PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Hollis Melendez (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Chucky Laguardia (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters will be looking to make this an exciting fight for the fans, I'm sure!

Melendez
vs
Laguardia

184 cm
22
192 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

175 cm
25
185 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter fighter
Granite chin

BJJ Brown Belt
Counter fighter
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Hollis Melendez!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Chucky Laguardia!
The judges for this bout are Colin Fray, Paul Gruel and Josh West.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Melendez has a takedown stuffed.
Laguardia stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Laguardia wants it to stay on the feet.
Melendez shoots and misses
and Melendez takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Hollis Melendez. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Laguardia misses with a wild combination.
Melendez takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.

Laguardia closes the distance and pushes Melendez back into the cage.
Melendez tries to pull guard but Laguardia won't allow it.
Melendez is trying to drag Laguardia to the mat but Laguardia just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Laguardia stops a takedown attempt from Melendez.
Melendez fails to pull the fight into his guard.

Laguardia pulls guard effortlessly.
Laguardia is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Melendez wants to pass the guard but Laguardia is keeping the position.
Laguardia throws some sloppy strikes off his back.
Melendez wants to pass the guard but Laguardia is keeping the position.

Laguardia is looking for a triangle but Melendez pushes his legs off easily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Melendez trying to control the position from guard on top but Laguardia is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Melendez trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

Melendez drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but Laguardia manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Melendez has Laguardia in his guard.

Laguardia stands up from Melendez's guard - Laguardia perhaps looking for a knockout.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Melendez tries to clinch
and Laguardia connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Laguardia moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Melendez misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Melendez shoots in for a takedown but Laguardia shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.

Laguardia throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Melendez was covering up waiting for the punch and Laguardia finishes the takedown easily into guard.

Laguardia is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! Melendez is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! Melendez has escaped and now he's on top!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Laguardia looking to control.
Melendez has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Melendez landing with the ground and pound.
Melendez passes Laguardia's left leg - he's now in half guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Laguardia is staying active underneath Melendez, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Chucky Laguardia dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Melendez shoots in for a double leg but Laguardia sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Laguardia.
Both fighters are looking to counter, which isn't making for the most exciting fight in the world.
Melendez shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Laguardia pinned against the cage. Laguardia gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.

Melendez gets caught flat footed, as Laguardia shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.

Laguardia decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.
Nice takedown defense from Laguardia. No joy for Melendez on that attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Hollis Melendez. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Melendez closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
Laguardia is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Melendez off and has taken his back!
Melendez prevents Laguardia from getting a body triangle.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Laguardia patiently working for the choke. Which fighter will keep their nerve here?

Melendez is staying cool under pressure, defending well against the rear naked choke attempt from his opponent.
Laguardia is breathing heavily.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Melendez is in a bad position with Laguardia working for a choke. Melendez manages to spin nicely into guard and the danger is over for the moment.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Laguardia is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Melendez defends well.
Melendez wants to pass the guard but Laguardia is keeping the position.
Melendez throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Laguardia works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Melendez wants to pass the guard but Laguardia is keeping the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Melendez passes into half guard.
Melendez wants to pass the guard but Laguardia is defending well.
Melendez throws a strike but Laguardia avoids it easily and moves to full guard.
Melendez trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Melendez pushes down on Laguardia's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Melendez is pressing down on Laguardia's thigh, looking to free his foot. Laguardia is holding on for now.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Melendez looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
Melendez looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Chucky Laguardia will probably get the nod - 10:9.
That's time! Melendez's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Melendez shoots in for a takedown but Laguardia shows good takedown defense.

Laguardia darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
Melendez wants to control but Laguardia is keeping busy.
Laguardia is looking to advance position but Melendez won't allow it.

Laguardia seems to be working for a kimura but Melendez defends the submission attempt.
Chucky Laguardia has got the better of the ground game so far.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Laguardia is trying to work for a kimura but Melendez is defending well.
Melendez wants to get back to full guard.
Laguardia wants to pass to mount but Melendez is defending the position.

Laguardia is trying to work for a kimura but Melendez is defending well.
Laguardia takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Laguardia gets to his feet - back to striking we go!
Hollis Melendez is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Laguardia tried to score with a low kick but Melendez checks it.

Laguardia drives through with a takedown into guard.
Melendez is trying to control the position but Laguardia postures up.
Laguardia wanted to stand there but Melendez had control of the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Laguardia trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Laguardia looking to sit in guard and control but Melendez gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Melendez wants to control from the top but Laguardia keeps moving.
Melendez tries to free his leg and advance position but Laguardia is retaining full guard.

Melendez is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! Laguardia is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! Laguardia has escaped and now he's on top!
Hollis Melendez has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Laguardia looking to sit in guard and control but Melendez gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Melendez passes easily into side control. Nice work.
Laguardia is looking to regain half guard here but Melendez keeps moving and retains side control.
Chucky Laguardia is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Melendez working the head with strikes.

And that's the end of the fight!
Chucky Laguardia comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Laguardia has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 Colin Fray scores the fight 27:30
Judge Paul Gruel scores the fight 27:30
Judge Josh West scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Chucky Laguardia!