PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Iker Bengoetxea (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Febra Velascez (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Bengoetxea comes to the cage accompanied by Maroon 5 - Misery. Iker Bengoetxea has the edge in experience - let's see if he can make that count tonight.

Bengoetxea
vs
Velascez

175 cm
19
154 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

175 cm
25
154 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Granite chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Intelligent

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Iker Bengoetxea!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Febra Velascez!
The judges for this bout are Paulo Santos, Thiago Cunha and Alexandre Firmino.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Velascez walks into a stiff left hand from Bengoetxea.
Bengoetxea keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Velascez.
Bengoetxea scores with a punch to the head.
Velascez misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Velascez rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Bengoetxea moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Velascez swings and misses with a shot to the body
and Velascez takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Good exchange - Bengoetxea coming out on top.
Bengoetxea dives in and grabs Velascez's left leg, looking for a takedown. Velascez pushes down on Bengoetxea's head and hops out.
Velascez scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Velascez misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
A punch lands to the side of Velascez 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Velascez displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Bengoetxea.
Velascez jabs away that one connects to the head of his opponent.

It looks like Iker Bengoetxea has been cut.

Bengoetxea gets caught flat footed, as Velascez shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Velascez looking to pass the guard.

Bengoetxea is looking for a triangle but Velascez pushes his legs off easily.
Velascez really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Bengoetxea. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.

Bengoetxea looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bengoetxea is working hard here to advance position.
Velascez scores with punches from side control.
Bengoetxea is looking for a sweep.
Bengoetxea taking a bit of punishment here - Velascez scoring with strikes.
Velascez working the body and head with strikes.
Bengoetxea trying to remain calm as Velascez controls from the top position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Velascez works a knee to the body and follows up with a nice elbow to the head.
Bengoetxea taking punishment in the form of punches.
Bengoetxea gets one leg under and gets the fight to half guard.

Bengoetxea is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Velascez pulls his head out easily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Bengoetxea actively working from the bottom here.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Velascez lands a nice short elbow.

Bengoetxea looking for submissions from an awkward position here.

Velascez wants to work for an arm triangle but Bengoetxea is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Ground and pound from Velascez.
Velascez content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.
Velascez scoring with strikes to the body and head.

Velascez is looking for a kimura here.
Velascez working over Bengoetxea with some ground and pound. Bengoetxea looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nice strikes from Velascez there.
Bengoetxea is looking to improve his position.

Velascez is looking for a kimura here.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Velascez connects with a nice short shot to Bengoetxea's temple.
Velascez working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Bengoetxea on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Bengoetxea is pressing down on Velascez's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.

Bengoetxea looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Velascez makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

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

Bengoetxea had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Velascez defends it easily.
Velascez working some strikes from top position.
Velascez working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Velascez is working Bengoetxea over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Bengoetxea manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!

Bengoetxea swings around for an armbar but it's a sloppy attempt and Velascez is now in Bengoetxea's guard. A big mistake from Bengoetxea there, giving up the dominant position!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Velascez stands up over Bengoetxea, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Febra Velascez dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Iker Bengoetxea's cut.
That's time! Back to the action!

Velascez changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Bengoetxea tries to avoid it but Velascez manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Bengoetxea to the ground. Bengoetxea escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Bengoetxea tries to land a leg kick but Velascez saw it coming and moves away.
Velascez throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Bengoetxea.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Bengoetxea.

Velascez gets a takedown into half guard.
Velascez lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Velascez throwing shots but Bengoetxea is blocking nicely.
Bengoetxea is looking for a sweep. Velascez is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

Bengoetxea looking for submissions off his back.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Bengoetxea is looking to improve his position.

Bengoetxea is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Velascez pulls his head out easily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Velascez working over Bengoetxea with some ground and pound. Bengoetxea looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Velascez drops an elbow to the side of Bengoetxea's head.
Velascez slips a nice elbow through Bengoetxea's hands, connecting with Bengoetxea's forehead.
Velascez landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.

Bengoetxea looking for submissions off his back.

Velascez is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.

Bengoetxea looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Velascez lands a nice short elbow.
Febra Velascez has got the better of the ground game so far.
Velascez is figuring out what he wants to do next.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Bengoetxea looking for submissions off his back.

Bengoetxea looking for submissions off his back.
Bengoetxea taking some punishment here, with Velascez in his half guard.
Bengoetxea wants to improve his position but Velascez is controlling well.
Velascez lands with a punch from half guard.

