PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Nate Cruz (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ricky Sparks (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Sparks has chosen Sparks as his entrance music. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Cruz
vs
Sparks

170 cm
28
152 lbs
11 - 3 - 0

179 cm
29
165 lbs
7 - 0 - 0

Good wrestling
Basic striking
Experienced

Good wrestler
Counter striker
Granite chin

Down Under - Supplements.160Q Video Proof

TITAN
Rampage Fightwear

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 11 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Nate Cruz!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Ricky Sparks!
The judges for this bout are Shigeki Fujiwara, Kenichi Hosakawa and Shirou Masuda.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Sparks swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Sparks ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Cruz moves away.
Cruz misses with an uppercut.
Sparks avoids the body shot from Cruz.
Sparks misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Cruz uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Sparks.

Cruz closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Cruz lands in his opponent's guard.
Cruz postures up in Sparks's guard and throws a big left but Sparks blocks it.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Sparks can do anything to dispel that myth.
Cruz wants to control from the top but Sparks keeps moving.
Cruz is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cruz wants to control from the top but Sparks keeps moving.
Cruz won't allow Sparks to get back to his feet.
Sparks really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Cruz. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Cruz working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Cruz trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Cruz trying to control but Sparks is working from the bottom.
Cruz looking to control the position here, rather than advance.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Nate Cruz has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.

Sparks shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in full mount! That's better than Sparks was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
Cruz tries to lock up and control but Sparks gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Cruz working to try and regain half guard.
Cruz manages to regain half guard. Good work.

Cruz actively working from the bottom here.
Cruz taking some punishment here, with Sparks in his half guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Sparks is thwarting Cruz's attempts to control the position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Cruz looking for submissions from an awkward position here.

Cruz is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Sparks pulls his head out easily.

Sparks is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Cruz defends it well.

Cruz actively working from the bottom here.
Sparks blocks the strikes from Cruz.
Sparks wants to pass to mount but Cruz is defending the position.
Sparks is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Sparks winds up and cracks Cruz with a swinging punch to the side of the head.

Cruz looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Sparks throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.

Cruz looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Sparks is nestled in close to Cruz, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Cruz on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Sparks wants to work for an arm triangle but Cruz is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Sparks works his way into side control.
Cruz is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Sparks's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.
Cruz is trying to control but can't.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Cruz landing rabbit punches to the side of Sparks's head. Not doing much damage but still scoring a few points.
Sparks throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
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 Nate Cruz will probably get the nod.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

The fighters circling - Cruz throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Sparks throws a hook but Cruz blocks it.
Cruz throws a lazy right hand but Sparks sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Cruz throws a body punch but Sparks moves out of range.
Sparks keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Nate Cruz seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Cruz has his takedown stuffed

so Sparks counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.

Cruz looking for submissions from the bottom but instead Sparks passes into side control.
Cruz taking a bit of punishment here - Sparks scoring with strikes.
Cruz is trying to improve his position.
Sparks trying to control the action but Cruz is working from the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cruz manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.
Sparks wants to lay and pray for a moment but Cruz keeps working.
Cruz is looking to improve his position.

Cruz looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Sparks throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Sparks has freed up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Sparks is still in mount, landing shots to his trapped opponent. Cruz can't stay in a position like this for much longer.
Sparks lands a nice shot to the head.
Cruz tries to reverse the position but Sparks maintains control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cruz is squirming around, avoiding Sparks's attempts to control the action.
Cruz regains half guard.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Cruz trying to hold on to Sparks's head to control him but Sparks postures up.
Sparks sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Cruz defending well though.
Sparks is just content to waste time from the top position. Cruz takes advantage of the situation and regains full guard.
Cruz keeping full guard, as Sparks tries to pass.

Sparks drops back, looking for a kneebar! Cruz looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Cruz looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Cruz!
Cruz in side control lands a decent elbow.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sparks managing to avoid any damage from the strikes thrown by Cruz.
Cruz throws a knee to the body but it doesn't do much damage.
Sparks taking a bit of punishment here - Cruz scoring with strikes.
Ricky Sparks has got the better of the ground game so far.
Cruz landing strikes.
Sparks regains half guard, as Cruz was trying to land strikes.
Sparks keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Cruz wants to take a breather but Sparks is having none of it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Sparks trying to control but Cruz postures up.
Sparks wants to get back to his feet.
Sparks keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Cruz passes to full mount!
Cruz breaks from Sparks's wrist control and lands an elbow.
Cruz 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.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Cruz prevents Sparks from getting the reversal.
Cruz lands a nice shot to the head.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Nate Cruz will probably get the nod.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Cruz misses with a looping right.
Sparks moves out of range as Cruz strikes.
Cruz slaps away a takedown attempt from Sparks, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Nate Cruz is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Cruz rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Sparks moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Sparks cracks Cruz with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Sparks avoids the body shot from Cruz.
Sparks loads up on a big right hand but Cruz slips the punch.
Cruz throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Sparks scores with a crisp jab that stopped Cruz in his tracks.
Cruz shoots in for a takedown but Sparks shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Sparks throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Cruz sees it coming and avoids it easily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sparks walks into a jab.
Sparks fails with a takedown attempt.
Cruz throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Sparks.
Cruz scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Cruz keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Nate Cruz has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ricky Sparks.
Sparks takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Cruz throws a jab when Sparks was well out of range.
Cruz throws a big shot that misses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cruz swings for the body but Sparks moves out of range.

