TPC 2: Bakhar vs O' Donnell PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Junior Campos (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Manny Silva (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The atmosphere really building for this one as we go over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Campos
vs
Silva

185 cm
18
175 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

180 cm
24
170 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Brawler
Good in bed

Good takedowns
Basic striking
Enjoys gardening

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, Junior Campos!
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, Manny Silva!
The judges for this bout are Edson Gomes, Emerson Jorge and Thiago Cunha.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
No joy there for Campos, who threw a few shots but didn't land.

Silva clinches up with Campos and pushes him back against the cage.

Campos manages to pull guard.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
Campos keeping full guard, as Silva tries to pass.
Campos trying to strike off his back.
Silva slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.
Campos is trying to control the position but Silva postures up.

Silva gets to his feet - Campos follows without any prompting.
Silva tries to close the distance and clinch but Campos swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Campos will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.

Silva forces Campos back against the cage and clinches.

Silva has Campos pressed up against the cage. He's trying to work for a single leg takedown. Silva pulls back from the cage and twists to the side, sending Campos tumbling to the mat - Silva dives into Campos's guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.

Silva stands up and waves to Campos to follow him.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Silva rushes Campos and presses him up against the cage.
Campos tries to break free but Silva pushes him back against the cage.
Silva misses with a hook to the ribs.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Silva tries to work over Campos's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.

Silva jumps guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Campos won't allow Silva to sweep him here.
Silva is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Silva is pulling down on Campos's head to control his posture.
Campos tries to free his leg and advance position but Silva is retaining full guard.

Silva has managed to work for a loose triangle. I think Campos should be able to defend this one pretty easily though. Oh, Silva has tightened it up now! Campos 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 2:41 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle). Manny Silva!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
40%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Ricardo Arona (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Wanderlei Razza (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Ricardo Arona looks tired to me. Hopefully he has got enough gas left in the tank to put in a good performance.

Arona
vs
Razza

180 cm
18
182 lbs
1 - 3 - 0

188 cm
24
182 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter striker
Big heart

BJJ Blue 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 1 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Ricardo Arona!
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, Wanderlei Razza!
The judges for this bout are Daniel Cesar, Edson Gomes and Alexandre Firmino.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Razza drives through with a takedown into guard.
Arona looks exhausted already! Oh dear, he should have come in in better shape than this!
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.
Razza wants to stand but Arona has a closed guard, so he can't escape.
Razza loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Razza with a nice head shot there.
Razza is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.

Arona wriggles free and stands up.
Arona is trying hard to land a takedown here. Razza sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.

Razza closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Razza lands in his opponent's guard.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Razza controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Razza passes Arona's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Razza trying to pass the guard but Arona defending well.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Razza is working hard to pass the guard. He's done it - he's now in full mount! Trouble for Arona!
Razza looking to control and managing it successfully.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Arona tries to hold on but Razza postures up.
Arona is bucking up trying to escape but Razza cracks him with another couple of good strikes.
Razza postures up and cracks his opponent a couple of times before moving back into close ground control. Arona looks a forlorn figure.
Razza really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Arona. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Razza scores with a couple of good head shots there.
Razza lands a big shot there that rocks Arona but he's holding on and managing to survive for now.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Razza controlling the position easily from mount.
Razza raining down shots from the mount!
Razza with a couple of short strikes.
Razza controlling from the full mount.
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!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Razza landing strikes, looking to finish!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Razza lands a jab.

Arona tries to sprawl but Razza drives through with a takedown into half guard.
Razza takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.
Razza is looking to pass the guard... He's managed it - he's now in full mount!
Razza controlling from the full mount.
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, Razza cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Razza connects with a couple of good shots from mount.
Razza with the ground and pound from mount.
Wanderlei Razza has got the better of the ground game so far.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, Razza cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers!
Razza controlling his opponent.
Arona wants to hold on but Razza pushes him away.
Razza takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
Arona taking shots to the head.
Arona tries to hold on but Razza postures up.
Razza putting on the heat here with some good ground and pound!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Razza landing strikes from the mount and Arona is in trouble!
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Razza working Arona over with strikes here.

