PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Tim Kottusch (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Prince Vasquel (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The crowd seem to be enjoying Vasquel's choice of entrance music: Halo-Street Fighter. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Kottusch
vs
Vasquel

184 cm
20
185 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

180 cm
22
192 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
KO power

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Intelligent

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Tim Kottusch!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Prince Vasquel!
The judges for this bout are Emerson Jorge, Luis Engracia and Felipe Paraventi.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kottusch lands a nice leg kick that just misses Vasquel's sensitive parts.
Kottusch misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Kottusch misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Vasquel.
Kottusch swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Kottusch fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.

Vasquel darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
Vasquel missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Vasquel tries to pass to full mount but Kottusch defends it.
Kottusch wants to control but Vasquel is keeping busy.
Vasquel missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Vasquel wants to free his trapped foot but Kottusch is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Vasquel lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Kottusch is defending against the submission attempts here by Vasquel.
Kottusch is trying to stand back up but Vasquel is controlling him

That's one minute gone in the round.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.

Kottusch moves into the clinch successfully.

Kottusch breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Kottusch looking to land some kicks to the body here.
A head kick misses from Kottusch.

Vasquel looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
Vasquel throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Kottusch works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Vasquel accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Vasquel throws a big right hand that misses.
Vasquel looks gassed!
Vasquel trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Vasquel working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Vasquel is looking to work some ground and pound but Kottusch has wrist control.
Kottusch is trying to control the position from the bottom.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Kottusch tries a head kick but it misses.
Nice straight punches there by Kottusch. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Kottusch.
No luck for Kottusch with that takedown attempt.
Kottusch throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Vasquel misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.

Kottusch gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.

Vasquel successfully pulls guard.
Vasquel throwing strikes off his back to little effect.

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

Vasquel throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.

Kottusch avoids a guillotine attempt easily.

Vasquel working for a triangle but Kottusch defends it easily.

The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Vasquel working for submissions but it's allowed Kottusch to get to half guard.
Kottusch wants to free his trapped foot but Vasquel is holding on for dear life with his legs.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Vasquel looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Vasquel manages to get to full guard.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Vasquel is on top in guard.
Kottusch manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
Kottusch prevents Vasquel from getting the reversal.
Vasquel is trying to reverse the position but instead Kottusch has taken his back - oops!
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Vasquel rolls, trying to escape but Kottusch keeps control of the position.
Vasquel breaks Kottusch's hooks off and manages to turn into his guard.
Kottusch avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Vasquel tries to free his leg and advance position but Kottusch is retaining full guard.
Vasquel postures up in Kottusch's guard and throws a big left but Kottusch blocks it.
Kottusch preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Vasquel tries to clinch there but Kottusch circles away.
Vasquel with a poor takedown
enabling Kottusch to counter with a crisp jab.
Tim Kottusch has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Prince Vasquel.
Vasquel looks to clinch

and Kottusch counters into the clinch. Nicely done.

Kottusch manages to pull guard.
Kottusch wants to stand up but Vasquel is controlling him.
Vasquel in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Kottusch controls Vasquel momentarily but Vasquel frees himself.
Vasquel being controlled here momentarily.
Vasquel throws and elbow that misses. Kottusch uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Vasquel's guard. Nice move by Kottusch!
Vasquel looking to sweep using the butterfly guard but Kottusch puts pay to that idea as he passes nicely into half guard.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Vasquel is looking for a sweep. Kottusch is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

Vasquel is looking to sinch up a gullotine here but Kottusch pulls his head out easily.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Prince Vasquel will probably get the nod.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Kottusch throws a head kick that half lands.
Vasquel has his takedown stuffed
and Kottusch counters with a body kick that stops Vasquel in his tracks momentarily.
Vasquel fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Vasquel throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Kottusch's waist but Kottusch gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Vasquel off to one side.
Tim Kottusch has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Prince Vasquel.
Kottusch tries a head kick but it misses.
Kottusch shoots for a double leg takedown but Vasquel sprawls well. He's pushed Kottusch's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Kottusch stuffs the takedown attempt from Vasquel. Vasquel gets slowly back to his feet.
Vasquel shoots for a takedown but Kottusch saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Horrible takedown by Vasquel or perhaps it was just good defense by Kottusch which made him look bad.
Vasquel will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Vasquel has a takedown stuffed.
Kottusch pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Kottusch keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Kottusch shoots in and drives through. Vasquel sprawls well.
Vasquel has a takedown stuffed.

Kottusch shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Oh and he's advanced to full mount straight away.
Kottusch trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Vasquel swinging wildly from the bottom but he's not landing.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Vasquel is in all sorts of trouble here.
Vasquel sneaks a leg under to get to half guard.
Vasquel lands a couple of sideways elbows.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Vasquel is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Kottusch's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Kottusch's back!
Vasquel punches the canvas rather than the man.

Vasquel is persistently looking for the submission but Kottusch is defending it well.

Vasquel working for the choke.
Kottusch manages to reverse the position and now he's in Vasquel's guard. Nice work there by Kottusch.

Vasquel had isolated an arm as going for an omaplata. Kottusch is defending the submission well but is in a very vulnerable position. Vasquel Is leaning forward trying to finish the omaplata but decides to abandon it, and take Kottusch's back instead.
Vasquel connects with a big shot to the side of Kottusch's head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Vasquel looking to break Kottusch's wrist control so he can sink in the choke. Kottusch remaining controlled and patient though - he really has to keep calm otherwise Vasquel will wrap this one up with the rear naked choke!
Kottusch controlling the position well but he knows he's in a bad position.
Kottusch tries to roll but Vasquel sticks to his back.
Oooh a big shot gets through from Vasquel. Many more shots like that and the referee will have to think about stepping in!
Vasquel is not going to allow Kottusch to sit and survive in this position.
Vasquel throwing sloppy strikes.
Vasquel gets his hands free as Kottusch looks to control.
Kottusch has his hands over his head blocking the strikes from Vasquel.
Kottusch trying to get back to his feet but Vasquel is in full control for now.

