PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Vitor Belfort (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ariel Elias (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Elias has chosen Maha Kali (live) as his entrance music, which hasn't gone down very well with the crowd. Vitor Belfort has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Belfort
vs
Elias

215 cm
25
234 lbs
3 - 2 - 0

210 cm
22
265 lbs
4 - 8 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent boxer
Very strong

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Vitor Belfort!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 8 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Ariel Elias!
The judges for this bout are Leandro Rodrigues, Felipe Paraventi and Paulo Santos.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Elias closes the distance and pushes Belfort back into the cage.
Elias is looking to take this one to the mat.

Elias decides to pull guard.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
Belfort lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Belfort throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!

Elias looking for subs off his back but Belfort has passed one foot through into half guard.
Elias blocking the ground and pound attempt from Belfort.
Belfort really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Belfort drops an elbow to the side of Elias's head.
Belfort takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Belfort scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Elias works his way to full guard. Good work.

Belfort got a little sloppy there for a moment and Elias has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Belfort has managed to get both his arms back between Elias's legs - danger averted.
Belfort wants to control from the top but Elias keeps moving.
Elias 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.

Elias is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Belfort is aware though and is defending well.
Elias looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Elias keeping moving, preventing Belfort from controlling successfully.

Elias working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Belfort doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Belfort manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Belfort wants to control from the top but Elias keeps moving.
Belfort is looking to work some ground and pound but Elias has wrist control.
Elias tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Belfort trying to control but Elias is working from the bottom.
Elias looking to hit a scissor sweep but Belfort is one step ahead there.
Elias lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Belfort!
Belfort squirming around on the bottom, looking to escape.
Belfort is wriggling around trying to escape.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Elias swings around for an armbar but it's a sloppy attempt and Belfort is now in Elias's guard. A big mistake from Elias there, giving up the dominant position!
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Elias pushes Belfort off and scrambles back to his feet.
Belfort keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Belfort keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Elias instigates a clinch.
Elias is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Belfort to keep the fight standing.
Vitor Belfort has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ariel Elias.
Elias is looking to take this one to the mat.
Elias changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Belfort fights it off and pushes away nicely.
The fight stays on the outside here - Elias looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Belfort throws a series of punches but Elias moves out of range.
Belfort throws a sloppy head kick

and Elias counters with a shoot takedown. Belfort fights it but they end up in guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Elias drops back, looking for a kneebar! Belfort looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Belfort looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Belfort!
Elias really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Belfort. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Elias is not content to let Belfort control the position.
Belfort looks up at the clock and then as Elias takes his cue and looks up at the clock too, Belfort smacks him right in the chops with a big elbow! How rude!
Elias sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.
Elias is trying to stand.
Belfort wants to pass to mount but Elias is defending the position.
Belfort looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
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. Belfort connects with a nice short shot to Elias's temple.
Elias gets back to full guard.
Belfort is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Belfort trying to control the position from guard on top but Elias is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Elias avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.

Elias looking for a guillotine here but Belfort defends easily.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Belfort postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Belfort looking to pass the guard.
Belfort wants to stand but Elias has a closed guard, so he can't escape.
Elias looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Belfort stops Elias from standing up.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Belfort trying to control the position from guard on top but Elias is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Elias is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Belfort wants to control from the top but Elias keeps moving.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Vitor Belfort will probably get the nod.
That's time! Belfort's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

A nice combination there by Belfort.

Elias fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Belfort, pushing him back against the cage.
Belfort is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Belfort tries for a takedown but Elias manages to get underhooks.
Elias prevents Belfort from breaking the clinch.
Belfort is looking to break free of the clinch but Elias has double underhooks.
Belfort tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Belfort is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Elias pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Elias lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!

It looks like Vitor Belfort has been cut.
Belfort gets underhooks to prevent Elias's takedown attempt.
A frustrated look appears on Belfort's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Elias is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Elias has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Belfort avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Vitor Belfort has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ariel Elias.
Elias changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Belfort fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Elias shoots in for a double leg but Belfort sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Elias looking to score a takedown here. Belfort is defending well but Elias drives through and ends up in Belfort's guard.
Elias is breathing heavily.
Elias throws a big right hand that misses.
Elias in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Belfort is looking to stand up but Elias isn't so interested in that idea.
Belfort wants to sweep but no luck.
Elias throwing strikes from guard but Belfort blocks nicely.

Elias drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but Belfort manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Elias has Belfort in his guard.
Belfort trying to control but Elias is working from the bottom.
Belfort distracts Elias with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Belfort stopping the sweep attempt from Elias.
Elias wants to get back to his feet but Belfort is in a dominant position and won't allow it.

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

Elias throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
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!
Elias is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Belfort is controlling him.
Belfort content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Ariel Elias has got the better of the ground game so far.
Belfort pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Elias is keeping the position for now.
Belfort wants to control from the top but Elias keeps moving.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Elias looking for a sweep. Not yet Elias, not yet.
Belfort keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Elias's head.
Belfort is working Elias over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Elias working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Belfort.
Belfort won't allow Elias to get back to his feet.
Elias tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Belfort postures up and lands a big shot to Elias's brow.
Elias looking for a sweep. Not yet Elias, not yet.
Elias keeping moving, preventing Belfort from controlling successfully.

Elias looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Elias looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Belfort lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Belfort cracks Elias with a solid left hand.
Elias wants to sweep here but Belfort controlling him for the moment.
Belfort trying to control but Elias is working from the bottom.
Belfort 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.
Elias manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
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!
Belfort squirming around on the bottom, looking to escape.

Elias jumps to the side looking to secure the arm triangle…. Ooooh, that looks tight… Belfort is gargling but he's managed to escape! Nice work there by Belfort and Elias has given up the dominant position trying to land that submission.
Belfort wants to get back to his feet but Elias drags him back down.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Belfort takes a big shot right to the temple there but he's taken it well.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Ariel Elias will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Vitor Belfort's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

Belfort tried to score with a low kick but Elias checks it.
Elias tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Belfort was well out of range. Poor timing from Elias.
Belfort lands a nice shot to the body.
Elias shoots in and drives through. Belfort sprawls well.
Elias circles away from the clinch attempt.
Elias shoots in but Belfort avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Belfort lunges at Elias with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Elias's hand.
Belfort throws a front kick aimed at Elias's knee but Elias avoids it well.
Elias tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Belfort swivels and escapes.
Vitor Belfort has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ariel Elias.
Belfort fails with an attempt to clinch.
The fighters circle momentarily. Belfort darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.

Elias is rocked!

Belfort clinches.
Elias is still on wobbly legs! Can Belfort finish him?
Belfort dips a shoulder and cracks Elias with a mighty uppercut! Elias falls back against the cage and Belfort unloads with a barrage of strikes! Elias is completely out with his eyes open, only supported by the cage! Save him ref! Eventually the ref decides to do his job and jumps in - Belfort screams abuse at the incompetent official before going over to celebrate with his corner. Brutal stuff!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:49 of round 3, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Vitor Belfort!
As Vitor Belfort got his breath back, he grabbed the microphone and managed to blurt out the following: Eu serei o próximo campeão desta categoria, é melhor todos treinarem porque eu vou chutar a bunda de todos vocês --- I'll be the next champion, everybody needs train because i'll kick everyone ass'.