PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Darien Michaels (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Lucas Matos (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Matos has chosen Linkin Park - New Divide as his entrance music. Lucas Matos has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Michaels
vs
Matos

170 cm
19
183 lbs
8 - 3 - 0

186 cm
20
179 lbs
9 - 2 - 0

Good wrestling
Counter striker
Cardio machine

Good takedowns
Basic striking
Granite chin

Popeye’s Spinach - 159 + 158 Proof Supps

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 8 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Darien Michaels!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 9 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Lucas Matos!
The judges for this bout are Seu Braga, Emerson Jorge and Luis Engracia.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Matos loads up on a big right hand but Michaels slips the punch.
Matos fails with the takedown
and Michaels counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Matos scores with a three punch combo!
Matos with a lazy takedown attempt
and Michaels counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Matos fails with the takedown
and Michaels counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Darien Michaels has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Lucas Matos.
Matos fails with the takedown
and Matos takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Matos drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Matos shoots and misses
and Michaels makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Matos looks gassed!
Matos tries to clinch but Michaels is having none of it.
Matos uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Michaels.
Michaels works the jab nicely.
Michaels swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Matos shoots in but doesn't get the takedown

and Michaels counters into the clinch. Nicely done.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Matos fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Michaels makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Michaels lands a left hand that snaps the head of Matos backwards.
Matos jumps guard but Michaels turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Michaels lands a body punch.
Michaels is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
Michaels seems to have come into the fight with the intention of avoiding any damage in the clinch, rather than actually showing any aggression.
Matos is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Michaels to keep the fight standing.
Matos fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Matos tries to pull guard but Michaels holds him up against the cage and eventually Matos drops back down to his feet.
Matos jumps guard but Michaels turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Michaels is clearly stalling here... Pick up the pace son.
Matos fails to pull guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Michaels content to slow the pace in the clinch.
Matos tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Michaels just stands there and leans against the cage.
Matos tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Michaels smiles and moves away.
Matos tries for a takedown but Michaels circles away easily
and Michaels counters with a stiff right hand.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Michaels thows a body shot but no joy.
Michaels keeps the fight on the outside.
Michaels moves into range and connects with a jab.
Michaels throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Matos.
Matos is trying desperately to land a takedown but Michaels is having absolutely none of it. This is turning into a bit of a nightmare for Matos.
Matos misses with a double jab.
Michaels throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Matos is looking to clinch.
Matos misses with a takedown attempt - Michaels sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Matos with a poor takedown
and Michaels counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Darien Michaels is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Michaels connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Matos momentarily.
Matos uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Michaels.
Matos misses with a takedown
and Michaels counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Michaels tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Matos was well out of range. Poor timing from Michaels.

Michaels clinches.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Michaels.
Matos tries to pull guard but Michaels holds him up against the cage and eventually Matos drops back down to his feet.
Michaels scores with a shoulder strike.
Michaels lands a body punch in the clinch.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Michaels softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A left hand lands to the body for Michaels.
Matos fails to pull guard.
Matos takes a shot to the head.
Matos tries to pull guard but Michaels forces him back to his feet, against the cage.

Michaels manages to break the clinch.
Michaels swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Michaels fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Matos takes a shot to the body in his stride.
A slow jab from Michaels misses its intended target.
Matos gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Michaels works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Matos with a lazy takedown attempt
and Michaels counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Michaels cracks Matos with an open hand slap.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Darien Michaels dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Matos takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Matos uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Michaels.
Matos avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Michaels lands a right hook to the body.

Matos gets the takedown into side control.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.
Michaels tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Matos in the domination position with Michaels hanging on.
Matos has knee on belly and moves into mount.
Michaels is trying to stand.
Michaels is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.

Matos looking for an armbar but decides to keep the dominant position instead.
Michaels knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Matos on the ground.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Matos trying to control but Michaels is having none of it.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Matos is breathing heavily.

Michaels defends a decent attempt at a guillotine from Matos.
Matos avoids the attempt from Michaels to control.

Matos working for a submission but Michaels is keeping him at bay.
Michaels is trying desperately to improve position.
Michaels might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Michaels trying desperately to get to his feet.
Matos trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Michaels keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.

