Benditson shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Hayes sprawls well. Hayes wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Benditson gets slowly back to his feet.

Hayes darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Hayes is working hard to pass the guard. He's done it - he's now in full mount! Trouble for Benditson!
Hayes scoring with some good ground and pound from mount here. Will he manage to finish Benditson?
Hayes prevents Benditson from getting the reversal.
Hayes controlling his opponent.
Benditson tries to hold on but Hayes postures up.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Hayes goes for an armbar but he's not got it… Benditson turns into him and now he's in Hayes's guard.
Benditson has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Benditson looking to sit in guard and control but Hayes gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

Benditson looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Hayes keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Benditson's head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Benditson wants to sweep here but Hayes controlling him for the moment.
Hayes trying to control but Benditson is working from the bottom.
Hayes sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Benditson's guard.

Benditson has one foot on Hayes's thigh - he pushes off and manages to get back to his feet.

Benditson drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Hayes tries to buck Benditson off but Benditson is having none of it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hayes manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.
Benditson is thwarting Hayes's attempts to control the position.
It looks like Benditson is going to stand back up.
Hayes moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.

Benditson stands up and waves to Hayes to follow him.
Hayes shoots in but no luck this time.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Benditson misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Benditson defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Hayes.
Hayes throws a right and a left that Benditson avoids nicely.
Benditson shoots for a double leg takedown but Hayes sprawls well. He's pushed Benditson's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Nate Benditson. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Benditson stuffs the takedown.
Benditson throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Hayes looks to land a right hand but Benditson moved out of range.

Hayes cracks Benditson with a big right hand that sends him to the floor! Benditson looks wobbly but he's sprung back up to his feet straight away… can Hayes finish him?

It looks like Nate Benditson has been cut.
Benditson is breathing heavily.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Hayes is trying hard to land a takedown here. Benditson sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Jab by Hayes.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Larry Hayes dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Nate Benditson's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Hayes misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Hayes.
Hayes tries to clinch but Benditson moves out of range.
Benditson misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Benditson misses with a double jab

and Hayes counters by clinching up.
Benditson tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Hayes just stands there and leans against the cage.
Benditson gets underhooks to prevent Hayes's takedown attempt.
Nate Benditson has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Larry Hayes.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Benditson jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Hayes walks away with a smile on his face. Benditson gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Hayes avoids the clinch attempt nicely.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Benditson moves into the clinch.

Benditson breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Benditson looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Benditson is looking to clinch but Hayes is avoiding it.
Hayes with a poor takedown

and Benditson decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Hayes's guard.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Benditson looking to pass the guard.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Hayes is on top in guard.
Hayes stopping the sweep attempt from Benditson.
Benditson might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Hayes trying to control the position from guard on top but Benditson is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Benditson is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Benditson wants to stand up but Hayes is controlling him.

Hayes gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hayes shoots for a double leg takedown but Benditson sprawls well. He's pushed Hayes's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Hayes tries for a takedown but Benditson circles away easily

and Benditson counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Benditson wants to lay and pray for a moment but Hayes keeps working.

Hayes kicks Benditson off and gets back to his feet.
Benditson stuffs the takedown.
Benditson fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Nate Benditson is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Hayes shoots for a takedown but Benditson saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Benditson tries to clinch but Hayes is having none of it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hayes tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Benditson swivels and escapes.
This has been an exciting period of action!

Benditson drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Hayes is trying to buck Benditson off.
Hayes is looking to regain half guard here but Benditson keeps moving and retains side control.
Hayes struggling a bit here.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Hayes regains half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Nate Benditson dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Nate Benditson's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! This is the final round!

Hayes stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Hayes wants it to stay on the feet.
Hayes swats away the attempt to clinch by Benditson.
Benditson shoots in for a double leg but Hayes sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Benditson jabs at Hayes's body.
Benditson misses with an uppercut. Hayes saw that one coming.
Benditson fails with a takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Nate Benditson. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Hayes shoots in for a takedown but Benditson shows good takedown defense.

Benditson fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Hayes sprawls well initially but Benditson persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
Nate Benditson overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Benditson not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Hayes slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Benditson preventing the sweep.

