PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between David McDonald (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Marcos Cavalcante Ribeiro (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

McDonald
vs
Cavalcante Ribeiro

180 cm
26
180 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

182 cm
26
180 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Basic striking
Good chin

BJJ Brown Belt
Good kicks
Determined

Snap Crackle Pop Fight Gear

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the welterweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, David McDonald!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Marcos Cavalcante Ribeiro!
The judges for this bout are Robert Douchet, Dillan Fox and Ian Loll.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
McDonald throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Cavalcante Ribeiro looks to clinch
and McDonald counters with a nice leg kick.
McDonald circles away from the clinch attempt

and McDonald counters with a single leg into guard. Cavalcante Ribeiro didn't expect that.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
Cavalcante Ribeiro looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
McDonald trying to control but Cavalcante Ribeiro is working from the bottom.

Cavalcante Ribeiro is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
McDonald is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
McDonald postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
McDonald stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Cavalcante Ribeiro swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Cavalcante Ribeiro is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
McDonald in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
McDonald working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cavalcante Ribeiro is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
McDonald wants to control but Cavalcante Ribeiro is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Cavalcante Ribeiro looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
McDonald makes his way to full guard. A much better position for McDonald.

Cavalcante Ribeiro drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and McDonald dives on top into guard.
McDonald wants to control from the top but Cavalcante Ribeiro keeps moving.
Cavalcante Ribeiro tries to land a sweep but no joy.

Cavalcante Ribeiro is looking for a triangle but McDonald pushes his legs off easily.
Cavalcante Ribeiro looking for a sweep. Not yet Cavalcante Ribeiro, not yet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
McDonald content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Cavalcante Ribeiro looking to hit a scissor sweep but McDonald is one step ahead there.
Cavalcante Ribeiro wants to control but McDonald passes easily into half guard.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Cavalcante Ribeiro tries to roll over but McDonald keeps him under control.
McDonald is taking a breather. Cavalcante Ribeiro says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.

Cavalcante Ribeiro is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but McDonald pulls his head out easily.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

McDonald seems to be looking for submissions.
Cavalcante Ribeiro is staying active underneath McDonald, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
McDonald content to control rather than advance.
Cavalcante Ribeiro trying to control but McDonald postures up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cavalcante Ribeiro moves into full guard.
McDonald keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Cavalcante Ribeiro's head.
McDonald pushing down on Cavalcante Ribeiro's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
McDonald winds up and cracks Cavalcante Ribeiro with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Cavalcante Ribeiro has hold of McDonald's hands but McDonald slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
McDonald drops an elbow to the side of Cavalcante Ribeiro's head.
McDonald is controlling the pace.
McDonald trying to pass the guard but Cavalcante Ribeiro defending well.
McDonald is working hard here to advance position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Cavalcante Ribeiro works his way to full guard. Good work.
McDonald controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Cavalcante Ribeiro tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Cavalcante Ribeiro keeping moving, preventing McDonald from controlling successfully.
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!
McDonald postures up.

Cavalcante Ribeiro is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and McDonald defends well.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Cavalcante Ribeiro is on top in guard.
Cavalcante Ribeiro postures up.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
McDonald is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
Cavalcante Ribeiro trying to control but McDonald postures up.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

David McDonald dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Cavalcante Ribeiro moves to clinch but McDonald breaks away

and McDonald counters with a nice double leg into side control. Cavalcante Ribeiro won't be happy with that.
Check out the look on McDonald's face as he threw that strike - that's one determined fighter!
McDonald is putting a hurting on Cavalcante Ribeiro here, landing some big shots from side control.
The referee asks McDonald politely if he wouldn't mind getting on with it and actually doing something. McDonald prefers to stall for the moment though.
The ground and pound from McDonald seems to be hitting the mat more than his opponent.
An elbow from McDonald crashes against the mat.
McDonald controls the position from side control.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Cavalcante Ribeiro tries to bench press McDonald off him but McDonald keeps the position.
McDonald working the strikes but Cavalcante Ribeiro uses the opportunity to regain half guard.

