PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a super heavyweight MMA rules bout between Julio Cruzeiro (ranked 1688 p4p, 1611 weight class) and Akaro Horiguchi (ranked 64 p4p, 60 weight class). Cruzeiro comes to the cage accompanied by Jah Jah The Conqueror by Linval Thompson. Horiguchi has chosen Japanese Imperial Army Death March as his entrance music. The crowd giving both fighters a great reception on their way into the arena. That's good to see.

Cruzeiro
vs
Horiguchi

194 cm
40
210
32 - 20 - 1

176 cm
39
159
24 - 14 - 1

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Very quick

Good wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank

The Pharmacy Phuket

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the super heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 32 - 20 - 1, fighting out of Tokyo, Julio Cruzeiro!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 24 - 14 - 1, fighting out of Sydney, Akaro Horiguchi!
The judges for this bout are Donatello Bradman, Topper Green and Eliza Hachem.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A decent looking body kick lands there for Cruzeiro.
Cruzeiro misses with a low kick.
Horiguchi drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Cruzeiro defends it well.
A big left from Cruzeiro misses.
Horiguchi is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Horiguchi avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Cruzeiro connects with a right hand. Horiguchi shakes it off.
Cruzeiro misses with a looping left.
Cruzeiro tries to land a front kick but Horiguchi steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Horiguchi changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Horiguchi has been spending a lot of time sparring his boxing in the run up to the fight, trying to sharpen up those hands and look for a knockout.
Horiguchi moves out of range of the strikes.
Horiguchi is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Cruzeiro connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruzeiro throws a good cross that connects.
Cruzeiro loads up on a big right hand but Horiguchi slips the punch.
Cruzeiro lands a body shot.
The crowd cheers as Cruzeiro lands an impressive looking overhand right. Horiguchi doesn't seem phased though.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cruzeiro throws a low kick but Horiguchi avoids it.
Horiguchi drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Cruzeiro defends it well.
Cruzeiro throws a lazy right hand but Horiguchi sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Horiguchi feints the counter takedown.
Cruzeiro throws out a loose jab but Horiguchi uses good head movement to avoid it.
Julio Cruzeiro is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Horiguchi avoids a kick to the body.
Cruzeiro throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Horiguchi tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Cruzeiro tries to bum rush Horiguchi with a series of wild strikes but Horiguchi uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Cruzeiro misses with a low kick.
Horiguchi feints the counter takedown.
Cruzeiro misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Horiguchi.
Cruzeiro throws a jab but it's blocked by Horiguchi.
Cruzeiro throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Horiguchi sees it coming and avoids it easily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cruzeiro throws the kick towards the body but Horiguchi avoids it.
Cruzeiro throws a jab when Horiguchi was well out of range.
Cruzeiro walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Horiguchi checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Cruzeiro scores with a nice right hand.
Cruzeiro will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Cruzeiro lands a nice looking body kick.
An inside leg kick from Cruzeiro misses.
Horiguchi is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Horiguchi moves out of range of the leg kick from Cruzeiro.
Horiguchi with the counter takedown but Cruzeiro avoids it easily.
Cruzeiro throws a low kick but Horiguchi moves out of range easily.
Horiguchi keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Horiguchi slips under a jab from Cruzeiro.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cruzeiro scores with a jab to the jaw.
A jab from Cruzeiro misses.
Horiguchi is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Julio Cruzeiro seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Horiguchi walks into a jab.
Cruzeiro lands a jab to Horiguchi's midsection.
Cruzeiro moves into range and connects with a jab.
Cruzeiro throws a leg kick that misses.
Cruzeiro lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
Cruzeiro bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Horiguchi's head backwards.
Cruzeiro misses with a looping right.
Cruzeiro throws out a leg kick but Horiguchi moves out of range and Cruzeiro only half commits.
Cruzeiro missing with a left hand there. Horiguchi was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Cruzeiro swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Cruzeiro finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Cruzeiro throws a hook but Horiguchi blocks it.
Horiguchi is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Horiguchi ducks under a wild hook from Cruzeiro.
Horiguchi is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Horiguchi takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Cruzeiro throws a solid leg kick but Horiguchi takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Cruzeiro.
Horiguchi feints the counter takedown.
Cruzeiro throws a low kick but Horiguchi moves out of range easily.
Horiguchi tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
A lazy body kick from Cruzeiro

and Horiguchi counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Cruzeiro!
An elbow from Horiguchi crashes against the mat.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Horiguchi in side control, throwing shots but Cruzeiro defends.
Horiguchi is trying to ground and pound but Cruzeiro uses the momentary lack of control by Horiguchi to regain half guard.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Julio Cruzeiro dominated that round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare each other down, ready to get back to the action.