Benditson has gone for a leg lock! Hayes slips out almost immediately though and dives into Benditson's guard.
Benditson is trying to hold Hayes in close to prevent damage but Hayes has managed to pass into half guard.
Hayes wants to control but Benditson is keeping him busy.
Hayes sitting and controlling from the half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Hayes is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Hayes moves into full mount! Benditson won't be happy about that!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hayes trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Benditson wants to control but Hayes is having none of it.

Hayes is working for a guillotine from mount but Benditson frees his head quite easily.
Hayes landing strikes from the mount.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Benditson tries to hold on but Hayes pushes him away.
Benditson is looking to get to half guard.
Hayes wants to control the pace but Benditson is squirming around nicely.
Benditson sneaks a leg back under and regains half guard and is working straight away to try and get back to guard. He hasn't managed just yet though.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Hayes with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.

Hayes is looking for a kimura here.

And that's the end of the fight!
Larry Hayes comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Hayes 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 Leandro Rodrigues scores the fight 28:29
Judge Seu Braga scores the fight 28:29
Judge Edson Gomes scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Larry Hayes!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
63%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Cacareco Chuteboxe (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Fiotr Pironczeski (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Fiotr Pironczeski will no doubt be looking to use his reach advantage to good effect.

Chuteboxe
vs
Pironczeski

170 cm
23
165 lbs
6 - 8 - 0

190 cm
22
180 lbs
0 - 3 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Good chin

Good wrestler
Brawler
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 6 - 8 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Cacareco Chuteboxe!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Fiotr Pironczeski!
The judges for this bout are Leandro Rodrigues, Paulo Santos and Emerson Jorge.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Chuteboxe is trying hard to land a takedown here. Pironczeski sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Chuteboxe fails with the takedown.
Chuteboxe pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Chuteboxe with a lazy takedown attempt
and Pironczeski counters with a flying knee. Nice.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Cacareco Chuteboxe. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Pironczeski shoots in but Chuteboxe avoids the takedown attempt easily.

Pironczeski throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Chuteboxe tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Pironczeski is in Chuteboxe's guard.
Chuteboxe wants to control but instead he gets his guard passed and Pironczeski is now in half guard.
Chuteboxe trying to control from the bottom.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Pironczeski is looking to take a break and control but Chuteboxe is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Chuteboxe is looking to improve his position.

Chuteboxe has hold of a guillotine but he's not going to be able to crank on it really with only half guard, so it's no trouble for Pironczeski. Oh but Chuteboxe has got full guard now! Oh boy! This one could be over very soon! Pironczeski goes limp - he's gone! Chuteboxe jumps up and celebrates with the crowd - fantastic submission finish!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:05 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Guillotine). Cacareco Chuteboxe!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
50%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Rio Soreas (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Tim Grace (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Tim Grace will no doubt be trying to keep this one on the feet, where he has a distinct advantage.

Soreas
vs
Grace

191 cm
25
180 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

185 cm
23
180 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Decent elbows
Good in bed

BJJ White Belt
Decent boxing
Heavy handed

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 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Rio Soreas!
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, Tim Grace!
The judges for this bout are Luis Engracia, Mauricio Rocha and Emerson Jorge.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Soreas throws a head kick that half lands.
Nice sprawl there from Grace as Soreas shoots in.
Soreas takes a body punch but keeps moving.

Grace has taken the fight to the clinch.
Soreas prevents Grace from breaking the clinch.
Grace is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Soreas stalling the fight.
Grace has had enough of the clinch but Soreas keeps him there for the moment.
Soreas is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Grace pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Grace prevents a takedown attempt there.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Rio Soreas. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Grace wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Grace misses with a punch to the body.
Soreas has Grace pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Grace manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Grace wants to get back to striking at distance but Soreas won't allow it.

Grace manages to break the clinch.
The fight stays on the outside here - Soreas looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Soreas looks for a takedown but Grace sprawls well.
Grace jabs at Soreas's body.
Soreas keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Soreas shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Grace pinned against the cage. Grace gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Grace will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Grace looks to land a combination but Soreas avoids it well.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
No joy there for Grace, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Grace looks to land a combination. Soreas sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
Grace lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Soreas shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Soreas is breathing heavily.
Grace thuds a left hand into Soreas's body.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Grace misses with a series of wild punches.
Soreas misses with an attempted mid kick.
Grace scores with a nice one two combo and darts back out of range to avoid anything coming in the opposite direction.