Arona is rocked!
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Razza lands with some strikes.
Oh Arona is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!
Arona takes a big shot to the dome and his eyes have rolled back in his head! Razza's killer instinct has kicked in as he finishes the fight with more strikes. Impressive finish.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:41 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Wanderlei Razza!

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 welterweight MMA rules bout between Barroso Gomes (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Fernando Rueda (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Rueda is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: darude-sandstorm. Barroso Gomes could well score a knockout today. He has the power to get to Fernando Rueda's chin.

Gomes
vs
Rueda

190 cm
25
170 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

185 cm
19
175 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
Good chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter striker
Enjoys gardening

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 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Barroso Gomes!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Fernando Rueda!
The judges for this bout are Leandro Rodrigues, Mauricio Rocha and Matheus Silva.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Gomes shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Rueda pinned against the cage. Rueda gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Rueda shoots in but Gomes avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Rueda stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Rueda wants it to stay on the feet.

Gomes rushes Rueda and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.

Gomes manages to break the clinch.
Rueda wants to clinch up but Gomes keeps it at a distance.
Gomes shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Barroso Gomes. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Gomes lands with a nice body kick.
Rueda fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Gomes leaves Rueda with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Gomes rushes Rueda and presses him up against the cage.
Gomes keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Rueda's efforts to push away.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.

Gomes gets a trip takedown into half guard.
Rueda is not content to let Gomes control the position.
Gomes performing his best blanket impression for a moment.
The fighters are battling for position here. Rueda manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Gomes missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gomes looking to pass the guard.
Gomes wants to stand but Rueda is controlling his posture from full guard.

Rueda looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Gomes chips away with some ground and pound.
Gomes passes easily into side control. Nice work.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Rueda is looking to reverse the position.
A lull in the action here as Gomes stalls from top position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gomes landing strikes.
Rueda gets back to half guard.
Rueda is not content to let Gomes control the position.
Rueda has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Gomes is working away from the top position though.
Gomes tries to pass the half guard into mount. Rueda knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Gomes is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Gomes trying to control the pace.
Rueda won't allow Gomes to pass to mount.
Gomes is figuring out what he wants to do next.
Rueda is trying to control but can't.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Rueda uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Gomes.
Gomes closes this distance looking for a takedown but Rueda circles away.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Barroso Gomes dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Gomes tries to score a power double leg takedown but Rueda sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Gomes somewhat.
No luck for Rueda with that takedown attempt.
Gomes really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Gomes shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Rueda sprawls well. Rueda wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Gomes gets slowly back to his feet.
Barroso Gomes is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Gomes throws a series of punches but Rueda moves out of range.
Rueda fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Gomes avoids it really well and circles away.
Gomes misses with a takedown attempt - Rueda sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Barroso Gomes. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rueda changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Gomes tries to avoid it but Rueda manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Gomes to the ground. Gomes escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Rueda swats away the attempt to clinch by Gomes.
Sloppy strikes from Gomes. Those never looked like landing.
Gomes tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Gomes scores with a head kick.
Rueda throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Gomes's waist but Gomes gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Rueda off to one side.
Rueda fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Rueda is breathing heavily.

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

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gomes stopping the sweep attempt from Rueda.
Gomes wants to stand but Rueda is controlling his posture from full guard.

Rueda working for a triangle but Gomes defends it easily.
Gomes engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gomes trying to control the position from guard on top but Rueda is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Gomes engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.

Barroso Gomes has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.

Gomes 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.
Gomes throws a big right hand that misses.
Gomes pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Rueda is keeping the position for now.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gomes postures up.
Rueda has a closed guard, preventing Gomes from standing up.
Gomes stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Rueda swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Gomes's corner is telling him to maintain position.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Barroso Gomes wasn't doing enough on the ground.
Nice sprawl there from Rueda as Gomes shoots in.
Rueda looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Gomes shoots in for a takedown but Rueda shows good takedown defense.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Barroso Gomes dominated that second round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! This is the final round!