Cruzeiro pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Horiguchi with the counter takedown but Cruzeiro avoids it easily.
Horiguchi gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Julio Cruzeiro is winning the standup battle so far.
Horiguchi moves out of range as Cruzeiro throws a body kick.
Akaro Horiguchi is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Cruzeiro tests Horiguchi's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Horiguchi blocks a jab.
Horiguchi feints the counter takedown.
Cruzeiro bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Horiguchi's head.
Good leg kick by Cruzeiro.
Cruzeiro thows a left - swing and a miss!
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A bone on bone clash there as Horiguchi blocks the leg kick.
Horiguchi changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Cruzeiro is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
Cruzeiro throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Horiguchi sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Cruzeiro tries to score with a low kick but Horiguchi moves his leg out of the way.
Horiguchi feints the counter takedown.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A nice leg kick from Cruzeiro, right into the meat of the thigh.
Horiguchi uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Cruzeiro.
Cruzeiro lands a nice shot that snaps Horiguchi's head back.
Cruzeiro throws a body shot but no joy.
Cruzeiro throws a leg kick but Horiguchi checks it.
Horiguchi drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Cruzeiro defends it well.
Cruzeiro thows a left - swing and a miss!
And Horiguchi tries to counter it with a takedown but Cruzeiro pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Cruzeiro throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Horiguchi moves away from the strike by Cruzeiro.
Cruzeiro throws a body shot but no joy.
Cruzeiro throws a wild body kick that Horiguchi sees coming a mile off.
Horiguchi is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Horiguchi uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Cruzeiro.
And Horiguchi tries to counter it with a takedown but Cruzeiro pushes his down on his head and steps out.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cruzeiro throws a lazy right hand but Horiguchi sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Horiguchi drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Cruzeiro defends it well.
Cruzeiro lands with a right hand.
Horiguchi checks the leg kick.
Horiguchi drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Cruzeiro defends it well.
Cruzeiro looks to land a combination. Horiguchi sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
Cruzeiro swinging wildly here.
Cruzeiro throws a half hearted mid kick.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Cruzeiro throws a leg kick which misses Horiguchi's front leg but catches the back leg as Horiguchi tries to avoid it.
A bone on bone clash there as Horiguchi blocks the leg kick.
Horiguchi changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Horiguchi avoids the head kick by Cruzeiro.
Horiguchi tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cruzeiro throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
Horiguchi tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Cruzeiro getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Cruzeiro misses with a looping left.
Cruzeiro throws a leg kick

and Horiguchi counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Cruzeiro!
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Cruzeiro dodges the ground and pound from Horiguchi.
Horiguchi throwing strikes but missing, from side control.
Horiguchi looking to punish the body of his opponent here but Cruzeiro is avoiding damage well.
Horiguchi misses with the ground and pound.
Horiguchi creates some space and throws a big elbow, but Cruzeiro sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike.
Horiguchi misses with an attempted head punch from side control.
Horiguchi throws a strike aimed at the side of Cruzeiro's head but Cruzeiro avoids it well.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Horiguchi tries to score with some ground and pound. Cruzeiro controls his posture well this time though and the shots don't do any damage.
The strikes coming from Horiguchi are missing the target in this wave of attacks.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Horiguchi in side control, throwing shots but Cruzeiro defends.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Cruzeiro regains half guard, as Horiguchi was trying to land strikes.
Akaro Horiguchi has got the better of the ground game so far.
Horiguchi throwing shots but Cruzeiro is blocking nicely.
Cruzeiro blocking the ground and pound attempt from Horiguchi.
Horiguchi sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Cruzeiro defending well though.
Horiguchi not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Horiguchi missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Horiguchi not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Cruzeiro avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Horiguchi.
Horiguchi thows a huge punch but Cruzeiro dodges it nicely.
Horiguchi missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Horiguchi not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Julio Cruzeiro dominated that second round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes 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.