McDonald is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.
Cavalcante Ribeiro is trying to defend against the ground and pound but McDonald scores with a couple of nice shots.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Cavalcante Ribeiro looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
McDonald looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Cavalcante Ribeiro wants to control but McDonald is keeping busy.
McDonald wants to pass to mount but Cavalcante Ribeiro is defending the position.
McDonald prevents Cavalcante Ribeiro from improving his position.
Cavalcante Ribeiro is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
McDonald is looking to take a break and control but Cavalcante Ribeiro is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Cavalcante Ribeiro wants to get back to full guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
McDonald is taking a breather. Cavalcante Ribeiro says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.
Cavalcante Ribeiro trying to get back to full guard but McDonald takes advantage of the position and moves to full mount!
Cavalcante Ribeiro is desperately trying to improve his position but McDonald has a good base and remains in mount.
Cavalcante Ribeiro prevents McDonald from taking his back.
Cavalcante Ribeiro gets back to half guard.
Cavalcante Ribeiro keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Cavalcante Ribeiro holds on for dear life, maintaining half guard for now.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Cavalcante Ribeiro makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Cavalcante Ribeiro.
Cavalcante Ribeiro keeping full guard, as McDonald tries to pass.
Cavalcante Ribeiro is trying to control the position from the bottom.

Cavalcante Ribeiro looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Cavalcante Ribeiro is breathing heavily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Cavalcante Ribeiro has his foot on McDonald's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. McDonald works his way back into a safe position though.
McDonald with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
McDonald is in close to Cavalcante Ribeiro's body, working some short punches and elbows.
McDonald distracts Cavalcante Ribeiro with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
McDonald trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
McDonald is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
McDonald tries to free his leg and advance position but Cavalcante Ribeiro is retaining full guard.
McDonald is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.

Cavalcante Ribeiro looking for submissions from the bottom but instead McDonald passes into side control.
McDonald content to control the pace. The referee will try and keep them active though.

McDonald looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here.
Cavalcante Ribeiro takes a big shot right to the temple there but he's taken it well.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Cavalcante Ribeiro is not content to let McDonald control the position.
Cavalcante Ribeiro taking punishment in the form of punches.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Cavalcante Ribeiro takes a nasty elbow to the side of the head.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
McDonald trying to control the position but Cavalcante Ribeiro is working away.
Cavalcante Ribeiro is looking for a sweep.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

David McDonald dominated that second round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

McDonald throws a sloppy head kick and Cavalcante Ribeiro moves out of range easily.
Cavalcante Ribeiro tries to clinch but McDonald is having none of it.
Cavalcante Ribeiro looks to clinch

and McDonald counters with a nice double leg into side control. Cavalcante Ribeiro won't be happy with that.
Check out the look on McDonald's face as he threw that strike - that's one determined fighter!
Cavalcante Ribeiro tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Cavalcante Ribeiro on the wrong end of some ground and pound.
You can see the frustration on Cavalcante Ribeiro's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Cavalcante Ribeiro is trying to get back to half guard.
Cavalcante Ribeiro is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on McDonald's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
McDonald is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cavalcante Ribeiro is trying to control but can't.
David McDonald overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Cavalcante Ribeiro is looking to improve his position.
McDonald passes to side control.
Cavalcante Ribeiro takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
McDonald cracks Cavalcante Ribeiro with a big elbow.
Cavalcante Ribeiro wants to control but McDonald postures up.
McDonald is looking to take a break and control but Cavalcante Ribeiro is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

McDonald is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Cavalcante Ribeiro has escaped the position, nice work there.
Cavalcante Ribeiro tries to buck McDonald off but McDonald is having none of it.
McDonald wants to lay and pray for a moment but Cavalcante Ribeiro keeps working.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cavalcante Ribeiro is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked McDonald off and has taken his back!
McDonald is in bad spot here.
McDonald looking very determined here, making life difficult for Cavalcante Ribeiro.
Cavalcante Ribeiro avoiding McDonald 's attempts to control his hands.