Vasquel looking for the RNC.
Kottusch trying to get back to his feet but Vasquel is in full control for now.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kottusch covering up well under a barage of strikes.

Kottusch defends a rear naked choke attempt by controlling one of Vasquel's arms.
Vasquel punches the canvas rather than the man.
Vasquel throwing wild punches that miss their target.
Vasquel throwing wild punches that miss their target.

Vasquel tightening his grip on Kottusch, looking for the choke.

Vasquel working for the choke.

Vasquel is staying calm and holding on to the back position, whilst working on a rear naked choke. Kottusch is defending well though. Vasquel let's go of the attempt for now.
Kottusch covering up well under a series of strikes from Vasquel.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Vasquel landing with strikes.

Vasquel is looking for the choke from the back position but Kottusch is controlling his hands well.

Vasquel has his opponent's back and is working for the choke.

Vasquel is looking for a choke. Kottusch gets to his feet with his opponent on his back and slams him to the mat. Kottusch manages to squirm out of the attempted choke and turns into his opponent's guard.
Vasquel throwing strikes off his back to little effect.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Vasquel can do anything to dispel that myth.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.

Vasquel is looking for a triangle but Kottusch pushes his legs off easily.

Vasquel is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
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!

Vasquel is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Prince Vasquel showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. This is the final round!

Kottusch sizes up Vasquel with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Kottusch lands a head kick. Vasquel smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
Vasquel shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Kottusch pinned against the cage. Kottusch gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Vasquel lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.

It looks like Tim Kottusch has been cut.
Vasquel shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Kottusch but Kottusch pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Kottusch tries a head kick but it misses.
Kottusch misses with a head kick.
Vasquel misses with a takedown attempt
and Kottusch counters with a kick to the head that grazes his opponent. Vasquel is lucky that one didn't land flush.
Tim Kottusch has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Prince Vasquel.
Vasquel will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.

Kottusch shoots in and bounces Vasquel off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.

Vasquel has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Kottusch can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Kottusch stopping the sweep attempt from Vasquel.
Kottusch tries to stand but Vasquel is controlling from the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kottusch wants to control from the top but Vasquel keeps moving.
Prince Vasquel has got the better of the ground game so far.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

Kottusch decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Vasquel, up you get!
Vasquel will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.

Vasquel shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Vasquel showed some decent athleticism there.
Vasquel not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Vasquel is nestled in close to Kottusch, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Vasquel frees up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Vasquel 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.
Kottusch tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Vasquel looking to finish Kottusch with some ground and pound. This is bad for Kottusch!
Vasquel thuds his fist into the canvas! Oooouch!

Vasquel with some aggressive grappling here. He's looking for submissions here, rather than waiting for the opportunity to counter.
Kottusch gets back to half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kottusch is positioning himself well to prevent Vasquel advancing to mount.
Vasquel is thwarting Kottusch's attempts to control the position.
Vasquel tries to pass the half guard into mount. Kottusch knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Vasquel scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Vasquel throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Vasquel trying to mount his opponent but Kottusch defends it.

Vasquel is trying to work for a kimura but Kottusch is defending well.
Vasquel is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
Vasquel is looking to pass Kottusch's guard but actually Kottusch recovers to full guard.
Vasquel stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Kottusch swivels though and keeps the full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Vasquel is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! Kottusch is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! Kottusch has escaped and now he's on top!
Vasquel keeping moving, preventing Kottusch from controlling successfully.

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

Kottusch stands up and waves to Vasquel to follow him.
Vasquel doesn't succeed with the takedown

and Kottusch counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Kottusch.

Vasquel escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Kottusch gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Vasquel wants to sweep but no luck.
Vasquel will have to put a bit more behind his punches if he's going to do any damage from this position.
Kottusch won't allow Vasquel to sweep him here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kottusch slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.

Kottusch stands and steps away. Vasquel gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.
Vasquel misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Kottusch plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
Kottusch looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Kottusch throws a right and a left that Vasquel avoids nicely.
Tim Kottusch is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

Kottusch drives through and clinches with Vasquel against the cage.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Kottusch landing knees to the head.
Vasquel goes for a takedown in the clinch but Kottusch prevents it.
Kottusch tries for a takedown but Vasquel manages to get underhooks.
Vasquel fails to pull guard.
Kottusch scores a nice knee to the body.
Vasquel has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Kottusch is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Kottusch wants a takedown but no success here.
Vasquel tries to pull guard but Kottusch holds him up against the cage and eventually Vasquel drops back down to his feet.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Kottusch is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Vasquel lands with a left to the head.
Vasquel is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Vasquel tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Kottusch smiles and moves away.
Tim Kottusch has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Vasquel shoots and misses
and Kottusch counters with a big head kick but Vasquel shrugs it off.
Vasquel shoots for a takedown but Kottusch saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Kottusch throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.

And that's the end of the fight!
Tim Kottusch showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Vasquel 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Emerson Jorge scores the fight 28:29
Judge Luis Engracia scores the fight 28:29
Judge Felipe Paraventi scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Prince Vasquel!