PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a super heavyweight MMA rules bout between Cedric Vanbelt (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Matt Claremont (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Vanbelt comes to the cage accompanied by Meet the Monster. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Vanbelt
vs
Claremont

221 cm
22
290 lbs
4 - 0 - 0

195 cm
23
280 lbs
3 - 2 - 0

Decent wrestler
Brawler
KO power

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter striker
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the super heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 4 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Cedric Vanbelt!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Matt Claremont!
The judges for this bout are Robert Twigg, Cecil Peabody and Daniel Franklin.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Claremont gets a takedown into half guard.
Vanbelt is pressing down on Claremont's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Claremont loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Vanbelt tries to land a sweep but no joy.

Vanbelt pushes Claremont off and gets back to his feet.
Claremont drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.

It looks like Matt Claremont has been cut.
Vanbelt tries to close the distance and clinch but Claremont swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Vanbelt.
Claremont manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Vanbelt gets full guard.
Vanbelt wants to sweep here but Claremont controlling him for the moment.
Vanbelt wants to stand and escape but Claremont is having none of it.
Vanbelt bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Claremont's guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Claremont looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Vanbelt works over Claremont with some ground and pound from guard.
Claremont looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Vanbelt is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Vanbelt wants to stand but Claremont has a closed guard, so he can't escape.

Claremont throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Vanbelt has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Vanbelt advances to half guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Claremont looks gassed!
Claremont is trying to control but can't.
Claremont gets back to full guard.
Claremont looking for a sweep. Not yet Claremont, not yet.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Vanbelt is pushing down on Claremont's leg trying to pass to half guard. Claremont is fighting to maintain full guard but Vanbelt has managed to sneak the leg through.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Vanbelt lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Claremont wants to control but Vanbelt is keeping busy.

Vanbelt decides to stand up.
Claremont gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Vanbelt counters with a stiff right hand.
Nice shot lands for Vanbelt.
Claremont circles away from the clinch attempt.
Vanbelt keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Vanbelt is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Vanbelt tries to close the distance and clinch but Claremont swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Claremont has a takedown stuffed.
Cedric Vanbelt has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Matt Claremont.
Vanbelt wants to clinch.

Vanbelt gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Claremont can't find room to land a body shot as Vanbelt controls the action.
Claremont goes for a takedown in the clinch but Vanbelt prevents it.
Claremont has Vanbelt pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Vanbelt manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Vanbelt wants to break free but Claremont has control.
Claremont stalling.
Claremont is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Vanbelt pulls him back up using the underhooks.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Claremont gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Vanbelt.

Claremont is trying to trip Vanbelt. He has hold of a leg but Vanbelt is hopping around, keeping his balance for the moment. Claremont persists though and gets the takedown into guard.
Claremont stopping the sweep attempt from Vanbelt.
Vanbelt is trying to control the position from the bottom.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Vanbelt wants to get back to his feet but Claremont is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Vanbelt looking for a sweep. Not yet Vanbelt, not yet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Cedric Vanbelt dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Matt Claremont's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Claremont closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Claremont lands in his opponent's guard.
Claremont stops Vanbelt from standing up.

Vanbelt scrambles and gets back to his feet.
Vanbelt looks for the body kick but Claremont saw that one coming.

Claremont shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
Claremont stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Vanbelt swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Vanbelt trying to keep a closed guard but Claremont is proving a slippery customer.
Matt Claremont has got the better of the ground game so far.
Claremont won't allow Vanbelt to sweep him here.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Vanbelt wants to stand up but Claremont is controlling him.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Claremont stopping the sweep attempt from Vanbelt.
Claremont must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Claremont trying to control but Vanbelt is working from the bottom.
Claremont passes Vanbelt's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Vanbelt pushes Claremont off looking to stand but Claremont dives back in and keeps control.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Claremont misses with a takedown attempt - Vanbelt sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Vanbelt tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Claremont paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Cedric Vanbelt is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Vanbelt tries to land a front kick but Claremont steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Vanbelt shoots in but no luck this time.
Claremont shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Vanbelt as he avoids it easily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Vanbelt tries to close the distance and clinch but Claremont swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Claremont takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Vanbelt tries to clinch up but Claremont circles away and keeps his distance.
Vanbelt wants to clinch.
Vanbelt with a hook.
Vanbelt doesn't manage to clinch there - Claremont circles away.
Claremont shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Vanbelt but Vanbelt pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Cedric Vanbelt has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Matt Claremont.
Vanbelt doesn't manage to clinch there - Claremont circles away.
Vanbelt throws out a leg kick but Claremont moves out of range and Vanbelt only half commits.
Vanbelt stuffs the takedown.
Vanbelt tries to close the distance and clinch but Claremont swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Claremont takes the fight into the clinch.
Claremont goes for a takedown attempt but Vanbelt pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Vanbelt misses with an attempted mid kick.
Claremont shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Claremont takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Vanbelt closes the distance looking to clinch