Rueda changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Gomes tries to avoid it but Rueda manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Gomes to the ground. Gomes escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Gomes shoots in for a double leg but Rueda sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Rueda circles away from the clinch attempt.
Gomes wants to clinch up but Rueda keeps it at a distance.
Rueda slaps away a takedown attempt from Gomes, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Gomes shoots for a double leg takedown but Rueda sprawls well. He's pushed Gomes'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 Barroso Gomes. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Gomes moves into range and clinches up with Rueda.
Rueda stops a takedown attempt from Gomes.
Rueda is trying to pull guard but Gomes turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Rueda misses with a knee to the head.
Gomes stalling.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gomes blocks an elbow strike from Rueda.
Rueda tries to score a body lock takedown but Gomes shows good agility there to stay on his feet.

Gomes has dropped down and is working for a takedown. Rueda is trying to keep an underhook but Gomes manages to get the takedown into half guard.

Rueda looking for submissions off his back.

Rueda is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Gomes pulls his head out easily.
Gomes lands with a punch from half guard.

Rueda actively working from the bottom here.
Gomes wants to lay and pray for a moment but Rueda keeps working.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gomes is pressing down on Rueda's thigh, looking to free his foot. Rueda is holding on for now.
Rueda is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Gomes seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.
Rueda wants to get back to his feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
It looks like Gomes is going to stand back up.

The ref stands the fighters back up because Barroso Gomes just wasn't active enough.
Rueda misses with a takedown attempt - Gomes sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Barroso Gomes seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Gomes closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Rueda gets underhooks to prevent Gomes's takedown attempt.
Rueda jumps guard but Gomes turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.

Gomes breaks from the clinch.

Gomes shoots in and gets a takedown into Rueda's guard.
Gomes tries to stand but Rueda is controlling from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rueda is trying to hold Gomes in close to prevent damage but Gomes has managed to pass into half guard.
Rueda is trying to stand back up but Gomes is controlling him
Gomes is trying to control the action in half guard but Rueda is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Barroso Gomes overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Rueda has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Gomes is working away from the top position though.
Rueda wants to get back to his feet.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Gomes wants to free his trapped foot but Rueda is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Fernando Rueda has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Barroso Gomes is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Gomes content to control rather than advance.

And that's the end of the fight!
Barroso Gomes showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Gomes has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Leandro Rodrigues scores the fight 30:27
Judge Mauricio Rocha scores the fight 30:27
Judge Matheus Silva scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Barroso Gomes!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
43%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Rousimar Palhares (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Paulo Oliveira (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Oliveira has chosen Eddie Bravo SMOKE SERPENT "Jiu Jitsu" feat. Rakaa as his entrance music. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Palhares
vs
Oliveira

170 cm
25
185 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

185 cm
25
190 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

Good takedowns
Basic striking
Granite chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent boxer
Very confident

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 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Rousimar Palhares !
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, Paulo Oliveira!
The judges for this bout are Emerson Jorge, Felipe Paraventi and Edson Gomes.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Oliveira scores with a takedown into Palhares 's guard.
Oliveira being controlled here momentarily.
Oliveira postures up in Palhares 's guard and throws a big left but Palhares blocks it.
Oliveira missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Palhares has his hands on Oliveira's head, controlling the position.
Oliveira postures up in Palhares 's guard and throws a big left but Palhares blocks it.
Oliveira with a flurry of punches that miss.
Oliveira is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Palhares 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.
Oliveira with a nice head shot there.
Oliveira working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Oliveira throws an elbow that misses. Palhares uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Oliveira's guard. Nice move by Palhares !

Oliveira looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Oliveira tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Palhares with a flurry of punches that miss.
Palhares could do with losing a few pounds - he looks very soft around the mid section, to put it politely.

Oliveira working for a triangle but Palhares defends it easily.

Oliveira is working an open guard so Palhares takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.
Oliveira lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!

A momentary lapse in concentration from Oliveira enables Palhares to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. Oliveira manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.
Palhares is breathing heavily.
Oliveira preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.

Oliveira is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Palhares is aware though and is defending well.
Palhares might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Palhares wants to pass the guard but Oliveira is keeping the position.
Oliveira really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Palhares . If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Oliveira looking for a sweep. Not yet Oliveira, not yet.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Palhares drops back looking for a leg! Oliveira is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Oliveira manages to kick Palhares off! Palhares jumps back into Oliveira's guard.