Cruz gets caught napping as Sparks dives in and scores a takedown. Cruz manages to retain guard.
Cruz controlling the position.

Sparks drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but Cruz manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Sparks has Cruz in his guard.
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!
Cruz working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Cruz trying to control the position from guard on top but Sparks is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.
Cruz stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Sparks swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Cruz engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.

Nate Cruz has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.

Sparks scores with a takedown into Cruz's guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Cruz is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Sparks defends well.
Sparks postures up.
Cruz is really struggling to control Sparks but he's trying to hold on to the position.
Sparks scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Sparks pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Cruz is keeping the position for now.
Sparks distracts Cruz with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.

Cruz looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Sparks scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Sparks must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Sparks scoring with some ground and pound.
Cruz working a defensive guard here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but Nate Cruz did the better work so I'd imagine he'll take it.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Sparks shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Cruz but Cruz pushes him off and we're back to square one.
No luck for Sparks with that takedown attempt.
Cruz looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Sparks is fending him off so far but Cruz persists. Nope, Sparks circles away and we're back to standing.
Cruz steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Sparks.
Cruz swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Cruz misses the shot to the body.

Sparks shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Cruz napping and manages to drive through into side control!
You can see the frustration on Cruz's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sparks postures up a little and throws a couple of hammerfists but they don't connect properly.
Sparks tries to move into full mount but can't pass Cruz's legs.
Sparks throwing strikes but missing, from side control.
You can see the frustration on Cruz's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Cruz regains half guard.

Cruz is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Sparks pulls his head out easily.
Cruz is looking to improve his position.
Cruz moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Cruz working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Sparks.

Sparks postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Cruz is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Sparks, into his guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cruz trying to control the position from guard on top but Sparks is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Cruz with a flurry of punches that miss.
Cruz working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Cruz sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Sparks's guard.
Cruz stalling away here and it's allowed Sparks to slip out his trapped foot and regain full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cruz wants to control from the top but Sparks keeps moving.
Cruz lands a couple of elbows.
Cruz wants to control from the top but Sparks keeps moving.
Cruz sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Sparks's guard.
Cruz prevents Sparks from standing back up.
Cruz thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Sparks's head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Cruz performing his best blanket impression for a moment.
Cruz is trying to control the action in half guard but Sparks is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Sparks blocking the ground and pound attempt from Cruz.
Cruz controlling the action here.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
Cruz looks to land a strike but Sparks avoids it nicely and regains full guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Nate Cruz had his way with Ricky Sparks in that round.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!

Sparks closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Cruz on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Cruz taking some punishment here, with Sparks in his half guard.
Cruz is looking to control Sparks's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Cruz avoid being mounted?
Cruz is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Sparks is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.
Sparks scoring with strikes to the body and head.

Cruz is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Sparks pulls his head out easily.
Cruz avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Sparks.
Cruz has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Sparks is working away from the top position though.
Cruz tries to roll over but Sparks keeps him under control.
Sparks wants to lay and pray for a moment but Cruz keeps working.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sparks moves into full mount! Cruz won't be happy about that!
Sparks dominating with strikes here.
Cruz tries to hold on but Sparks pushes him away.
Sparks tries to control but Cruz wriggling away.
Cruz is looking to improve his position but Sparks isn't that keen on the idea.
Cruz is working hard here to advance position.
Cruz tries to lock up and control but Sparks gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Sparks cracks Cruz with a nasty head shot there - the crowd let out an audible gasp there, as the noise reverberated around the arena.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - an gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
Sparks with the ground and pound from mount.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Cruz wants to hold on but Sparks pushes him away.
Cruz can't escape the position.
Cruz is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Sparks working away from the top, dropping strikes.

Cruz is rocked!
Sparks landing strikes from the mount and Cruz is in trouble!
Oh Cruz is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!
Sparks postures up and connects with a big shot that has rocked Cruz badly. He's trying desperately to grab hold of Sparks around the waist but Sparks pushes him off and unloads with more strikes, forcing the referee to jump in and save him! Sparks is the winner by TKO! Sparks jumps onto the cage and shouts into the camera. "We did it momma!"

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:29 of round 5, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Ricky Sparks!
Ricky Sparks is the new lightweight champion!
Ricky Sparks gave a mention to Rampage Fightwear in his post fight interview. That will please them (and hopefully generate some sales).