PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Fernando Prado (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Harald Hillgrund (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Prado's entrance music is Remember The Name. A fine choice. Harald Hillgrund has the power to score a knockout today if he connects clean with Fernando Prado's chin.

Prado
vs
Hillgrund

165 cm
30
150 lbs
9 - 0 - 0

170 cm
29
164 lbs
19 - 6 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Excellent grappler
Lethal high kicks
Good gas tank

GREEN!160

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 9 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Fernando Prado!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 19 - 6 - 0, fighting out of London, Harald Hillgrund!
The judges for this bout are Patrick Alders, Aafke Stam and Nard Betker.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Hillgrund throws a hook but Prado avoids it easily.
We've been told by Prado's head coaches at Ryōzanpaku Dojo that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Prado uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Hillgrund.
Prado waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Hillgrund.
Prado jabs Hillgrund right on the nose. Hillgrund blinks but takes it well.
Prado throws a sloppy head kick and Hillgrund moves out of range easily.
Prado uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Hillgrund.
Harald Hillgrund seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Prado keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Hillgrund.
Prado pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Hillgrund tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Prado manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Hillgrund moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
A thudding body kick lands there by Prado!
Hillgrund looks to land a left hand but Prado moved out of range nicely.
Prado cracks Hillgrund with a right hand to the side of the head.
Prado uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Hillgrund throws the left hand but Prado avoids the punch easily.
And Prado counters with a quick kick to the body but Hillgrund blocks it.
Hillgrund is trying hard to land a takedown here. Prado sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Hillgrund tries to clinch up but Prado circles away and keeps his distance.
Prado swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.
Prado connects with a leg kick. Hillgrund looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Prado throws the left hand but Hillgrund avoids the punch easily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hillgrund connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.

Hillgrund drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Hillgrund throws a knee to the body but it doesn't do much damage.
Prado is not content to let Hillgrund control the position.

Hillgrund swings around for an armbar but Prado sees it coming a mile off and turns beautifully into Hillgrund's guard.
Hillgrund looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Prado not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hillgrund trying to control the position here.
Prado would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.
Hillgrund wants to control but instead he gets his guard passed and Prado is now in half guard.
Hillgrund is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Prado stalling.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hillgrund wants to control but Prado is keeping busy.
Prado works his foot free and advances to mount.
Hillgrund is working to get back to half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Hillgrund tries to hold on but Prado postures up.
Hillgrund tries to reverse the position but Prado maintains control.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Prado tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Fernando Prado dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Prado dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Hillgrund. That did some damage!
Hillgrund throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Prado sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Hillgrund is trying hard to land a takedown here. Prado sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Hillgrund moves out of range of the strikes.
Hillgrund throws a shot from downtown. Prado moves away and avoids it.
Hillgrund misses with the combination.
Prado is looking to counter with a body kick.
Prado throws a solid leg kick but Hillgrund takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Prado.
Hillgrund takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.

It looks like Harald Hillgrund has been cut.
Fernando Prado is winning the standup battle so far.
Hillgrund fails with the takedown.
Nice body kick from Prado.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hillgrund tries to clinch
and Hillgrund takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Prado lands a high kick!
Prado misses with a body kick.
Prado takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
No luck for Hillgrund with that takedown attempt.
Fernando Prado has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Harald Hillgrund.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hillgrund is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
A head kick misses from Prado.
Prado tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Hillgrund was well out of range. Poor timing from Prado.
Hillgrund checks a leg kick.
Hillgrund showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Prado.
A nice leg kick lands there from Prado.
Prado throws a big shot that misses.
Hillgrund looks to score with a jab to the body but Prado is just out of range.
Prado keeps the fight on the outside.
Prado slips a jab from Hillgrund.
Hillgrund throws a sloppy body shot
and Prado counters with a solid body kick.
Prado dodges the punch combination from Hillgrund.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Prado takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Hillgrund goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Prado scores with a leg kick.
Prado connects with a body shot.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Hillgrund misses with a body shot.
As Hillgrund backs away, Prado returns fire with a leg kick that just misses.
Prado lands with a cross.
Prado feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Hillgrund's calf.
Hillgrund tries to clinch up but Prado circles away and keeps his distance.
Prado keeps the fight on the outside.
Hillgrund fails with an attempt to clinch.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Prado, as that shot connected.
Hillgrund looks to land a combination but Prado avoids it well.
Prado throws a leg kick but Hillgrund checks it.
Prado throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Prado is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Hillgrund can do to turn this around?
Prado moves into range and lands a nice body kick.
Hillgrund walks into a left hand.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hillgrund on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
Hillgrund throws a hook but Prado avoids it easily.
Prado fails to land with a series of punches.
Prado throws a quick inside leg kick.
Hillgrund tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Hillgrund throws out a powerful jab.

