PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Julio Cruzeiro (ranked 1069 p4p, 876 weight class) and Juju Baraka (ranked 158 p4p, 136 weight class). Cruzeiro comes to the cage accompanied by Jah Jah The Conqueror by Linval Thompson. Baraka has chosen Burning Spear as his entrance music. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Cruzeiro
vs
Baraka

194 cm
36
210
25 - 13 - 1

203 cm
32
206
17 - 10 - 0

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank

Hoarse Pills
Bondi MMA 🏝️

Voodoo Nutrition

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 25 - 13 - 1, fighting out of Tokyo, Julio Cruzeiro!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 17 - 10 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Juju Baraka!
The judges for this bout are Colin Fotheringham, Steven Brown and Richard Clark.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Cruzeiro scores with a crisp jab that stopped Baraka in his tracks.

It looks like Juju Baraka has been cut.
Baraka lands a nice leg kick that just misses Cruzeiro's sensitive parts.

Baraka pushes Cruzeiro up against the cage in a clinch.
A right hand to the body from Cruzeiro.
Baraka misses with a punch to the body.
Baraka working aggressively here.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Cruzeiro.
Cruzeiro misses with a hook from the clinch.
Cruzeiro fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Baraka softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Baraka is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
Cruzeiro tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Cruzeiro lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Baraka backwards.
Baraka lands a right hand.
Cruzeiro misses with a punch on the inside.
Cruzeiro throws a punch but it's blocked by Baraka.
Baraka makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Baraka blocking some punches.
Cruzeiro blocks an elbow strike.
Baraka cracks Cruzeiro with a nice body shot.
Cruzeiro lands a right hand.
Cruzeiro lands an elbow inside that Baraka shrugs off.
Cruzeiro throws a head punch that misses.
Baraka blocks a body shot from Cruzeiro.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Baraka works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Cruzeiro creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Baraka lands a right hand.
Baraka has been looking to improve his clinch game in recent weeks. Cruzeiro seems to have the measure of him in the clinch so far, so let's see if Baraka can turn it around.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Cruzeiro.
Baraka misses with a hook to the ribs.
Cruzeiro avoids the elbow strike from Baraka, against the cage.
Baraka tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Cruzeiro's elbow.
Baraka lands a left hand.
Cruzeiro tries to work over Baraka's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
A hook to the body from Baraka.

Baraka breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Baraka lands a nice hook to Cruzeiro's body. Cruzeiro takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
A slow jab from Cruzeiro misses its intended target.
Baraka looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Baraka scoring well with a low kick there.
Baraka connects with a leg kick.
Baraka tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Cruzeiro motions for Baraka to come forward. Cruzeiro throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Baraka drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Cruzeiro throws an off balance right hand
and Baraka counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Baraka lands with a good body shot.
Julio Cruzeiro seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Cruzeiro lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.

Baraka darts in and clinches Cruzeiro up against the cage.
Baraka tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Baraka has a couple of punches blocked by Cruzeiro.
A short body shot lands from Baraka as the two fighters clinch.
A body shot lands from Baraka.
A nice right hand lands inside from Cruzeiro.
Baraka lands with a right to the head.
Baraka lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Cruzeiro misses with a punch on the inside.
Baraka blocks a body shot from Cruzeiro.
A right hook to the body lands for Baraka.
Cruzeiro is breathing heavily.
Cruzeiro blocks a punch to the side of the head.
A right hook to the body lands for Baraka.
Cruzeiro blocks the elbow strike.
Cruzeiro misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Cruzeiro fails to land with a short punch on the inside.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Baraka tries to work over Cruzeiro's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Baraka lands a left hand.
Baraka lands with a light punch inside.
Baraka misses with a hook to the ribs.
A nice right hand lands inside from Baraka.
A short uppercut from Baraka.
Baraka lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Baraka tries to land a knee to the head but Cruzeiro blocks with his arms.
Baraka blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Cruzeiro blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Cruzeiro working aggressively here.
Cruzeiro throws a punch but it's blocked by Baraka.
Cruzeiro swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Baraka scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Cruzeiro misses with a punch on the inside.
Cruzeiro throws a head punch that misses.
A head punch on the inside from Cruzeiro fails to land.
Baraka misses with a body punch.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
A head punch on the inside from Cruzeiro fails to land.
Baraka blocks a punch to the side of the head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Cruzeiro throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Barakas head.
Baraka has a couple of punches blocked by Cruzeiro.
Baraka lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Baraka tries a body shot but Cruzeiro blocks it.
Baraka misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Baraka misses with a punch to the body.
Baraka wants to break the clinch but can't.
Cruzeiro blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Cruzeiro tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Cruzeiro misses with a hook from the clinch.
Baraka blocking some punches.
Baraka goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Baraka blocking some punches.
Baraka blocks an uppercut.
A short body shot lands from Baraka as the two fighters clinch.
Baraka working some nice short punches in the clinch.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
A body shot lands from Baraka.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Cruzeiro.
Baraka struggles to land a body shot inside as Cruzeiro controls his hands.