Cruzeiro misses with a hook. Horiguchi ducked under it nicely.
Horiguchi feints the counter takedown.
Cruzeiro is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Horiguchi can do to turn this around?
Cruzeiro throws a jab but it's blocked by Horiguchi.
Horiguchi feints the counter takedown.
Cruzeiro connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Horiguchi takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Cruzeiro misses the jab.
Horiguchi feints the counter takedown.
Cruzeiro misses with a hook. Horiguchi ducked under it nicely.
Horiguchi blocks a jab.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruzeiro misses with the combination.
Horiguchi with the counter takedown but Cruzeiro avoids it easily.
Cruzeiro throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
And Horiguchi tries to counter it with a takedown but Cruzeiro pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Cruzeiro moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cruzeiro looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Cruzeiro misses with a head kick.
Horiguchi is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Cruzeiro throws a hook but Horiguchi blocks it.
Cruzeiro looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Horiguchi keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Cruzeiro throws a nice inside leg kick.
Horiguchi displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Cruzeiro throws out the jab.
And Horiguchi tries to counter it with a takedown but Cruzeiro pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Cruzeiro throws a shot from downtown. Horiguchi moves away and avoids it.
Cruzeiro misses with a low kick as Horiguchi jumps back.
Horiguchi feints the counter takedown.
Horiguchi tries to move into range but Cruzeiro moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cruzeiro throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Cruzeiro looks for the body kick but Horiguchi saw that one coming.
Horiguchi feints the counter takedown.
Horiguchi checks a leg kick.
Cruzeiro misses the shot to the body.
Cruzeiro swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Cruzeiro swings for the body but Horiguchi moves out of range.
A telegraphed right hand from Cruzeiro misses the target.
Horiguchi feints the counter takedown.
Cruzeiro throws a low kick but Horiguchi avoids it.
Cruzeiro misses with the combination.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cruzeiro misses with a hook. Horiguchi ducked under it nicely.
Horiguchi blocks a leg kick.
And Horiguchi tries to counter it with a takedown but Cruzeiro pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Cruzeiro lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Cruzeiro.
Horiguchi drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Cruzeiro defends it well.
Horiguchi keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Horiguchi with the counter takedown but Cruzeiro avoids it easily.
Cruzeiro swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Horiguchi.
Cruzeiro throws a wild body kick that Horiguchi sees coming a mile off.
A looping hook to the body misses from Cruzeiro. Horiguchi does a little dance to reset his feet.
Horiguchi drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Cruzeiro defends it well.
Horiguchi keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
And Horiguchi tries to counter it with a takedown but Cruzeiro pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Nice uppercut lands for Cruzeiro. That snapped Horiguchi's head back.
Horiguchi avoids the body shot from Cruzeiro.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Cruzeiro lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Cruzeiro swinging wildly here.
Horiguchi tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
A head kick misses from Cruzeiro.
Horiguchi uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Cruzeiro.
Horiguchi drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Cruzeiro defends it well.
Cruzeiro throws a leg kick which misses Horiguchi's front leg but catches the back leg as Horiguchi tries to avoid it.
Cruzeiro walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Horiguchi checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Horiguchi drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Cruzeiro defends it well.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Horiguchi takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Cruzeiro takes a swing at Horiguchi's ribcage but misses.
Horiguchi tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Akaro Horiguchi has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
A big right from Cruzeiro misses.

And that's the end of the fight!
Julio Cruzeiro showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Cruzeiro, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 Donatello Bradman scores the fight 30:26
Judge Topper Green scores the fight 30:26
Judge Eliza Hachem scores the fight 30:26

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Julio Cruzeiro!
Post fight, Julio Cruzeiro took to the microphone: 'Give Me All The Midgets, I’m Taking Over The Openweight Division'.