Hillgrund moves into range and clinches up with Prado.
Prado gets underhooks to prevent Hillgrund's takedown attempt.
Prado misses with a punch on the inside.
Hillgrund goes for a takedown in the clinch but Prado prevents it.
Prado working aggressively here.
Prado misses with some punches.

Hillgrund escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Hillgrund tries to clinch there but Prado circles away.
Hillgrund throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Prado misses with a hook. Hillgrund ducked under it nicely.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hillgrund tries to land a leg kick but Prado saw it coming and moves away.
Hillgrund lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
We've been informed that Hillgrund has been working hard on his conditioning in the buildup to the fight.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
A clash of legs there as Hillgrund blocks the low kick.
Hillgrund tries to clinch up.
Hillgrund misses with a body shot.
A quick step to the side and Prado tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
Hillgrund scores with a nice strike.
Fernando Prado is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Hillgrund scores to the head and body with a nice combination!
Thud! ouch! good body kick from Prado - that will leave a mark!
Hillgrund tries to clinch up.
Hillgrund throws a leg kick but Prado checks it.
A solid body kick from Prado.
Prado circles away from the clinch attempt.
Hillgrund wants to clinch.
It looked like Prado wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Hillgrund is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Prado.
Prado loads up on a big right hand but Hillgrund slips the punch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Fernando Prado dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Harald Hillgrund's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Prado swings for the body but Hillgrund moves out of range.
Hillgrund lets it all go there with a big combo counter but none of the punches connected.
Hillgrund rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Prado counters with a nice body shot.
Prado lands with a slapping head kick.
Hillgrund tries to close the distance and clinch but Prado swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Hillgrund misses with a body shot.
Hillgrund takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Prado throws a body shot but no joy.
Prado avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Hillgrund on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Hillgrund has developed a nice purple lump on his ribcage, as a result of some heavy body kicks from Prado.
Prado on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Hillgrund shoots in and drives through. Prado sprawls well.
Hillgrund wants to clinch.

Hillgrund shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in side control! That's better than Hillgrund was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Prado is looking for a sweep.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Prado is trying to control Hillgrund's posture but Hillgrund avoids it.
Hillgrund wants to lay and pray for a moment but Prado keeps working.
Hillgrund looking to punish the body of his opponent here but Prado is avoiding damage well.
Prado taking punishment in the form of punches.
Hillgrund working away.

Hillgrund is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Prado has escaped the position, nice work there.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Prado defending against the ground and pound.
Hillgrund postures up a little and throws a couple of hammerfists but they don't connect properly.
Prado prevents Hillgrund from improving position.
Hillgrund works to advance to full mount. Prado defends for a few seconds but eventually he succumbs.
Hillgrund working away from the top, dropping strikes.
Hillgrund looking to finish with strikes here!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Prado wants to hold on but Hillgrund pushes him away.
Poor strikes thrown by Hillgrund there. More accuracy and less frantic strikes would help!
Hillgrund breaks from Prado's wrist control and lands an elbow.
Hillgrund thowing strikes but they're hitting the gloves, not doing any damage.
Hillgrund is landing with some decent strikes but Prado is trying to advance his position so the referee is letting the fight continue.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Hillgrund misses with a series of strikes from mount. He'll no doubt be working on his ground and pound when he gets back to the gym.
Hillgrund trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Hillgrund thowing strikes but they're hitting the gloves, not doing any damage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Prado wriggling around on the bottom manages to avoid the strikes thrown by Hillgrund.
Hillgrund throwing shots from mount but they're not landing.
Hillgrund looking to finish Prado with some ground and pound. This is bad for Prado!

Prado is rocked!
Hillgrund misses with a series of strikes from mount. He'll no doubt be working on his ground and pound when he gets back to the gym.
Hillgrund throwing shots from mount but they're not landing.
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, Hillgrund cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers!
Hillgrund misses with some ground and pound and Prado recovers position to half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Harald Hillgrund really dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Harald Hillgrund's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Prado pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Prado steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Hillgrund.
Nice cross by Hillgrund.
Hillgrund fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
No joy there for Hillgrund, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Hillgrund takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Prado with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Prado throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Hillgrund stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Prado stuffs the takedown.
Prado on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Prado ducks under a wild hook from Hillgrund.
Prado feints and then cracks Hillgrund's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Hillgrund down.
Hillgrund on the wrong end of a kick to the body.
Prado throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Hillgrund lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Prado at a distance.
Hillgrund throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.

