PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Samson Savea (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Rez Cortez (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Cortez is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: Can We Still Be Friends. 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.

Savea
vs
Cortez

205 cm
32
257 lbs
11 - 13 - 0

185 cm
33
271 lbs
14 - 16 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent boxer
Very strong

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent boxer
Heavy handed

Soul Supremacy Nutrition

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 11 - 13 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Samson Savea!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 14 - 16 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Rez Cortez!
The judges for this bout are Roger Salmon, Jeff Smith and Ryoma Takatsuka.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Cortez throws a lazy right hand but Savea sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Savea misses with a takedown attempt - Cortez sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Savea goes for a double leg but Cortez avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Cortez continues to drive forward.
We've been hearing reports that Savea has been drilling takedowns in recent sessions so let's see if that has an impact on the result of this fight.

Savea manages to break the clinch.
Cortez waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Savea.
Savea wants to clinch.
Savea avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Rez Cortez seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Savea tries to score a power double leg takedown but Cortez sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Savea somewhat.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Samson Savea. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Savea tries to move into range but Cortez moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Cortez lands with a nice body punch.

Savea has managed to clinch.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Savea blocks an uppercut.
Savea lands a shoulder strike.
Savea leaning his opponent against the cage.
A frustrated look appears on Cortez's face as he tries to break the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Savea breaks from the clinch.
Savea drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.

Cortez cracks Savea with a big right hand that sends him to the floor! Savea looks wobbly but he's sprung back up to his feet straight away… can Cortez finish him?

Savea is rocked!

It looks like Samson Savea has been cut.
This is turning into a torrid day at the office for Savea. He's trying desperately to land a takedown but he's failing miserably and getting slapped silly on the feet to compound his misery.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Savea bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Oh Savea is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Cortez swings widly with a right hand
and Savea counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Savea wants to clinch
and Cortez counters with a massive hook, right on the button! He's out cold! Damn, that was naaaaaasty! Hopefully he'll be OK.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:31 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Rez Cortez!
An out of breath Rez Cortez thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.