It looks like Rio Soreas has been cut.
Grace misses with a jab, cross combination.
Grace throws a right hand that Soreas ducks under and follows up with a left that Soreas also avoids with ease.
Grace wants to clinch up but Soreas keeps it at a distance.
Grace fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Grace with a hook.
Grace cracks a nice hook into Soreas's ribs.
Soreas takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Grace lands with a nice combination. Soreas backs away looking to recover.
Grace shoots in for a takedown but Soreas shows good takedown defense.
Grace scores with a punch to the head.
Grace lands with a good body shot.
Grace throws a right hand that Soreas ducks under and follows up with a left that Soreas also avoids with ease.
Grace misses with a double jab.
Grace scores with a three punch combo!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Grace lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Soreas backs up against the cage.
Grace is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Soreas rather than just go for the knockout.
Grace fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Grace throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Grace scores with a hook.
Grace scores with a nice head shot.
This is turning into a torrid day at the office for Soreas. He's trying desperately to land a takedown but he's failing miserably and getting slapped silly on the feet to compound his misery.
A nice combination there by Grace.
Grace with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Grace shuffles to his left behind two crisp jabs. Soreas eats them both and turns towards Grace to reposition himself and eats a stinging right hand-left hook combo.
Grace jabs at Soreas's body.
Danga de danga de dang - Grace scores with a four punch combination!
Soreas has a takedown stuffed.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Grace swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Grace doesn't manage to clinch there - Soreas circles away.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Tim Grace dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Rio Soreas's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Soreas tries to close the distance and clinch but Grace swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Grace misses with a wild combination.
Grace fails to land with a series of punches.
Soreas tries for a takedown but Grace sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Grace stuffs the takedown.
Grace throws a series of punches but Soreas moves out of range.
Grace throws a right and a left that Soreas avoids nicely.
Soreas shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Grace sprawls well. Grace wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Soreas gets slowly back to his feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Rio Soreas. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Grace tries to clinch up.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Soreas swats away the attempt to clinch by Grace.
Soreas closes this distance looking for a takedown but Grace circles away.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Grace lands a two punch combo.
Grace fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Grace throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
Grace tries to clinch there but Soreas circles away.
Grace stalks Soreas and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Soreas's face. Soreas staggers backwards, shaken.
Grace shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Soreas pinned against the cage. Soreas gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Soreas avoids a punch combination nicely.
Soreas shoots in for a takedown but Grace shows good takedown defense.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Grace scores with a one two! Soreas had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.
Grace thuds a left hand into Soreas's body.
Grace misses with a few strikes there.
Rio Soreas is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Soreas has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Grace finds it's way round the side to connect with Soreas's head.
Grace lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Soreas backs up against the cage.
Grace scores with a nice looking left hook and follows it up with an uppercut!
Grace punishes Soreas's body with a nice straight punch.
Grace tries to clinch there but Soreas circles away.
Tim Grace seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Grace keeps the fight on the outside.
Soreas doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Grace works over Soreas's head and body with a nice combination.
Soreas looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Grace lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Grace scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Grace throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Soreas fails with the takedown.
Soreas throws a solid leg kick but Grace takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Soreas.

Grace clinches up against the cage.
Soreas keeps control of Grace as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
A frustrated look appears on Grace's face as he tries to break the clinch.

Soreas manages to break the clinch.
A shot to the liver by Grace. Beautiful body shot.
Grace tries to score a power double leg takedown but Soreas sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Grace somewhat.
Grace fails to land with a series of punches.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Grace lands a body shot.
Grace fails to land with a series of punches.
Grace misses with a two punch combination.
Grace throws a right and a left that both miss.
Soreas is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Grace has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Sloppy strikes from Grace. Those never looked like landing.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Grace slaps away a takedown attempt from Soreas, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Grace throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Soreas stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Grace scores with a nice one two combo and darts back out of range to avoid anything coming in the opposite direction.
Soreas has a takedown stuffed.
Grace ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Soreas tries to score a power double leg takedown but Grace sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Soreas somewhat.
Grace lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
Grace tries to bum rush Soreas with a series of wild strikes but Soreas uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Grace fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Grace comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Grace fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Soreas takes a body punch but keeps moving.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Grace throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Grace!
Grace throws a nice looking combination but Soreas bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Grace is working the combinations to good effect here.
Grace connects with a body shot that sends Soreas's belly button to the back.

Soreas forces Grace back against the cage and clinches.

