PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Paulo Thiago (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and CJ Fertit (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Thiago's entrance music is Battle Ready - Otep. A fine choice. Fertit has chosen Paint It Black as his entrance music. Paulo Thiago had a look across the cage there at his opponent. He definitely means business

Thiago
vs
Fertit

190 cm
21
208 lbs
5 - 0 - 0

186 cm
21
215 lbs
8 - 1 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Solid boxing
Cuts easily

BJJ Brown Belt
Basic striking
Powerful

[MMABR]:Klinch
Omnipotent Ensemble [MMABR]

[MMABR]: TechNutri - Ensuring the quality

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the light heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Paulo Thiago!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, CJ Fertit!
The judges for this bout are Felipe Paraventi, Daniel Cesar and Edson Gomes.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
No luck with that takedown attempt from Fertit.
Fertit slips a straight right by Thiago.
Fertit tries for a takedown but Thiago sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Thiago with a nice cross.
Thiago throws the left hand but Fertit avoids the punch easily.

Fertit scores a takedown into full mount!
Fertit lands a big shot there that rocks Thiago but he's holding on and managing to survive for now.
Fertit unloads with some shots from mount but Thiago bucks and avoids them well.
Fertit throwing strikes here but Thiago is writhing around nicely and avoiding any serious damage.
Thiago in a bad spot here, taking shots to the head.

Fertit is working on an americana here. Ooh, that looks pretty nasty! Nope, Thiago has managed to escape the submission attempt.
Thiago holding onto his opponent's waist for dear life, as Fertit tries to land some strikes to get him to release his grip.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Fertit is working for a guillotine from mount but Thiago frees his head quite easily.
BOOM! Fertit connects with a massive shot to the dome!
Fertit misses with a series of strikes from mount. He'll no doubt be working on his ground and pound when he gets back to the gym.
Thiago on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Thiago tries to get out of the position.
Fertit lands a big elbow.

Fertit has hold of Thiago's left arm, perhaps looking for a submission. The two fighters tussle over control of the isolated limb and Thiago manages to get his arm back to his side and away from danger.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Fertit fakes a shot to the body and cracks his opponent in the head. Nice ground and pound there!
Fertit throws some wild stikes that Thiago manages to avoid easily.

Fertit moves into side control, trying to work for a kimura. That looks painful! Will he finish!!?? No, Thiago has worked his arm free - good work by Thiago!

Fertit looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Fertit in side control, throwing shots but Thiago defends.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Fertit content to control the pace. The referee will try and keep them active though.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Fertit fails to land a wild elbow strike.
Sloppy strikes there by Fertit.
Fertit wants to control but Thiago is keeping him busy.
Fertit fails to land a wild elbow strike.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Fertit happy to just control the position for now.

Fertit working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
Fertit wants to lay and pray for a moment but Thiago keeps working.
Fertit has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.

Fertit thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

CJ Fertit dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Thiago connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Fertit shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Thiago defends it nicely.

Fertit shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Thiago is trying to defend but Fertit finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
Fertit wants to control but Thiago is keeping him busy.
Fertit not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Thiago is looking to control Fertit's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Thiago avoid being mounted?
Fertit prevents Thiago from improving his position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Fertit is trying to control. Thiago wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.

Fertit is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Thiago has managed to free his arm - good work.
Fertit is trying to control. Thiago wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Thiago knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Fertit on the ground.

Fertit is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Thiago defends it well.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Fertit shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Thiago as he avoids it easily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
An inside leg kick from Thiago misses.
Fertit is trying hard to land a takedown here. Thiago sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Paulo Thiago has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of CJ Fertit.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Fertit is defended easily by Thiago.
Fertit is breathing heavily.
Fertit fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Fertit is trying hard to land a takedown here. Thiago sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Thiago lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Thiago.
Thiago throws a leg kick which misses Fertit's front leg but catches the back leg as Fertit tries to avoid it.
Thiago thuds a mid kick into his opponent's body. That will wear on Fertit if he has to take too many more of those.
Fertit blocks a head kick by Thiago.
Left hook, right uppercut from Thiago.

It looks like CJ Fertit has been cut.
Thiago throws a nice head kick!
Thiago sizes up Fertit with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Thiago's corner calls for a 1-2. Thiago obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Fertit tries to score a power double leg takedown but Thiago sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Fertit somewhat.
Thiago lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nice jab there from Thiago.
Thiago displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Fertit.
Thiago connects with a right hand. Fertit shakes it off.
Fertit shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Thiago pinned against the cage. Thiago gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Fertit is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Paulo Thiago is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
A slapping body kick lands there for Thiago.
Paulo Thiago is winning the standup battle so far.
Thiago looks to land a combination but Fertit avoids it well.
Thiago throws a nice looking combination but Fertit bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Thiago throws a series of punches but Fertit moves out of range.
Fertit has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Thiago finds it's way round the side to connect with Fertit's head.
Thiago misses with a jab, cross combination.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Thiago misses with an uppercut.
Fertit takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Fertit avoids a lazy jab quite easily.