Baraka pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
No joy there for Cruzeiro, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Baraka looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Juju Baraka dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Juju Baraka's cut.
That's time! Back to the action!

Baraka pivots, looking for a leg kick but Cruzeiro is out of range and Baraka settles back down.
Nice body kick there by Baraka.
Baraka staying out of range there.
Baraka uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Cruzeiro.
Baraka throws a leg kick which misses Cruzeiro's front leg but catches the back leg as Cruzeiro tries to avoid it.
A nice leg kick lands there from Baraka.
Nice jab there from Baraka.
Baraka throws a hook but Cruzeiro blocks it.
Cruzeiro moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Baraka has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Baraka misses with a low kick.
A quick step to the side and Cruzeiro tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
Cruzeiro throws an off balance right hand
and Baraka counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Baraka slips a straight right by Cruzeiro.
A slow jab from Baraka misses its intended target.
Cruzeiro throws an overhand right that lands on Baraka's shoulder, as Baraka tries to avoid the shot.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Baraka! But no joy.
Cruzeiro steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Baraka.
Cruzeiro throws a looping overhand right but Baraka ducks down to avoid it.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
The fighters circling - Cruzeiro throws out the jab but it was never going to land.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Baraka closes the distance and pushes Cruzeiro back into the cage.
Cruzeiro has a couple of punches blocked by Baraka.
Baraka blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Cruzeiro throws an elbow that misses.
Cruzeiro fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Baraka tries a body shot but Cruzeiro blocks it.
Cruzeiro lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Cruzeiro lands with a right to the head.
Cruzeiro lands with a short shot to the head.
Baraka lands a left hand.
Baraka throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.

Baraka breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Cruzeiro takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Baraka digs a good hook to Cruzeiro's body.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Cruzeiro lands with an uppercut that bounces Baraka off the cage and back into range.
Baraka takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Baraka misses with a jab, cross combination.
Baraka tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Baraka lands with a thumping leg kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cruzeiro takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Cruzeiro swings widly with a right hand
and Baraka counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Cruzeiro thinking.
Cruzeiro bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Cruzeiro moves out of range as Baraka strikes.
Baraka thuds his right hand into Cruzeiro's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Baraka misses the shot to the body.
Baraka swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Baraka takes a swing at Cruzeiro's ribcage but misses.
Baraka fails in his attempt to clinch.
Cruzeiro is looking to counter punch.
Cruzeiro feints and then cracks Baraka's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Baraka down.
Baraka scores with the left hand. Cruzeiro knows he should have avoided that one.
Baraka keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Cruzeiro.
Cruzeiro looks to land a left hand but Baraka moved out of range nicely.

Baraka darts in and clinches Cruzeiro up against the cage.
Cruzeiro lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Baraka backwards.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Baraka.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Baraka swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Baraka blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Baraka can't break the clinch.
Juju Baraka seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Cruzeiro blocking some punches.
Cruzeiro tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.

Baraka escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Baraka works Cruzeiro's body with a nice hook.
Baraka looks to score with a jab to the body but Cruzeiro is just out of range.
Baraka clobbers Cruzeiro with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Baraka takes one on the chin but keeps coming.

That has opened up Juju Baraka's cut even more.
Cruzeiro waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Baraka.
Cruzeiro walks into a straight right hand from Baraka.
Cruzeiro takes one to the chin there.
Baraka listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Baraka misses with a wild body shot.
Cruzeiro throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Baraka counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.