Grace gets control of Soreas's arms and successfully pulls guard. Grace will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.
Grace keeping moving, preventing Soreas from controlling successfully.
Grace trying to keep a closed guard but Soreas is proving a slippery customer.
Soreas throws a big right hand that misses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Grace throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Grace is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Grace can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Soreas controls the pace.

Soreas gets to his feet. Grace looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!
Tim Grace seems to be getting the better of the standup.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Grace stuffs the takedown attempt from Soreas. Soreas gets slowly back to his feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Rio Soreas. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Grace throws a series of strikes that have Soreas backpedaling.
Grace's corner calls for a 1, 2 combination and Grace duly obliges.
Grace fails in his attempt to clinch.
Grace dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Grace swinging wildly here.
Grace lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Grace.
Soreas wants to clinch up but Grace keeps it at a distance.
Grace throws a series of punches but Soreas avoids them all with ease.
Soreas fails with a takedown attempt from distance.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Grace lands a nice shot to the body.
A big left from Soreas misses.
Soreas has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.
Soreas gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Grace throws a nice looking combination but Soreas bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
The fight stays on the outside here - Soreas looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Soreas.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
A right-left combo lands from Grace.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
A good leg kick by Soreas.
Rio Soreas has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Tim Grace is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Grace smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.

And that's the end of the fight!
Tim Grace comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Grace 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 Luis Engracia scores the fight 27:30
Judge Mauricio Rocha scores the fight 27:30
Judge Emerson Jorge scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Tim Grace!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
75%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Jupiter Alexandre (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Joselito Carioca (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Alexandre's entrance music is Don Omar ft Tego Calderon - Bandoleros . A fine choice. Jupiter Alexandre has a significant reach advantage - let's see if he can make it count.

Alexandre
vs
Carioca

185 cm
18
165 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

170 cm
22
160 lbs
1 - 2 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
Granite chin

BJJ White Belt
Decent boxing
Tends to cut

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 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Jupiter Alexandre!
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, Joselito Carioca!
The judges for this bout are Felipe Paraventi, Paulo Santos and Leandro Rodrigues.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Carioca clinches up against the cage.
Carioca lands a nice uppercut.
Stalling in the clinch from Carioca.
Alexandre blocks an elbow strike from Carioca.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Carioca lands with a short head shot on the inside.

It looks like Jupiter Alexandre has been cut.
Carioca lands a right hand.
Carioca taking a breather.
Alexandre is trying to break the clinch but Carioca is controlling him.
Carioca lands a shot to the body.
Carioca lands a left hand.
Nice elbow from Carioca.
A frustrated look appears on Alexandre's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Alexandre struggles to land a body shot inside as Carioca controls his hands.
Carioca softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Carioca pushes off an throws an elbow but Alexandre leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
Carioca lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Alexandre backwards.
Carioca digs a right hand underneath Alexandre's ribcage. Alexandre let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Alexandre on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Alexandre swings away with an uppercut that misses.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Carioca.
A shot in the inside from Carioca.
Alexandre misses with a punch to the body.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Carioca.
A left hand lands to the body for Carioca.
Alexandre is breathing heavily.
Alexandre tries to break the clinch but Carioca is controlling the position.
Alexandre has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Alexandre wants to break free but Carioca has control.
Alexandre is trying to break free.
Alexandre looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Carioca misses with a knee to the head.
Carioca softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Alexandre misses with a punch to the body.
The pace slowing considerably in the clinch, as Carioca takes a break from that fighting nonsense to think about the finer things in life.
Carioca lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
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!
Carioca taking a break, stalling in the clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Carioca scores with a nice hook to the head.
Carioca scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Carioca lands a hook that snaps the head of Alexandre backwards.
Alexandre tries to break free but Carioca pushes him back against the cage.
Carioca taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
Carioca using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Alexandre has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Carioca is pushing Alexandre up against the cage, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.
Alexandre swings wildly with an uppercut but Carioca uses good head movement to avoid it.
Carioca crunches a lovely knee into Alexandre's ribcage.
Alexandre tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Alexandre is trying to break free.
Carioca lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Alexandre has had enough of the clinch but Carioca keeps him there for the moment.
Carioca with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Carioca as Alexandre tries to tie him up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Carioca lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Alexandre misses with a punch on the inside.
Carioca connects with a nasty looking knee right to Alexandre's face.