Cavalcante Ribeiro is remaining active here, looking for the choke. The more discerning members of the crowd will appreciate his efforts.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
McDonald turns into Cavalcante Ribeiro and is now in his guard.
Cavalcante Ribeiro trying to control the position.
Cavalcante Ribeiro keeping moving, preventing McDonald from controlling successfully.
Cavalcante Ribeiro trying to keep a closed guard but McDonald is proving a slippery customer.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
McDonald sitting in guard here, content to control.
Cavalcante Ribeiro has his hands on McDonald's head, controlling the position.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
McDonald lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by McDonald.
McDonald thows a body shot but no joy.
McDonald throws a mid kick that lands with a slap.
McDonald lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
McDonald looks to land a body kick but Cavalcante Ribeiro moved away.
McDonald circles away from the clinch attempt.

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

McDonald has Cavalcante Ribeiro pressed up against the cage. He's trying to work for a single leg takedown. McDonald pulls back from the cage and twists to the side, sending Cavalcante Ribeiro tumbling to the mat - McDonald dives into Cavalcante Ribeiro's guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
McDonald trying to control but Cavalcante Ribeiro is working from the bottom.

Cavalcante Ribeiro has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but McDonald can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Cavalcante Ribeiro had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. McDonald defends it easily.
Cavalcante Ribeiro not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
McDonald has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
McDonald postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.

Cavalcante Ribeiro is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. McDonald is aware though and is defending well.
McDonald wants to pass the guard but Cavalcante Ribeiro is keeping the position.
Cavalcante Ribeiro manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

David McDonald clearly takes that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

McDonald throws a head kick that misses

and Cavalcante Ribeiro counters by clinching up.
Cavalcante Ribeiro tries to pull guard but McDonald holds him up against the cage and eventually Cavalcante Ribeiro drops back down to his feet.
McDonald makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
McDonald tries to stall but Cavalcante Ribeiro uses the opportunity to gain a better position.

McDonald breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Cavalcante Ribeiro checks a leg kick.

McDonald closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Cavalcante Ribeiro's guard.

Cavalcante Ribeiro looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
McDonald makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
McDonald works a leg free and moves into half guard.
McDonald scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Cavalcante Ribeiro is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.

McDonald seems to be looking for submissions.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
McDonald trying to control the action but Cavalcante Ribeiro is working from the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.
McDonald looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Cavalcante Ribeiro is looking to control McDonald's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Cavalcante Ribeiro avoid being mounted?
Cavalcante Ribeiro moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Cavalcante Ribeiro can't keep his opponent in guard - McDonald advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.

Cavalcante Ribeiro is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but McDonald pulls his head out easily.

McDonald seems to be working for a kimura but Cavalcante Ribeiro defends the submission attempt.
McDonald trying to pass the guard but Cavalcante Ribeiro defending well.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cavalcante Ribeiro tries to get to full guard but McDonald has control of the leg.
Cavalcante Ribeiro is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of McDonald's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take McDonald's back!
McDonald tries to escape the position - he's now mounted. Is that better or worse? Hard to tell!
McDonald manages to regain half guard. Good work.
McDonald makes his way to full guard. A much better position for McDonald.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
McDonald is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Cavalcante Ribeiro looking to pass the guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

McDonald looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Cavalcante Ribeiro pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. McDonald is keeping the position for now.

McDonald has an omoplata and is looking to use it perhaps as a submission or perhaps to transition. Cavalcante Ribeiro is in a bit of discomfort here, but he's managed to free himself and has dived into side control! That didn't work out too well for McDonald.

Cavalcante Ribeiro tries for a kimura but McDonald is defending well.
McDonald is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
McDonald sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
McDonald is pressing down on Cavalcante Ribeiro's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.

McDonald working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Cavalcante Ribeiro doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Cavalcante Ribeiro manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Cavalcante Ribeiro sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed McDonald's guard.
Cavalcante Ribeiro works his way into side control.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Cavalcante Ribeiro tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Cavalcante Ribeiro wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by McDonald, who protects the arm well.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

David McDonald had his way with Marcos Cavalcante Ribeiro in that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! And we move into the final round!