Oliveira working for a triangle but Palhares defends it easily.
Palhares works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
The fighters are battling for position here. Oliveira manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Palhares advances position into side control!
Oliveira tries to improve position but can't.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Palhares looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.

Palhares is trying to get an arm triangle but Oliveira is defending well.
Oliveira manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!
Oliveira slips a nice elbow through Palhares 's hands, connecting with Palhares 's forehead.
Oliveira winds up and cracks Palhares with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
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. Oliveira connects with a nice short shot to Palhares 's temple.
Palhares moves into full guard.
Oliveira throws a big elbow that misses.
Oliveira tries to free his leg and advance position but Palhares is retaining full guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Oliveira postures up in Palhares 's guard and throws a big left but Palhares blocks it.
Palhares working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Oliveira.
Oliveira trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Oliveira is in close to Palhares 's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Oliveira throws a big right hand that misses.
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!
Oliveira throwing strikes from guard but Palhares blocks nicely.
Palhares avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Oliveira postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Oliveira is looking to work some ground and pound but Palhares has wrist control.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Oliveira throws a big right hand that misses.
Oliveira must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Oliveira postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Oliveira looking to pass the guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Paulo Oliveira dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

A nice combination there by Oliveira.
Oliveira shoots in looking for a takedown but Palhares manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Oliveira's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Oliveira fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.

Palhares drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Oliveira manages to work his way to half guard, despite Palhares 's best efforts.

Palhares postures up and decides to stand up, from the half guard. The ref calls for Oliveira to stand up.
Oliveira moves out of range as Palhares throws a body kick.
Oliveira misses with a takedown attempt - Palhares sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Rousimar Palhares has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Paulo Oliveira.
Oliveira shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Palhares pinned against the cage. Palhares gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.

Palhares closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Oliveira's guard.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Oliveira is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Paulo Oliveira has got the better of the ground game so far.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Palhares stands up and waves to Oliveira to follow him.
Palhares throws a head kick but Oliveira moves out of range.
No joy there for Oliveira, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Oliveira misses with a few strikes there.

Palhares closes the distance and pushes Oliveira back into the cage.
Oliveira tries to break the clinch but Palhares is controlling the position.

Palhares turns his hips and lands a very nice judo throw into side control!
Oliveira regains half guard.
Palhares throwing shots but Oliveira is blocking nicely.
Palhares missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.

Oliveira actively working from the bottom here.
Oliveira is trying to get back to full guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Palhares works his foot free and advances to mount.
Palhares lands with some strikes.
Oliveira sneaks a leg under to get to half guard.
Palhares prevents Oliveira from improving his position.
Palhares is working hard to pass the guard. He's done it - he's now in full mount! Trouble for Oliveira!

Palhares gets to his feet and calls his opponent to stand. Here come the fireworks!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Oliveira shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Palhares as he avoids it easily.
Palhares misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Oliveira fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Oliveira dives in and grabs Palhares 's left leg, looking for a takedown. Palhares pushes down on Oliveira's head and hops out.
Palhares throws a sloppy head kick and Oliveira moves out of range easily.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Oliveira!
Rousimar Palhares is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

Palhares shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.

Palhares is looking for a kimura but Oliveira is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Palhares to get the leverage.
Palhares thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Oliveira's head.

Oliveira actively working from the bottom here.
Oliveira is trying to get back to full guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Oliveira is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.

Palhares stands up out of the half guard.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Oliveira looks to land a combination but Palhares avoids it well.

Palhares gets the takedown into side control.
Oliveira tries to buck Palhares off but Palhares is having none of it.
Palhares landing a few strikes.
Oliveira dodges the ground and pound from Palhares .
Oliveira is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Palhares 's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Palhares passes the half guard and he's now in mount! Big trouble for Oliveira!
Palhares landing strikes from the mount.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Rousimar Palhares dominated that second round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!