Jupiter Alexandre's cut is getting worse.
Alexandre takes an elbow to the temple.
Carioca lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Alexandre backwards.
Carioca lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Nice elbow from Carioca.
Alexandre wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Carioca has him pressed against the cage.
Carioca comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.

Jupiter Alexandre's cut is bleeding quite badly. He's got to try and protect it.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
The referee is keeping an eye on Carioca - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.
Carioca stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Carioca missing with knees to the body.
Carioca has Alexandre pressed against the cage, preventing Alexandre from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Carioca throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Good body shot from Carioca.
Carioca makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Alexandre wants to break the clinch but can't.
Carioca is leaning against Alexandre and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Carioca stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Carioca misses with a knee to the head.
Carioca lands an uppercut.
A right hand to the body from Carioca.
Carioca pushes Alexandre back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Carioca stalling the fight.
Carioca misses with an elbow strike.
Alexandre misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Carioca stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Joselito Carioca dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Jupiter Alexandre's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Carioca tries to clinch but Alexandre moves out of range.

Carioca closes the distance and clinches.
Carioca lands a knee to the body.
Alexandre's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Joselito Carioca seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Alexandre looking to slow down the pace here.
Carioca scores with a hook to the body.
Carioca lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Carioca tries a knee to the head but Alexandre blocks it.
Alexandre's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Carioca lands with a light punch inside.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Carioca tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Alexandre throws a head punch that misses.
Carioca lands a right hand that snaps the head of Alexandre backwards.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Alexandre avoids a wild elbow strike from Carioca.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Carioca lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Carioca stalling in the clinch.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Carioca.
Carioca has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Alexandre is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Carioca tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Alexandre avoids it.
Carioca stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Carioca stalling in the clinch.
Carioca lands a nice elbow.
Alexandre avoiding damage as Carioca throws knees to the body.
Carioca stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Carioca.
A right handed body shot lands from Carioca.
Carioca throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Alexandre is trying to maintain a safe position but Carioca gets an underhook and turns Alexandre into the cage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
A short right from Carioca.

Jeez, Jupiter Alexandre's cut is really nasty now. The referee must be thinking about getting that checked.
Carioca taking a breather.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Knees in the clinch landing for Carioca.
Carioca lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
A short left from Carioca.
Carioca presses Alexandre against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Carioca lands with a light punch inside.
Alexandre wants to stall.
Carioca lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Alexandre.
Carioca lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Carioca works on Alexandre's body with a couple of short punches.
Carioca throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
Alexandre takes a shot to the head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Carioca.
Carioca lands a right hand that snaps the head of Alexandre backwards.
Carioca stalling the fight.
Alexandre throws a head punch that misses.
Alexandre misses with a short punch on the inside.
Alexandre tries to break free but Carioca pushes him back against the cage.
Alexandre is looking to control Carioca's arms but Carioca gets an underhook and turns him. Now Alexandre has his back to the cage.
Carioca has Alexandre pressed against the cage, preventing Alexandre from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
A short uppercut from Carioca.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
Alexandre misses with a hook to the ribs.
A bit of stalling here from Carioca.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Alexandre doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Stalling in the clinch from Carioca.
Carioca prevents Alexandre from breaking the clinch.
Alexandre is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Carioca is keeping busy.
A right handed body shot lands from Carioca.
Alexandre is trying to push Carioca away but Carioca has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Alexandre misses with a punch on the inside.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Carioca.
Alexandre misses with a hook from the clinch.
Alexandre goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Carioca lands a hook that snaps the head of Alexandre backwards.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Carioca cracks Alexandre with a nice body shot.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Alexandre is trying to force a seperation but Carioca has the dominant position.
Carioca pushes Alexandre back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Alexandre is trying to break free.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

The fight stays on the outside here - Carioca looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Jupiter Alexandre is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Alexandre swings for the body but Carioca moves out of range.
Joselito Carioca seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Carioca fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Alexandre manages to avoid it.

Carioca moves into the clinch.
Carioca lands with a right to the head.
Alexandre has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Carioca presses Alexandre against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Carioca lands a nice shot to the body.
Carioca working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Carioca lands a hook that snaps the head of Alexandre backwards.
Carioca throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Alexandres head.
Stalling in the clinch from Carioca.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Carioca lands an elbow just above Alexandre 's eye.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Carioca.
Carioca lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Alexandre avoiding damage as Carioca throws knees to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Carioca scores with a shoulder strike.
Carioca blocks an uppercut.
A short right from Carioca on the inside.