McDonald misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Cavalcante Ribeiro shoots in but McDonald avoids the takedown attempt easily.
McDonald swings for the body but Cavalcante Ribeiro moves out of range.
Cavalcante Ribeiro fails with a takedown attempt.

McDonald dives in and scores a takedown into Cavalcante Ribeiro's guard.
McDonald trying to control the position from guard on top but Cavalcante Ribeiro is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Cavalcante Ribeiro is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?

Cavalcante Ribeiro is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Cavalcante Ribeiro tries to land a sweep but no joy.

That's one minute gone in the round.
McDonald content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Cavalcante Ribeiro wants to sweep here but McDonald controlling him for the moment.
McDonald engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
McDonald scoring with punches to the head and body.
Cavalcante Ribeiro trying to keep a closed guard but McDonald is proving a slippery customer.
Cavalcante Ribeiro wants to sweep but no luck.
Cavalcante Ribeiro looking to control.
McDonald forces his way into half guard.
McDonald lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Still in half guard, McDonald seems content to control.
McDonald wants to control but Cavalcante Ribeiro is keeping him busy.
McDonald stalling.
Cavalcante Ribeiro is not content to let McDonald control the position.
Cavalcante Ribeiro gets back to full guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
McDonald wants to control from the top but Cavalcante Ribeiro keeps moving.

David McDonald has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.
Cavalcante Ribeiro tries to clinch up
and McDonald counters with a series of strikes. Cavalcante Ribeiro will be more careful next time no doubt.
McDonald lands with a kick to the ribs.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cavalcante Ribeiro tries to clinch but McDonald moves out of range.
Nice uppercut lands for McDonald. That snapped Cavalcante Ribeiro's head back.
Cavalcante Ribeiro tries to clinch up but McDonald circles away and keeps his distance.
Cavalcante Ribeiro tries to clinch there but McDonald circles away.
Cavalcante Ribeiro tries to clinch up.
Cavalcante Ribeiro moves in looking to clinch but McDonald pushes him off.
Cavalcante Ribeiro lands with a kick to the temple. McDonald shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
Cavalcante Ribeiro tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but McDonald swivels and escapes.
David McDonald has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Marcos Cavalcante Ribeiro.
Both fighters circling a little - McDonald finishes the exchange with a kick to the body.
Cavalcante Ribeiro fails in his attempt to clinch.
Cavalcante Ribeiro looks to clinch
and McDonald counters with a flying knee. Nice.
McDonald misses with a head kick.
McDonald throws a sloppy head kick and Cavalcante Ribeiro moves out of range easily.
Cavalcante Ribeiro fails to land the takedown.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
McDonald throws a half hearted mid kick.
McDonald lands with a kick to the temple. Cavalcante Ribeiro shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
McDonald lands the left hand.
David McDonald is winning the standup battle so far.
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!
Cavalcante Ribeiro is looking to clinch.
McDonald lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Cavalcante Ribeiro doesn't manage to clinch there - McDonald circles away.
McDonald throws a head kick that misses.
Cavalcante Ribeiro tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but McDonald paws at him with a jab and circles away.
McDonald throws a sloppy head kick

and Cavalcante Ribeiro counters by clinching up.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Cavalcante Ribeiro fails to pull guard.
The referee is keeping an eye on McDonald - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.
Marcos Cavalcante Ribeiro has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
David McDonald is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Cavalcante Ribeiro tries to throw a body punch but McDonald avoids it by throwing Cavalcante Ribeiro back against the cage.

And that's the end of the fight!
David McDonald showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for McDonald, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 Robert Douchet scores the fight 50:45
Judge Dillan Fox scores the fight 50:45
Judge Ian Loll scores the fight 50:45

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... David McDonald!
David McDonald is the new welterweight champion!
David McDonald took to the microphone after his victory and thanked his sponsors, Snap Crackle Pop Fight Gear for their support in the buildup to the fight.