Fertit drives through with a takedown into guard.
Fertit throws a strike but Thiago rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

Thiago avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Thiago trying to control the position from guard on top but Fertit is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Paulo Thiago dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on CJ Fertit's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Fertit blocks a head kick by Thiago.
Fertit looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Thiago is fending him off so far but Fertit persists. Nope, Thiago circles away and we're back to standing.
Fertit fails with a takedown attempt.
Thiago will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Fertit showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Thiago.
Fertit shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Thiago sprawls well. Thiago wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Fertit gets slowly back to his feet.
Paulo Thiago has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of CJ Fertit.
Thiago tries a head kick but it misses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Thiago keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Thiago thows a body shot but no joy.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Fertit takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Nice straight punches there by Thiago. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Thiago.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Thiago defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Fertit.
CJ Fertit seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Thiago throws an overhand right that lands on Fertit's shoulder, as Fertit tries to avoid the shot.
Thiago displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Fertit.
Thiago missing with a left hand there. Fertit was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Thiago stuffs the takedown.
Thiago throws a nice looking combination but Fertit bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Thiago connects with a solid leg kick.
Thiago scores with a leg kick.
Thiago is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Fertit.

Fertit has managed to clinch.
Fertit changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Thiago fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Thiago lands with a slapping head kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Thiago fails with an attempt to clinch.
Fertit blocks a jab.
Thiago lands a glancing blow to the side of Fertit's head.
Nice sprawl there from Thiago as Fertit shoots in.
Fertit takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Thiago throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Thiago connects with a solid leg kick.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Fertit.
Thiago digs a good body shot into Fertit's ribs.
Thiago catches Fertit with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
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!
Thiago misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Thiago throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Fertit fails with a takedown attempt.
Thiago keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Thiago lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.

Fertit shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Fertit showed some decent athleticism there.
Fertit not landing any meaningful shots this time.
CJ Fertit has got the better of the ground game so far.
Fertit is trying to control. Thiago wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Nice strikes from Fertit there.
Fertit is trying to control. Thiago wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Fertit content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Fertit slips a nice elbow through Thiago's hands, connecting with Thiago's forehead.
Fertit working the head and body with strikes.

Fertit is trying to work for a kimura but Thiago is defending well.
Thiago keeping control of the position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Paulo Thiago clearly takes that round.
The cut man is working on CJ Fertit's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Fertit closes the distance and clinches up with Thiago, looking for a takedown. Fertit pushes Thiago against the cage but Thiago circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Fertit fails to land the takedown.
Thiago uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Thiago fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Fertit checks it well.
Thiago digs a good hook to Fertit's body.

Fertit shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Oh and he's advanced to full mount straight away.
Thiago holding onto his opponent's waist for dear life, as Fertit tries to land some strikes to get him to release his grip.
Fertit looking to finish with strikes here!
Thiago trying desperately to get to his feet.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Fertit throwing sloppy strikes, which aren't doing any damage.

Fertit wants to finish this one by submission but Thiago is holding onto his waist, trying to prevent any attacks from Fertit.
Fertit looking to finish with strikes here!

Fertit working for a guillotine from mount but Thiago is in no mood to give up.
Thiago avoids a series of strikes thrown by Fertit.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Fertit thowing strikes but they're hitting the gloves, not doing any damage.
Thiago is wriggling around trying to escape.

Fertit goes for an armbar but he's not got it… Thiago turns into him and now he's in Fertit's guard.

Thiago got a little sloppy there for a moment and Fertit has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Thiago has managed to get both his arms back between Fertit's legs - danger averted.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Thiago won't allow Fertit to sweep him here.

Fertit looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Thiago is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Thiago trying to control the position from guard on top but Fertit is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Fertit looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Fertit keeping moving, preventing Thiago from controlling successfully.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Fertit is on top in guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Fertit in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close fourth round but CJ Fertit will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on CJ Fertit's cut.
That's time! Thiago's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

Thiago rushes Fertit and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Fertit cracks Thiago with a nice body shot.
Fertit tries for a takedown but Thiago manages to get underhooks.
Thiago doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Fertit wants a takedown but no success here.

Fertit is trying to trip Thiago. He has hold of a leg but Thiago is hopping around, keeping his balance for the moment. Fertit persists though and gets the takedown into guard.
Thiago is trying to control the position but Fertit postures up.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Fertit accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Fertit trying to control but Thiago is working from the bottom.
Fertit in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Fertit trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - an gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
Fertit is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Fertit lands a couple of digs.
Fertit passes into half guard.
Fertit is keen to just control but Thiago is a slippery customer.
Fertit is looking to pass Thiago's guard but actually Thiago recovers to full guard.
Fertit controls the pace of the fight for a moment.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.

Fertit drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but Thiago manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Fertit has Thiago in his guard.

Fertit escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Thiago gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.

Fertit is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Thiago is aware though and is defending well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Thiago is stalling in the full guard.
Fertit working a defensive guard but Thiago manages to pass into side control anyway.
Fertit is looking to reverse the position.
Fertit manages to get back to half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Fertit tries to get to full guard but Thiago has control of the leg.
Fertit is looking to control Thiago's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Fertit avoid being mounted?
Thiago is keen to just control but Fertit is a slippery customer.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Fertit moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.

And that's the end of the fight!
CJ Fertit comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Fertit has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Felipe Paraventi scores the fight as a draw!
Judge Daniel Cesar scores the fight for Paulo Thiago!
Judge Edson Gomes scores the fight for Paulo Thiago!

Paulo Thiago wins by majority decision!
Paulo Thiago retains his light heavyweight title!