Alexandre is rocked!
A short uppercut from Carioca.
Oh Alexandre is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Carioca tries to land knees in the clinch but Alexandre avoids the damage to the body.
Carioca scores with a hook to the body.
Carioca lands a shot to the body.
Carioca pushes Alexandre back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Carioca lands a nice elbow.

The referee calls the doctor in to look at Jupiter Alexandre's cut. Oh no, the doctor has called an end to the bout!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:35 of round 3, we have a winner by way of TKO (Cut). Joselito Carioca!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
100%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Braulio Baptista (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Felipe Pontes (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters really staring eachother down here, as Felipe Pontes enters the cage!

Baptista
vs
Pontes

183 cm
25
186 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

180 cm
21
193 lbs
3 - 2 - 0

Good takedowns
Counter striker
Cuts easily

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter striker
Determined

Kobra Clothing Inc. *Half Price Sale*

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 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Braulio Baptista!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Felipe Pontes!
The judges for this bout are Felipe Paraventi, Edson Gomes and Leandro Rodrigues.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Pontes shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in full mount! That's better than Pontes was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.
Pontes misses with a head shot.
Baptista is trying to escape the mount.
Pontes controlling the pace for now.
Pontes throwing shots from mount but they're not landing.
Baptista wants to control but Pontes is having none of it.
Baptista is squirming around, avoiding Pontes's attempts to control the action.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Pontes controlling the pace for now.
Pontes trying to control but he's not successful this time.

Pontes looking to secure an arm triangle but Baptista defends it well.
Baptista is trying to escape the mount.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Pontes in mount throwing good strikes here, bouncing his opponent's head off the canvas.
Pontes wants to control the pace but Baptista is squirming around nicely.
Baptista gets back to half guard.
Baptista is refusing to be controlled, as Pontes sits in half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Pontes tries to stand but his hand is stuck under Baptista.
Baptista is controlling Pontes's trapped leg to prevent Pontes from advancing to side control.
Baptista trying to control but Pontes postures up.
Pontes trying to control the action but Baptista is working from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

The ref stands the fighters back up, due to lack of action by Felipe Pontes.
Baptista swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Baptista misses the shot to the body.
A punch lands to the side of Baptista 's head but he takes it in his stride.

It looks like Braulio Baptista has been cut.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Baptista swings for the body but Pontes moves out of range.
Pontes thows a left - swing and a miss!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Felipe Pontes dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Braulio Baptista's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Baptista misses with a two punch combination.
Baptista misses with a telegraphed body shot

and Pontes counters with a nice single leg takedown and he's in Baptista's guard now.

Baptista is rocked!
Pontes trying to control the position from guard on top but Baptista is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Oh Baptista is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!
Baptista is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Baptista keeping moving, preventing Pontes from controlling successfully.
Baptista seems to have got his legs back now.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.

The ref calls for a clean break and stands the fighters back up. Felipe Pontes wasn't active enough on the ground.

Baptista gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Pontes to score an easy takedown into full guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Pontes slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.

Pontes avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Baptista wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Baptista's ground tactics aren't going to win him many fans. Let's hope he's got fireworks for us if he gets back to his feet because he's not doing much on the ground.
Baptista keeping moving, preventing Pontes from controlling successfully.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
Baptista is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.

The ref stands the fighters back up, due to lack of action by Felipe Pontes.
Baptista misses with a wild body shot.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Pontes shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
Pontes trying to control but Baptista is working from the bottom.
Pontes controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Pontes stopping the sweep attempt from Baptista.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

The ref calls for a clean break and stands the fighters back up. Felipe Pontes wasn't active enough on the ground.
Baptista's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Pontes connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Baptista scrambles back to his feet.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Baptista shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Pontes defends it nicely.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Felipe Pontes showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Braulio Baptista's cut.
That's time! Baptista's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!

Baptista pushing out the jab but it's not landing.

Pontes decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Pontes in particular looking to stall.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Pontes connects with a nice short shot to Baptista's temple.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Pontes wants to control but Baptista is keeping him busy.
Baptista is concentrating on defense, preventing Pontes from advancing position.
Baptista is looking for a sweep. Pontes is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Felipe Pontes has got the better of the ground game so far.
Pontes is trying to control the action in half guard but Baptista is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.