Oliveira tries for a takedown but Palhares sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Palhares slaps away a takedown attempt from Oliveira, before circling back to the center of the mat.

Palhares scores a takedown into full mount!
BOOM! Palhares connects with a massive shot to the dome!
Oliveira working to try and regain half guard.
Oliveira in a bad spot here, taking shots to the head.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Palhares lands with some strikes.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

Palhares looking to secure an arm triangle but Oliveira defends it well.
Oliveira can't escape the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Palhares stands up from mount. Strange move.
Oliveira throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Oliveira shoots in looking for a takedown but Palhares manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Oliveira's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Rousimar Palhares has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Paulo Oliveira.

Palhares looking to score a takedown here. Oliveira is defending well but Palhares drives through and ends up in Oliveira's guard.

Oliveira looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.

Palhares stands up and waves to Oliveira to follow him.
Palhares stuffs the takedown.

Palhares looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into mount! Oh, that's bad for Oliveira!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Oliveira can't escape the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Palhares breaks from Oliveira's wrist control and lands an elbow.
Palhares has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Oliveira really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
Palhares lands a heavy elbow.
Palhares with a couple of short strikes.
Oliveira is looking to improve his position but Palhares isn't that keen on the idea.
Palhares is in the full mount, landing strikes.

Palhares wants to finish this one by submission but Oliveira is holding onto his waist, trying to prevent any attacks from Palhares .
Palhares misses with a head shot.
Palhares lands with some strikes.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Palhares thuds his fist into the canvas! Oooouch!

Palhares is working on an americana here. Ooh, that looks pretty nasty! Nope, Oliveira has managed to escape the submission attempt.
Palhares throwing shots from mount but they're not landing.
Oliveira tries to reverse the position but Palhares maintains control.

Palhares wants to finish this one by submission but Oliveira is holding onto his waist, trying to prevent any attacks from Palhares .
Palhares sends his fist crashing into the mat - the crowd let out a collective ooooooh. Let's hope he's not broken it!
Palhares prevents Oliveira from getting the reversal.
Palhares throwing sloppy strikes, which aren't doing any damage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Oliveira is looking to get to half guard.
Palhares connects with a couple of good shots from mount.
Palhares lands a shot to the body, followed up by a shot to the exposed head of his trapped opponent.
Oliveira is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
Palhares unloading with bombs!
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Oliveira is looking to improve his position but Palhares isn't that keen on the idea.

Palhares has isolated one of Oliveira's arms. Oliveira looking to fight him off but Palhares twists into an armbar. It's tight... Will he tap?? YES, he's tapped! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:56 of round 3, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Rousimar Palhares !
After winning the bout, Rousimar Palhares thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
78%

Co-main event

Main event

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Janjalani Abu Bakhar (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Victor O Donnell (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Abu Bakhar comes into the arena with Salah Malaikom blaring out of the sound system. O Donnell has chosen Cant be touched as his entrance music. Janjalani Abu Bakhar has the edge in experience - let's see if he can make that count tonight.

Abu Bakhar
vs
O Donnell

178 cm
25
185 lbs
9 - 7 - 0

185 cm
20
200 lbs
4 - 0 - 0

Good wrestling
Solid boxing
Very quick

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Heavy handed

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 9 - 7 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Janjalani Abu Bakhar!
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, Victor O Donnell!
The judges for this bout are Daniel Cesar, Seu Braga and Felipe Paraventi.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Abu Bakhar takes the fight into the clinch.
O Donnell wants to get back to striking at distance but Abu Bakhar won't allow it.
Abu Bakhar tries to pull guard but O Donnell forces him back to his feet, against the cage.

Abu Bakhar pulls O Donnell into guard.

Abu Bakhar looking for a triangle here. O Donnell is fighting it but it looks tight! Abu Bakhar pulls the arm across and this one won't last much longer! Nope, O Donnell is tapping out - this one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:33 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle Choke). Janjalani Abu Bakhar!
Janjalani Abu Bakhar is the new middleweight champion!
Janjalani Abu Bakhar decided to go for the less than humble approach in his post fight interview, telling everyone how he is going to conquer the world. The crowd seemed to like it when really that sort of approach could have gone either way.