Matos is working on an americana here. Ooh, that looks pretty nasty! Nope, Michaels has managed to escape the submission attempt.

Matos is looking to secure an arm. He's managed it! He's pivoting for an armbar - that looks tight! But Michaels has managed to get out of it and now he's in a dominant position. Nice work from Michaels!
Michaels trying to stand up but can't free himself from Matos's guard.

Matos is active off his back here, looking for submissions.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Michaels gets to his feet - Matos follows without any prompting.
Lucas Matos seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Michaels misses the shot to the body.
Michaels misses with a body shot
and Matos counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Matos doesn't manage to clinch there - Michaels circles away.
Matos shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Michaels counters with a stiff right hand.
Michaels takes a swing at Matos's ribcage but misses.
Matos has his takedown stuffed
and Michaels counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Matos just misses with a punch to the body.
Michaels throws out a powerful jab.
Michaels tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Matos was well out of range. Poor timing from Michaels.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Matos misses with a takedown
and Michaels counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Darien Michaels has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Lucas Matos.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Matos walks into a straight right hand from Michaels.
Darien Michaels is winning the standup battle so far.
Matos with a lazy takedown attempt
and Michaels counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Matos takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.

Michaels has Matos up against the cage in a clinch.
Michaels is clearly stalling here... Pick up the pace son.
Michaels lands a shot to the body.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Michaels throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Matoss head.
Michaels gets underhooks to prevent Matos's takedown attempt.

Michaels escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Darien Michaels dominated that second round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! This is the final round!

Matos on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Michaels connects with a body shot.
Matos getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Horrible takedown by Matos or perhaps it was just good defense by Michaels which made him look bad.
Michaels throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Matos wants to clinch but Michaels slips to the side
and Michaels counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Matos takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Michaels lands with a straight right. Matos didn't see that one coming.
Michaels scores with a shot to the body.
Matos takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Michaels lands a nice hook to Matos's body. Matos takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Michaels misses with a wild body shot.
Matos shoots and misses
and Michaels counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Michaels lands with a hook. Matos tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Michaels dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Michaels ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Matos moves away.
Michaels is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Matos can do to turn this around?
Michaels just misses with a punch to the body.
Matos takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Matos uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Michaels.
Matos with a poor takedown
and Michaels counters with a nice uppercut.
Darien Michaels has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Lucas Matos.
Michaels swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Matos uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Michaels.
Michaels just misses with a punch to the body.

Michaels clinches.
Michaels lands a hook to the side of the head.
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!
Michaels lands a body shot.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Matos tries to pull guard but Michaels forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Come on Michaels - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
Matos jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Michaels walks away with a smile on his face. Matos gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Matos fails with the takedown
and Michaels counters with a right hand to the body.
Michaels lands a body shot.
Michaels swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Michaels throws a shot to the body.
Michaels is looking to wear down Matos with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Michaels bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Matos's head backwards.

Michaels moves into range and clinches up with Matos.
Michaels lands a body shot in the clinch.
Michaels lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Matos backwards.
Michaels lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Michaels lands a nice uppercut.
A short body shot lands from Michaels as the two fighters clinch.
Michaels lands with a right to the head.
Michaels lands a body shot.
Michaels will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Matos up against the cage.
Matos tries to pull guard but Michaels holds him up against the cage and eventually Matos drops back down to his feet.
Matos goes for a takedown in the clinch but Michaels prevents it.
Darien Michaels has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Michaels lands a body shot in the clinch.
Michaels lands a left hand that snaps the head of Matos backwards.
Darien Michaels is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Michaels will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Matos up against the cage.
Lucas Matos has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Matos jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Michaels walks away with a smile on his face. Matos gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Michaels scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
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!
Michaels misses with a looping right.
Michaels connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Michaels just misses with a punch to the body.
Michaels lands with a hook. Matos tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Michaels throws a body punch but Matos moves out of range.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Michaels looks to score with a jab to the body but Matos is just out of range.
Matos keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
A looping hook to the body misses from Michaels. Matos does a little dance to reset his feet.

And that's the end of the fight!
Darien Michaels showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Michaels, 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Seu Braga scores the fight 30:27
Judge Emerson Jorge scores the fight 30:27
Judge Luis Engracia scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Darien Michaels!
A victorious Darien Michaels thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.