The ref stands the fighters back up, due to lack of action by Felipe Pontes.

Pontes shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
Pontes prevents Baptista from getting back to his feet.

Baptista scrambles and gets back to his feet.
Pontes keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Baptista swings for the body but Pontes moves out of range.
Baptista misses with a jab to the body

and Pontes counters with a nice single leg takedown and he's in Baptista's guard now.
Pontes takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Pontes wants to control from the top but Baptista keeps moving.
Baptista pulls Pontes in close to his closed guard and prevents Pontes from doing any damage or advancing position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Pontes missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Pontes preventing the sweep.
Pontes wants to control from the top but Baptista keeps moving.

OK we're going to have a standup here. Felipe Pontes hasn't been effective enough on the ground and the referee wants a restart.
Pontes waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Baptista.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.

A momentary lapse in concentration from Baptista enables Pontes to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. Baptista manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.
Pontes is stalling in the full guard.
Pontes looking to sit in guard and control but Baptista gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Felipe Pontes is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Baptista trying to control but Pontes is working from the bottom.

And that's the end of the fight!
Felipe Pontes comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Pontes 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 Felipe Paraventi scores the fight 27:30
Judge Edson Gomes scores the fight 27:30
Judge Leandro Rodrigues scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Felipe Pontes!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
43%

Main event

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Ronaldo Souza (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Johny Larente (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Souza
vs
Larente

183 cm
26
184 lbs
6 - 2 - 0

180 cm
25
185 lbs
4 - 0 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Counter striker
Good chin

Good takedowns
Brawler
Enjoys gardening

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the middleweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 6 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Ronaldo Souza!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Johny Larente!
The judges for this bout are Luis Engracia, Felipe Paraventi and Seu Braga.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Larente shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Souza as he avoids it easily.
Souza fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Larente manages to avoid it.
Larente tries for a takedown but Souza circles away easily

and Souza counters with a shoot takedown. Larente fights it but they end up in guard.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.
Souza trying to control the position from guard on top but Larente is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Larente working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Souza.
Souza throwing strikes from guard but Larente blocks nicely.
Larente keeping moving, preventing Souza from controlling successfully.
Souza in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Souza throws a strike but Larente rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Larente throws and elbow that misses. Souza uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Larente's guard. Nice move by Souza!
Souza working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Souza thows a big elbow that misses.

Larente has butterfly guard. He's looking to stand up here. He pushes Souza off him and springs to his feet nicely. The crowd applauds.
Larente fails with a takedown attempt.
Ronaldo Souza has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Johny Larente.
Souza throws a wild body kick that Larente sees coming a mile off.
Johny Larente seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Larente shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Souza but Souza pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Larente shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Souza but Souza pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Larente shoots and misses

and Souza counters with a nice double leg into guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Souza looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Souza loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Souza missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Souza throwing strikes but missing.
Larente controls Souza momentarily but Souza frees himself.
Souza throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Souza working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Souza throwing strikes but missing.
Larente working a defensive guard here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Souza trying to control the position from guard on top but Larente is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Larente working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Souza.
Souza throws a strike but Larente rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
Souza being controlled here, momentarily.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Souza is controlling Larente's posture.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ronaldo Souza dominated that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Larente fails with a takedown attempt from distance.

Larente scores with a takedown into Souza's guard.
Larente is fighting to break Souza's control of his arms but Souza is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
Souza looking to control.
Larente with a nice head shot there.
Larente content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Larente trying to control the position from guard on top but Souza is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Larente trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Souza is controlling Larente's posture.
Larente working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Larente missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Souza is on top in guard.
Larente wants to stand but Souza is controlling the position.
Souza with a flurry of punches that miss.
Souza scores with a decent looking elbow strike.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Larente is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Souza is controlling him.
Larente avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Souza throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Larente works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Larente wants to stand but Souza is controlling the position.
Souza is looking to work some ground and pound but Larente has wrist control.
Souza trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Souza postures up in Larente's guard and throws a big left but Larente blocks it.
Souza throws a strike but Larente rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Larente postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Souza preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Souza avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Souza looking to hit a scissor sweep but Larente is one step ahead there.
Ronaldo Souza overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Larente with a flurry of punches that miss.
Larente content to stall in guard here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Souza keeping moving, preventing Larente from controlling successfully.
Souza is controlling Larente's posture.
Souza utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Souza working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Larente.
Larente throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Souza works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Larente has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Souza not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Johny Larente showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Souza looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
Souza with a flurry of punches that miss.
Souza looking to sit in guard and control but Larente gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Souza has his hands on Larente's head, controlling the position.
Larente in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Souza manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Larente manages to get himself to full guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Souza accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Souza throwing strikes but missing.
Souza postures up in Larente's guard and throws a big left but Larente blocks it.
Souza throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Larente works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Souza is in close to Larente's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Larente is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Souza with a flurry of punches that miss.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Larente wants to get back to his feet but Souza is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Souza throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Larente works some decent striking defense from the bottom.