and Claremont counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Claremont.

Claremont pulls guard successfully.
Claremont can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Vanbelt controls the pace.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Claremont is trying to control the position but Vanbelt postures up.
Claremont doesn't do any damage with a couple of strikes from the bottom.
Vanbelt will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Claremont working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Vanbelt.
Claremont throwing strikes off his back to little effect.
Claremont not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Vanbelt is looking to work some ground and pound but Claremont has wrist control.
Claremont not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Vanbelt clinches but Claremont breaks the clinch

and Claremont counters with a single leg into guard. Vanbelt didn't expect that.
Claremont throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Claremont tries to stand but Vanbelt is controlling from the bottom.

Vanbelt looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.

Vanbelt has his foot on Claremont's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Claremont works his way back into a safe position though.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Matt Claremont showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Matt Claremont's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.

Claremont looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.

Vanbelt gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Vanbelt wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Claremont has him pressed against the cage.
Claremont blocks the elbow strike.
Vanbelt makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Vanbelt wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Vanbelt wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Claremont has him pressed against the cage.
Claremont prevents a takedown attempt there.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Claremont looking for a takedown.
Claremont takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Claremont wants a takedown.
Cedric Vanbelt has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Matt Claremont.
Vanbelt is trying to break the clinch but Claremont has him pressed against the cage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Vanbelt is clearly stalling here... Pick up the pace son.
Claremont tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Vanbelt's elbow.

Vanbelt breaks the clinch.
Nice uppercut there from Vanbelt.
Vanbelt lands a head shot.
Vanbelt tries to grapple but his opponent circles

and Claremont counters with a takedown into side control.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Vanbelt sneaks back into half guard.
Vanbelt tries to get to full guard but Claremont has control of the leg.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Claremont trying to mount his opponent but Vanbelt defends it.

Vanbelt is looking to sinch up a gullotine here but Claremont pulls his head out easily.
Claremont frees up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Vanbelt tries to hold on but Claremont pushes him away.
Claremont working Vanbelt over with strikes here.

Vanbelt somehow manages to escape the mount and get back to his feet!
Claremont gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Vanbelt counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Vanbelt rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Claremont moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Vanbelt misses with a low kick as Claremont jumps back.

Claremont forces Vanbelt back against the cage and clinches.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Vanbelt wants to break free but Claremont has control.

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

Vanbelt pushes Claremont up against the cage in a clinch.

Claremont jumps guard and drags Vanbelt to the mat. He's obviously going to be looking for submissions off his back.
Vanbelt trying to control but Claremont is working from the bottom.
Vanbelt pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Claremont is keeping the position for now.

Claremont working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Vanbelt doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Vanbelt manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Vanbelt postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.

Claremont escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Vanbelt gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Claremont is looking to sweep but instead, Vanbelt has passed into half guard.
Vanbelt trying to control the action but Claremont is working from the bottom.
Claremont flails away from the bottom but he's not doing any damage.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Vanbelt wants to take a breather but Claremont is having none of it.
Claremont tries to kick Vanbelt off but Vanbelt keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Claremont missing with punches from the bottom.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fight is doing enough on the ground.
Claremont circles away from the clinch attempt

and Claremont counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
Claremont looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Vanbelt with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Matt Claremont.
I think Claremont 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 Robert Twigg scores the fight 28:29
Judge Cecil Peabody scores the fight 29:28
Judge Daniel Franklin scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by split decision... Matt Claremont!