Baraka closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Baraka.
Baraka misses with a hook to the ribs.
Baraka lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Cruzeiro backwards.
Baraka misses with some punches.
Baraka scores with a nice hook to the head.
Cruzeiro fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Cruzeiro misses with a hook from the clinch.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Baraka dodges an elbow strike from Cruzeiro.
Baraka has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
A short uppercut from Baraka.
A short left from Baraka.
Cruzeiro is trying to stall.
A head punch on the inside from Cruzeiro fails to land.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
A left hand lands to the body for Baraka.
Cruzeiro misses with a short punch on the inside.
A shot in the inside from Baraka.
Cruzeiro swings wildly with an uppercut but Baraka uses good head movement to avoid it.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Juju Baraka showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Juju Baraka's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.

Baraka clinches with his opponent.
Baraka misses with a short punch on the inside.
Baraka misses with some punches.
Baraka works on Cruzeiro's body with a couple of short punches.
Baraka can't break the clinch.
A head punch on the inside from Cruzeiro fails to land.
A shot in the inside from Baraka.

It looks like Julio Cruzeiro has been cut.
Baraka lands an elbow that stopped Cruzeiro in his tracks for a moment.
Baraka blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Baraka blocks an uppercut.
Cruzeiro misses with a punch on the inside.
Baraka swings wildly with an uppercut but Cruzeiro uses good head movement to avoid it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A nice right hand lands inside from Baraka.
Nice body punch from Baraka.
Baraka fails to land with a short punch on the inside.

Baraka breaks the clinch.
Cruzeiro jabbing away but nothing is landing.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Baraka throws a head kick that half lands.
Baraka tries to clinch but Cruzeiro moves out of range.
Cruzeiro throws a leg kick
enabling Baraka to counter with a crisp jab.
Baraka tries to close the distance and clinch but Cruzeiro swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.

Baraka takes the fight into the clinch.
Cruzeiro misses with an elbow over the top.
Baraka digs a right hand underneath Cruzeiro's ribcage. Cruzeiro let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Cruzeiro misses with a hook from the clinch.
Cruzeiro tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Baraka misses with the head strike.
A shot in the inside from Baraka.
Baraka lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Cruzeiro backwards.
Baraka scores with a hook to the body.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Baraka throws a head punch that misses.
Cruzeiro misses with a hook from the clinch.
Baraka swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Cruzeiro misses with some punches.
Julio Cruzeiro has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Baraka scores with a shoulder strike.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Baraka.
Cruzeiro blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Baraka has a couple of punches blocked by Cruzeiro.
Baraka misses with some punches.

Baraka breaks the clinch.
Cruzeiro misses with a lunging right hand
and Baraka counters with a left to the body.
Baraka connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Cruzeiro uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Baraka.
Baraka lands a head kick!
The fighters circle momentarily. Baraka darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Cruzeiro chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Cruzeiro jabbing away but nothing is landing.
A telegraphed right hand from Cruzeiro misses the target.
Cruzeiro moves out of range as Baraka throws a body kick.
Baraka moves into range and connects with a jab.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cruzeiro looks to throw the jab but Baraka is out of range.
Cruzeiro scores with a jab to the head.
Baraka scores with a decent looking hook.
Cruzeiro swats away the attempt to clinch by Baraka.
Cruzeiro misses with a left hand
and Baraka counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Cruzeiro thinking.
Jab by Cruzeiro.
Cruzeiro loads up on a big right hand but Baraka slips the punch.
Cruzeiro takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Cruzeiro shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Baraka checks a leg kick.
Cruzeiro scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Baraka scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Baraka lands a glancing blow to the side of Cruzeiro's head.
Baraka lands with a nice body punch.
Baraka throws a series of punches but Cruzeiro avoids them all with ease.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Baraka connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Cruzeiro has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Baraka.
Cruzeiro throws a hook but Baraka blocks it.
Cruzeiro looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
A head kick misses from Baraka.
Cruzeiro misses with a left hand
and Baraka counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Baraka lands a head kick!
Baraka scores with a jab to the body.

Baraka gets a clinch.
Baraka fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Cruzeiro throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Baraka softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Cruzeiro.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Baraka.
Juju Baraka is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Baraka lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Cruzeiro working aggressively here.

And that's the end of the fight!
Juju Baraka comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Baraka 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 Colin Fotheringham scores the fight 27:30
Judge Steven Brown scores the fight 27:30
Judge Richard Clark scores the fight 27:30

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