PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Alfie Norks (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Giraldo Esparza (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). I'm sure you'll be fascinated to know that I was talking to some pointless Z list celebrity before the fight and he thought that Giraldo Esparza was going to win. Let's see if he was right.

Norks
vs
Esparza

200 cm
18
267 lbs
4 - 0 - 0

204 cm
22
261 lbs
0 - 2 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
Big heart

BJJ Brown Belt
Brawler
Determined

Hell's Kitchen Lab Corp

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 4 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Alfie Norks!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Giraldo Esparza!
The judges for this bout are Daniel Cesar, Luis Engracia and Edson Gomes.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Norks instigates a clinch.
Esparza drops down looking for an ankle pick but Norks pulls his leg out and moves away.
A slapping leg kick lands for Norks.
Esparza looks gassed!

Norks lands a big head kick that sends Esparza tumbling to the mat! Norks takes a step backwards and waves Esparza back to his feet - he wants the finish!

Esparza is rocked!

It looks like Giraldo Esparza has been cut.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Esparza takes a kick to the body and keeps moving.
Esparza is still on wobbly legs! Can Norks finish him?
Norks tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.

Norks closes the distance and clinches.
Esparza seems to have recovered his senses.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Norks obliges.
Norks landing knees to the body.
Norks lands a good knee to the midsection. Esparza won't want to take too many of those.
Knees to the body from Norks.
Norks lands a good knee to the midsection. Esparza won't want to take too many of those.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
Norks utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.

Norks escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Norks scores with a head kick.

Norks clinches with his opponent.
Norks leaning his opponent against the cage.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Norks breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Norks keeps Esparza at a distance using the push kick.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Norks scores with a knee to the head.

Norks manages to break the clinch.

Norks has closed the distance and engaged Esparza in a clinch.
Norks lands a good knee to the midsection. Esparza won't want to take too many of those.
Norks's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.
Norks landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Norks is stalling here.
Norks crunches a lovely knee into Esparza's ribcage.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Norks obliges.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
Knees in the clinch landing for Norks.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Norks lands an elbow that stopped Esparza in his tracks for a moment.
Norks stalling the fight.
Esparza takes a knee to the side of the body.
Norks lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Norks stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.
Esparza has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Norks avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Norks lands a good knee to the midsection. Esparza won't want to take too many of those.
Norks landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Norks tries a knee to the head but Esparza blocks it.
Norks crunches a lovely knee into Esparza's ribcage.
Esparza goes for a takedown attempt but Norks pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Alfie Norks has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Giraldo Esparza.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Norks stuffs the takedown.
Alfie Norks seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Norks stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Norks wants it to stay on the feet.
Norks throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Esparza.
Esparza on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Norks. Norks obviously looking to wear him down.

Norks moves into the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Knees to the body from Norks.
Norks working Esparza over with knees to the body.
Norks manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.

Norks breaks the clinch.
Norks buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.

Norks rushes Esparza and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Norks's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.

Norks manages to break the clinch.
Norks lands with a slapping head kick.
Esparza shoots in for a takedown but Norks shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Norks defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Esparza.
A solid leg kick lands there for Norks.
Norks lands a front kick.
Norks dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Esparza. That did some damage!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Norks chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Esparza fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Esparza is trying desperately to land a takedown but Norks is having absolutely none of it. This is turning into a bit of a nightmare for Esparza.
A thudding body kick lands there by Norks!

Norks has closed the distance and engaged Esparza in a clinch.
Norks is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Norks utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Norks scores with a knee to the head.
Norks crunches a lovely knee into Esparza's ribcage.
Norks scores with a knee to the head.

Norks manages to break the clinch.
Norks tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Esparza shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Norks as he avoids it easily.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Norks connects with a high kick.
Norks connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Norks keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Norks bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Alfie Norks dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Giraldo Esparza's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

A good leg kick by Norks.
Norks feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Esparza's calf.
Giraldo Esparza is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Norks throws a head kick but Esparza moves out of range.

Norks closes the distance and pushes Esparza back into the cage.
Norks unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Esparza is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Norks gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Norks landing knees to the body.
Norks lands a nice elbow.

Norks breaks the clinch.
Good leg kick by Norks there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Thud! ouch! good body kick from Norks - that will leave a mark!
Esparza has developed a nice purple lump on his ribcage, as a result of some heavy body kicks from Norks.
Esparza has a takedown stuffed.