Larente manages to escape and get back to his feet.

Souza feints and as Larente raises his hands in defense, Souza changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
Larente takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Souza throws and elbow that misses. Larente uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Souza's guard. Nice move by Larente!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Larente is looking to work some ground and pound but Souza has wrist control.
Souza wants to sweep but no luck.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Larente stands up over Souza, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Larente working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Larente preventing the sweep.
Larente throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Larente trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.

Larente is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! Souza is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! Souza has escaped and now he's on top!
Souza postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Souza trying to control but Larente is working from the bottom.
Souza is really struggling to control Larente but he's trying to hold on to the position.
Souza missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Larente trying to keep a closed guard but Souza is proving a slippery customer.
Souza with a flurry of punches that miss.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Larente preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ronaldo Souza clearly takes that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Souza shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Larente shoots in but Souza avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Souza fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Larente misses with a takedown attempt

and Souza counters with a shoot takedown. Larente fights it but they end up in guard.
Larente working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Souza.
Souza prevents Larente from getting back to his feet.
Souza in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Larente being controlled here, momentarily.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Souza postures up in Larente's guard and throws a big left but Larente blocks it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Souza throws a big right hand that misses.
Souza throws and elbow that misses. Larente uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Souza's guard. Nice move by Larente!

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

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Souza prevents Larente from getting back to his feet.
Larente keeping moving, preventing Souza from controlling successfully.
Souza trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Souza throwing strikes but missing.
Souza connects with a couple of short punches.
Larente wants to get back to his feet but Souza is in a dominant position and won't allow it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Souza working some strikes from top position.
Souza throwing strikes from guard but Larente blocks nicely.
Larente has momentary wrist control but Souza slips an elbow through the middle.
Larente preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Souza throwing strikes from guard but Larente blocks nicely.
Souza working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Larente preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Larente keeping moving, preventing Souza from controlling successfully.
Larente controlling Souza's posture.
Souza wants to control from the top but Larente keeps moving.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Souza working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Souza missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ronaldo Souza had his way with Johny Larente in that round.
That's time! Back to the action! Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Souza shoots for a double leg takedown but Larente sprawls well. He's pushed Souza's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Ronaldo Souza is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Souza leaves Larente with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Souza looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.

Souza closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Larente did well to prevent Souza getting side control.
Larente wants to control but Souza is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Souza not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - an gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
Souza misses with a head shot. Larente uses the momentum to regain guard.
Souza with a flurry of punches that miss.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Souza throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Souza has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Larente is trying to keep Souza in close.
Souza throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Larente is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Larente is trying to keep Souza in close.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.
Souza postures up in Larente's guard and throws a big left but Larente blocks it.
Souza postures up.

The ref stands the fighters back up, due to lack of action by Johny Larente.
Larente fails with a takedown attempt.

Souza drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Souza's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Souza thows a big elbow that misses.
Souza trying to control the position from guard on top but Larente is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Larente not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Ronaldo Souza is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Souza is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.

The ref stands the fighters back up because Ronaldo Souza just wasn't active enough.

Souza shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
Souza keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Larente's head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Souza throws and elbow that misses. Larente uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Souza's guard. Nice move by Larente!
Larente throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Souza works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Larente looking to sit in guard and control but Souza gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Larente is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Souza postures up and lands a big shot to Larente's brow.

And that's the end of the fight!
Ronaldo Souza showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Souza 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Luis Engracia scores the fight 49:46
Judge Felipe Paraventi scores the fight 49:46
Judge Seu Braga scores the fight 49:46

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Ronaldo Souza!
Ronaldo Souza is the new middleweight champion!