PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Jero Wolf (ranked 1337 p4p, 1784 weight class) and Rio Gracie (ranked 162 p4p, 219 weight class). Wolf comes to the cage accompanied by Better Together. Rio Gracie acknowledges the crowd's support as he enters the cage.

Wolf
vs
Gracie

176 cm
24
161
9 - 6 - 1

175 cm
23
170
9 - 3 - 0

Good wrestling
Solid boxing
Insanely flexible

Powerful takedowns
Counter fighter
Good gas tank

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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 9 - 6 - 1, fighting out of Montreal, Jero Wolf!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 9 - 3 - 0, fighting out of London, Rio Gracie!
The judges for this bout are Robert Douchet, Gregory Folan and Steve Smith.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Nice defenses there by Gracie.
Gracie takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Wolf throws a chopping leg kick but Gracie manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Wolf scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Wolf takes a swing at Gracie's ribcage but misses.
A nice side step and Gracie releases a counter shot to the body, but it doesn't find it's home.
Wolf throws a jab but it's blocked by Gracie.
Wolf changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Wolf lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Wolf jabs at Gracie's body.
Wolf connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
A lazy left from Wolf finds it's target.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gracie misses with a straight right.
Gracie showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Wolf.
Wolf swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Gracie is looking for the big counter here.
Wolf looks to land a left hand but Gracie moved out of range nicely.
We can't be sure of the tactics at this early stage but we have heard that Gracie has been working on his takedowns a lot in the buildup to the fight and we can only assume he's going to look to take this to the mat.
Wolf misses with a body shot.
Gracie lets it all go there with a big combo counter but none of the punches connected.
Wolf throws a jab when Gracie was well out of range.
Gracie let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
Jero Wolf is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Wolf throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Gracie sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Gracie steps in looking to counter with the mid kick but it doesn't connect.
Gracie changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Wolf tries to avoid it but Gracie manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Wolf to the ground. Wolf escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
We've been hearing reports that Wolf has been drilling takedowns in recent sessions so let's see if that has an impact on the result of this fight.
Gracie defending well as Wolf loads up on a big left hand.
Gracie is loading up here, looking for a big counter of his own.
A big left from Wolf misses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gracie looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Gracie looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Wolf misses with a series of wild punches.
Wolf throws a quick inside leg kick.
Wolf swinging wildly here.
Nice uppercut there from Wolf.
Jero Wolf seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Wolf fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Gracie on the side of the head.
Wolf swings and misses with a hook to the body.
A little jabbing left from Gracie on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Wolf misses with an uppercut.
Gracie now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
Gracie throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Wolf's waist but Wolf gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Gracie off to one side.
Jero Wolf has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Rio Gracie.
Gracie takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Wolf throws a shot from downtown. Gracie moves away and avoids it.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Gracie! But no joy.
An inside leg kick from Wolf misses.
Gracie fails to land the takedown.
Wolf scores with a jab to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Wolf throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Wolf just misses with a punch to the body.

Gracie shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Wolf looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Wolf is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Gracie missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Gracie trying to mount his opponent but Wolf defends it.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Wolf is looking to control Gracie's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Wolf avoid being mounted?
Gracie wants to lay and pray for a moment but Wolf keeps working.
Wolf keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Wolf is looking to improve his position.
Wolf controlling the position well.
Wolf tries to get to full guard but Gracie has control of the leg.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Gracie missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Wolf has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Gracie is working away from the top position though.
Gracie is looking to take a break and control but Wolf is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.
A shot to the liver by Wolf. Beautiful body shot.
Gracie takes one to the side of the head.
Nice uppercut lands for Wolf. That snapped Gracie's head back.
The crowd cheers as Wolf lands an impressive looking overhand right. Gracie doesn't seem phased though.
Wolf is really peppering his opponent's head with punches.
Wolf throws a lazy right hand but Gracie sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Gracie shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Wolf as he avoids it easily.
Wolf cracks Gracie with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Gracie uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Wolf.
Gracie lets it all go there with a big combo counter but none of the punches connected.
Gracie throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Wolf's waist but Wolf gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Gracie off to one side.
Gracie slips a jab from Wolf.
Wolf looks to land a left hand but Gracie moved out of range nicely.
Wolf swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Gracie doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
Wolf cracks Gracie with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Wolf tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Gracie was well out of range. Poor timing from Wolf.
Gracie is loading up here, looking for a big counter of his own.
Some wild striking there from Wolf.
Gracie looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Gracie walks into a stiff left hand from Wolf.
Gracie fails with a takedown attempt.
Wolf misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Gracie.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Gracie! But no joy.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Gracie is defended easily by Wolf.
Gracie avoids a lazy jab quite easily.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Gracie shoots in but no luck this time.
Wolf defending well as Gracie loads up on a big left hand.
Gracie uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Wolf.
Gracie swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Wolf fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Despite the aggression on Gracie's face he doesn't fully commit to the counter.
Gracie takes one to the chin there.
Wolf looks to throw the jab but Gracie is out of range.
Wolf swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Wolf swings and misses with a hook to the body.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Wolf stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Wolf fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Gracie looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