That's one minute gone in the round.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Hillgrund.
Prado swings away with a leg kick that misses.
It seemed like Hillgrund was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Prado cracks the inside of Hillgrund's front leg.
Prado misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Hillgrund.
Hillgrund's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Prado looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Prado throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.

Hillgrund closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Prado quickly recovers to half guard.
Hillgrund looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.
Hillgrund trying to control the action but Prado is working from the bottom.

Hillgrund is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hillgrund missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Hillgrund is pressing down on Prado's thigh, looking to free his foot. Prado is holding on for now.
Hillgrund throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Hillgrund lands a nice short elbow.
Hillgrund not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Hillgrund not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hillgrund scores with a sloppy right hand. Prado should have avoided that one.
Hillgrund throws an overhand right that lands on Prado's shoulder, as Prado tries to avoid the shot.
Prado feinted there with a counter leg kick.
Hillgrund throws a body punch but Prado moves out of range.
Hillgrund uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Prado.
Hillgrund moves out of range as Prado throws a body kick.
Hillgrund tries to clinch but Prado is having none of it.
Hillgrund cracks a nice hook into Prado's ribs.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Prado, right into the meat.
Prado lands a nice leg kick that just misses Hillgrund's sensitive parts.
Hillgrund shoots in for a takedown but Prado shows good takedown defense.
Prado thinks about countering with a body kick.
Fernando Prado has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Harald Hillgrund.
Hillgrund takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Hillgrund misses with a looping left.
Hillgrund throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Prado's waist but Prado gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Hillgrund off to one side.
Prado cracks Hillgrund with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hillgrund waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Prado.
Prado lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Prado lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
Hillgrund shoots in and drives through. Prado sprawls well.
Hillgrund tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Prado lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Hillgrund circles away quickly and effectively.
Hillgrund fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Hillgrund is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Hillgrund fails to land the takedown.
Hillgrund tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Prado manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Hillgrund thows a left - swing and a miss!
A head kick misses from Prado.
Hillgrund fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Prado avoids it really well and circles away.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Fernando Prado had his way with Harald Hillgrund in that round.
The cut man is working on Harald Hillgrund's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!

Hillgrund tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Prado paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Prado gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Hillgrund.
Prado keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Prado avoids a kick to the body.
Prado throws a lazy right hand but Hillgrund sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
A slapping body kick lands there for Prado.
Hillgrund misses with the combination.
Prado defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Hillgrund.
Hillgrund fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Prado manages to avoid it.
Prado bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Nice defenses there by Hillgrund.
Prado misses with a kick to the body.
Hillgrund thuds a left hand into Prado's body.
Prado throws a head kick but Hillgrund moves out of range.
Prado defending well as Hillgrund loads up on a big left hand.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hillgrund takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Prado delivers a nice body kick.
Hillgrund walks into a left hand.
Hillgrund fails with a takedown attempt from distance.

Hillgrund gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
A short uppercut from Prado.
Prado fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Prado lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Prado tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Prado throws a head punch that misses.
Prado lands a body punch in the clinch.

Prado breaks the clinch.
Good leg kick by Prado there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Prado fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Hillgrund.
Hillgrund takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Hillgrund moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.
Hillgrund lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Prado circles away quickly and effectively.
Prado scores with a jab to the body.
Hillgrund uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Prado fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Hillgrund is out of range.

Hillgrund closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Prado to the mat! Prado manages to get full guard.
Hillgrund postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Hillgrund throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Hillgrund landing with the ground and pound.
Hillgrund trying to control but Prado is working from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hillgrund throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Hillgrund throwing strikes but missing.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Harald Hillgrund has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

Hillgrund moves into range and clinches up with Prado.

Hillgrund has double underhooks and is working for a body lock takedown. He's got it. The fighters land in half guard but Prado regains guard immediately.
Prado has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.
Fernando Prado is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hillgrund trying to control but Prado is working from the bottom.
Hillgrund has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Hillgrund pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Prado is keeping the position for now.
Hillgrund trying to control the position from guard on top but Prado is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Hillgrund stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Prado swivels though and keeps the full guard.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Harald Hillgrund.
I think Prado has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Patrick Alders scores the fight 48:47
Judge Aafke Stam scores the fight 49:46
Judge Nard Betker scores the fight 49:46

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Fernando Prado!
Fernando Prado retains his lightweight title!
Fernando Prado seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.
In defeat, Harald Hillgrund stepped up to the mic, saying 'This is a setback, but I will bounce back from it. my eyes are still set on that title, I'll get there, you'll see!'.