Bengoetxea is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Velascez pulls his head out easily.
Bengoetxea tries to get to full guard but Velascez has control of the leg.
Velascez landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Velascez connects with a nice short shot to Bengoetxea's temple.

Bengoetxea looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Velascez working Bengoetxea over with strikes.
Velascez landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Velascez slips a nice elbow through Bengoetxea's hands, connecting with Bengoetxea's forehead.
Nice strikes from Velascez there.
Bengoetxea is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Velascez scores with a couple of nice shots.
Velascez is nestled in close to Bengoetxea, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Ground and pound from Velascez.

Bengoetxea looking for submissions off his back.
Velascez seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.
Bengoetxea tries to roll over but Velascez keeps him under control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Velascez trying to control the action but Bengoetxea is working from the bottom.
Velascez drops an elbow to the side of Bengoetxea's head.
Velascez lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Bengoetxea has hold of Velascez's hands but Velascez slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.

Bengoetxea is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Velascez pulls his head out easily.

Bengoetxea with the active half guard here but Velascez passes nicely into side control.
Bengoetxea is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Velascez's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.
Velascez lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Febra Velascez showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Iker Bengoetxea's cut.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action. This is the final round!

A big left from Velascez misses.

Velascez decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.

Bengoetxea is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Velascez pulls his head out easily.
Bengoetxea on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.

Bengoetxea is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Velascez pulls his head out easily.
Nice strikes from Velascez there.
Velascez is trying to control the action in half guard but Bengoetxea is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.

Bengoetxea looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Velascez trying to control from half guard but Bengoetxea is working away.
Velascez slips a nice elbow through Bengoetxea's hands, connecting with Bengoetxea's forehead.
Bengoetxea is looking to get full guard. It looks like he might be successful but at the last minute Velascez jumps into side control!
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Bengoetxea is working to avoid the ground and pound but Velascez connects with a decent elbow.
Bengoetxea is looking for a sweep.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Velascez is putting a hurting on Bengoetxea here, landing some big shots from side control.
Velascez lands a knee to the body and follows it up with some ground and pound to the head. That will wear Bengoetxea down.
Velascez working the ground and pound.
Bengoetxea takes a nasty elbow to the side of the head.
Bengoetxea tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Velascez lands some shots froms side control.
Bengoetxea manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.
Bengoetxea moves into full guard.
Velascez is in close to Bengoetxea's body, working some short punches and elbows.

Bengoetxea has his foot on Velascez's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Velascez works his way back into a safe position though.

Bengoetxea had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Velascez defends it easily.
Velascez with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Bengoetxea throws his legs up looking to secure a triangle. Oh, that looks pretty tight, I gotta say! Velascez escapes and throws Bengoetxea's legs to the side, diving into side control!
Velascez scores with a couple of short elbows.
Velascez working the body and head with strikes.
Bengoetxea takes a couple of big shots there - the referee warns him that he has to defend himself better.
Bengoetxea gets back to half guard.

Bengoetxea looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Velascez winds up and cracks Bengoetxea with a swinging punch to the side of the head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Velascez is trying to control the action in half guard but Bengoetxea is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Velascez seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Velascez lands with a punch from half guard.
Velascez landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.

Bengoetxea looking for a kimura from the bottom but Velascez passes into side control!
Velascez wants to control but Bengoetxea is keeping him busy.
Bengoetxea tries to buck Velascez off but Velascez is having none of it.
Velascez lands a knee to the body and follows it up with some ground and pound to the head. That will wear Bengoetxea down.
Bengoetxea gets back to half guard.

Bengoetxea looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Velascez lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Bengoetxea is trying to get back to full guard.

Bengoetxea actively working from the bottom here.
Velascez seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.

Velascez decides to stand and escape the position.
Velascez throws a lazy right hand but Bengoetxea sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Bengoetxea throws a lazy right hand but Velascez sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Velascez tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Bengoetxea swivels and escapes.
Bengoetxea shoots in but Velascez avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Bengoetxea displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Velascez.
Iker Bengoetxea has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Febra Velascez is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Febra Velascez seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Velascez takes a shot to the body in his stride.

And that's the end of the fight!
Febra Velascez comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Velascez 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 Paulo Santos scores the fight 27:30
Judge Thiago Cunha scores the fight 27:30
Judge Alexandre Firmino scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Febra Velascez!