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

Wolf paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Gracie takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Wolf swings for the body but Gracie moves out of range.
Wolf throws out a loose jab but Gracie uses good head movement to avoid it.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Gracie! But no joy.
Jero Wolf is winning the standup battle so far.
Gracie shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Wolf but Wolf pushes him off and we're back to square one.
A quick step to the side and Wolf tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
Wolf jabbing away but nothing is landing.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Gracie shoots in but no luck this time.
A quick step to the side and Wolf tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
Wolf fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Gracie checks it well.
Wolf scores with a body shot.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gracie looks for a takedown but Wolf sprawls well.
Jero Wolf has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Rio Gracie.
Gracie takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.

It looks like Rio Gracie has been cut.
A combination from Wolf does no damage.
Gracie was about to counter that last move with a leg kick but changes his mind.
Gracie shoots for a takedown but Wolf saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Wolf displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Gracie.
Wolf scores with a jab to the head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gracie displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Wolf throws out the jab.
Wolf throws a shot to the body.
Wolf catches Gracie with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
A big left from Wolf misses.

Gracie looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into side control! Oh, that's bad for Wolf!
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Gracie trying to control the position but Wolf is working away.
Wolf tries to get back to half guard but can't.

Gracie is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Wolf is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
Gracie tries to advance to mount but Wolf denies him.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Wolf is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Gracie off and has taken his back!
Can Gracie hold on?! Wolf is landing more strikes to his hapless foe.
Wolf throwing damaging strikes from the back! Gracie could be in trouble here!
Gracie tries to roll but Wolf sticks to his back.
Wolf has the hooks sunk in and you can see the will to fight slowly draining out of Gracie's body.
Gracie staying busy and making it hard for Wolf to control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Wolf lands a punch to the side of the head from the back.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Wolf tightening his grip on Gracie, looking for the choke.
Gracie tries to escape the position - he's now mounted. Is that better or worse? Hard to tell!
Wolf avoids the attempt from Gracie to control.
Wolf is in the full mount, landing strikes.
Wolf takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Gracie is trying desperately to improve position.
Gracie is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Wolf is landing with some decent strikes but Gracie is trying to advance his position so the referee is letting the fight continue.
Wolf lands a couple of good shots and Gracie has given up his back, trying to escape the position!
Wolf throws a big right hand but he misses and hits the mat. Ouch.
Wolf misses with punches from the back.
Wolf is trying to stick to Gracie's back but Gracie is turning into Wolf. He's managed to reverse the position - now he's in Wolf's guard. Polite applause from the crowd in appreciation of some nice Jiu Jitsu by Gracie.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Wolf has his hands on Gracie's head, controlling the position.
Wolf looking to control.
Wolf keeping full guard, as Gracie tries to pass.
Gracie trying to control but Wolf is working from the bottom.
Gracie content to stall in guard here.
Gracie tries to free his leg and advance position but Wolf is retaining full guard.
Wolf is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Gracie can do to turn this around?
Wolf pulls Gracie in close to prevent any damage.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Wolf keeping moving, preventing Gracie from controlling successfully.
Gracie pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Wolf is keeping the position for now.
Wolf keeping moving, preventing Gracie from controlling successfully.
Gracie might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Wolf haven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.
Wolf controlling Gracie's posture.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.
Wolf wants to sweep but no luck.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Nice sprawl there from Wolf as Gracie shoots in.
Wolf misses with an uppercut. Gracie saw that one coming.
Gracie uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Wolf.
Gracie tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Wolf defends well and Gracie ends up having to push Wolf into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Gracie slips under a jab from Wolf.
Gracie shoots in for a takedown but Wolf shows good takedown defense.
Gracie bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Wolf digs a good body shot into Gracie's ribs.
Wolf scores with a jab to the head.
Gracie misses with a low kick as Wolf jumps back.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Gracie changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Wolf tries to avoid it but Gracie manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Wolf to the ground. Wolf escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
A little feinted left hand from Wolf on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Gracie avoids the body shot from Wolf.
Despite the aggression on Gracie's face he doesn't fully commit to the counter.
Wolf scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Wolf throws a good cross that connects.
Gracie changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Wolf tries to avoid it but Gracie manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Wolf to the ground. Wolf escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Gracie is breathing heavily.
Wolf throws a series of strikes that have Gracie backpedaling.
Wolf moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
A lazy left from Wolf finds it's target.
Gracie has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Gracie takes one on the chin but seems OK.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jero Wolf dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Rio Gracie's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Gracie tries to score a power double leg takedown but Wolf sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Gracie somewhat.