Norks gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Esparza looking for a takedown.
Alfie Norks has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Giraldo Esparza.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Norks landing some nice looking knees to the body.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Norks stops a takedown attempt from Esparza.
Esparza's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Norks crunches a lovely knee into Esparza's ribcage.
Esparza is working for takedown but Norks is calmly controlling the position for now.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Norks utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.

Norks escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Norks fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Esparza.
Norks lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.

Norks clinches with his opponent.
Esparza has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Norks is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.

Norks breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.

Norks drives through and clinches with Esparza against the cage.
Norks lands a knee to the body.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
Norks landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Norks landing knees to the head.
Esparza tries to work over Norks's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Esparza has Norks pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Norks manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
A knee to the head by Norks.
Norks keeps control of Esparza as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Norks content to slow the pace in the clinch.
Norks with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Norks manages to break the clinch.
Esparza fails with a takedown attempt.
This has been an exciting period of action!

Norks closes the distance and clinches.
Norks crunches a lovely knee into Esparza's ribcage.
Norks with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Norks gets underhooks to prevent Esparza's takedown attempt.
Esparza drops down looking for an ankle pick but Norks pulls his leg out and moves away.

Norks drives through and clinches with Esparza against the cage.
Norks lands a nice knee to the body.
Esparza takes a knee to the side of the body.
Norks scores a nice knee to the body.
Norks lands a nice knee to the body.
Norks is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Esparza can do to turn this around?
Norks working Esparza over with knees to the body.
Esparza is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Norks gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Norks landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.

Norks breaks the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Esparza closes the distance and clinches.
Norks with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
A head punch on the inside from Esparza fails to land.
Esparza changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Norks fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Norks lands with a slapping head kick.
Esparza fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Norks scores with a push kick.
Nice sprawl there from Norks as Esparza shoots in.
Esparza closes this distance looking for a takedown but Norks circles away.
Esparza avoids the head kick by Norks.
Esparza stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Norks.
Esparza fails with the takedown.
Norks connects with a high kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Norks lands a head kick. Esparza smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
Norks scores with a head kick.
Esparza takes a body kick right on the floating rib. Ouchie.
Norks lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Esparza changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Norks tries to avoid it but Esparza manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Norks to the ground. Norks escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Norks displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Esparza.

Norks has taken the fight to the clinch.
Norks with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Alfie Norks has scored more points in the clinch so far.

Norks's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.

Norks clinches up with Esparza and pushes him back against the cage.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Norks connects with a knee to the head.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Norks breaks from the clinch.
Esparza closes the distance and clinches up with Norks, looking for a takedown. Esparza pushes Norks against the cage but Norks circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Norks lands a high kick!
Esparza shoots in but no luck this time.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Alfie Norks dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Giraldo Esparza's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. This is the final round!

An inside leg kick lands from Norks.

Norks pushes Esparza up against the cage in a clinch.
Norks stalling in the clinch.
Esparza tries for a takedown but Norks manages to get underhooks.
Knees in the clinch landing for Norks.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Norks obliges.
Norks displaying some good clinch control by pressing Esparza up against the cage.

Norks breaks from the clinch.
Esparza sees a low kick coming and goes to check it, but it's actually a body kick and it thuds into his unprotected ribs.
Esparza stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Norks.

Norks has Esparza up against the cage in a clinch.
Norks landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Norks scores a nice knee to the body.

Esparza manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Norks looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Norks looking to pass the guard.
Norks knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Esparza on the ground.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Norks controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Norks trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Norks content to stall in guard here.

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.
Norks throws a big right hand that misses.
Esparza has a closed guard, preventing Norks from standing up.
Norks is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Norks trying to stand up but can't free himself from Esparza's guard.
Esparza looking to control.
Norks controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Norks being controlled here momentarily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.

Esparza is looking for a triangle but Norks pushes his legs off easily.
Alfie Norks is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Norks content to stall in guard here.

And that's the end of the fight!
Alfie Norks showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Norks 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 Daniel Cesar scores the fight 30:25
Judge Luis Engracia scores the fight 30:25
Judge Edson Gomes scores the fight 30:25

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Alfie Norks!