Wolf stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Wolf throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Some wild striking there from Wolf.
Wolf listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A shot to the liver by Wolf. Beautiful body shot.
Wolf lands a right hook to the body.
The fighters circling - Wolf throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Wolf ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Gracie moves away.
Wolf scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Wolf punishes Gracie's body with a nice straight punch.
Wolf takes a swing at Gracie's ribcage but misses.
Wolf lands with an overhand left.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Wolf connects with a good right hand that stumbles Gracie. Gracie circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Wolf misses with an attempted mid kick.
Wolf jabs Gracie to the body, keeping him at a distance.
A jab lands there for Wolf.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Gracie takes one to the side of the head.
Wolf looks to score with a jab to the body but Gracie is just out of range.
A clash of legs there as Gracie blocks the low kick.
Wolf throws a big shot that misses.
Wolf displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Gracie.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Wolf bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Gracie shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Wolf sprawls well. Wolf wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Gracie gets slowly back to his feet.
Jero Wolf has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Rio Gracie.
Gracie uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Wolf.
Gracie keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Gracie swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Nice jab there from Wolf.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gracie fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Wolf moves into range and connects with a jab.
Gracie with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Wolf to score with a decent uppercut.
Wolf misses with an uppercut.
Gracie throws out a counter right but Wolf avoids it with no problem.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Gracie.
Wolf fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Gracie manages to avoid it.
Wolf fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Wolf misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Gracie.
Wolf scores with a nice head shot.
Wolf swings for the body but Gracie moves out of range.
Despite the aggression on Gracie's face he doesn't fully commit to the counter.
Gracie uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Wolf.
Wolf throws an overhand right that lands on Gracie's shoulder, as Gracie tries to avoid the shot.
Gracie takes one to the chin there.
Wolf missing with a left hand there. Gracie was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Wolf pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Wolf misses with a body shot.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Wolf fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Gracie manages to avoid it.
A nice side step and Gracie releases a counter shot to the body, but it doesn't find it's home.
Gracie steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Wolf.
Wolf jabs at Gracie's body.
Wolf misses the shot to the body.
Gracie is trying to counter with his kicks.
Gracie looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Wolf is fending him off so far but Gracie persists. Nope, Wolf circles away and we're back to standing.
Wolf fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Gracie manages to avoid it.
Gracie takes one to the chin there.
Gracie moves away from the strike by Wolf.
Wolf works Gracie's body with a nice hook.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Wolf throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Gracie sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Wolf missing with a left hand there. Gracie was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Gracie ducks right into an uppercut from Wolf.
Gracie takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Gracie will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Wolf changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Wolf lands a glancing blow to the side of Gracie's head.
Wolf throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Rio Gracie has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Rio Gracie is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Wolf throws a hook but Gracie blocks it.
Gracie looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Wolf lands with a good body shot.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Wolf connects with the punch.
Wolf scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Gracie doesn't seem bothered though.
Wolf lands with a hook. Gracie tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
A big right from Wolf misses.
Despite the aggression on Gracie's face he doesn't fully commit to the counter.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Wolf lands a body shot.
Wolf misses with a low kick.
Nice uppercut lands for Wolf. That snapped Gracie's head back.
Gracie wants to clinch up but Wolf keeps it at a distance.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Gracie blocks a leg kick.
Gracie was about to counter that last move with a leg kick but changes his mind.
Wolf scores with a shot to the body.
Gracie takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Gracie dives in and grabs Wolf's left leg, looking for a takedown. Wolf pushes down on Gracie's head and hops out.
Gracie takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Gracie shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Wolf cracks Gracie with a good jab.

Gracie closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Wolf quickly recovers to half guard.
Wolf keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Wolf has his hands clasped together around Gracie's back. He's all about the action.
Jero Wolf is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Wolf'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.

And that's the end of the fight!
Jero Wolf showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Wolf, 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 Robert Douchet scores the fight 30:26
Judge Gregory Folan scores the fight 30:26
Judge Steve Smith scores the fight 30:26

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jero Wolf!
Jero Wolf was full of energy after the big win and talked about how he thinks he can do big things in this sport. The crowd were appreciative of his determination to succeed.