PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Antonio Mauricio DeSilva (ranked 592 p4p, 92 weight class) and Miro Bang (ranked 1360 p4p, 208 weight class). The fight MMA fans around the world have waited their entire lives for!

Mauricio DeSilva
vs
Bang

200 cm
27
210 lbs
6 - 1 - 0

200 cm
36
214 lbs
28 - 23 - 0

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Granite chin

Olympic wrestler
World class boxer
Good gas tank

Urban Fighter

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the light heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 6 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Antonio Mauricio DeSilva!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 28 - 23 - 0, fighting out of London, Miro Bang!
The judges for this bout are Anthony Taglia, John Kavanagh and David Schapiro.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
DeSilva misses with a hook. Bang ducked under it nicely.
Bang blocks a head kick by DeSilva.
Bang shoots in but DeSilva avoids the takedown attempt easily.
DeSilva tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Bang was well out of range. Poor timing from DeSilva.
Bang throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around DeSilva's waist but DeSilva gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Bang off to one side.
An attempted straight right counter from DeSilva misses the target.

Bang shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Bang throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
DeSilva blocking the ground and pound attempt from Bang.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Bang is sneakily working for an arm triangle but DeSilva sees it coming and defends easily.

Bang seems to be working for a kimura but DeSilva defends the submission attempt.

Bang wants to work for an arm triangle but DeSilva is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
DeSilva wants to control but Bang is keeping busy and won't allow it.
DeSilva is looking to improve his position.
DeSilva preventing any damage for now, controlling his opponent's head.
DeSilva keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Bang throwing shots but DeSilva is blocking nicely.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

DeSilva manages to escape and get back to his feet!

Bang closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Bang lands in his opponent's guard.
Bang preventing the sweep.
DeSilva working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Bang.
Bang throws a big right hand that misses.
Bang postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Bang prevents DeSilva from getting back to his feet.
Bang postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Bang trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

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

DeSilva slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.

Bang is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. DeSilva is aware though and is defending well.
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!

Bang escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. DeSilva gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Bang 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.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

DeSilva avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
DeSilva content to stall in guard here.
DeSilva preventing the sweep.

DeSilva avoids a guillotine attempt easily.

DeSilva stands up from Bang's guard - DeSilva perhaps looking for a knockout.
Bang walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Bang dives in and grabs DeSilva's left leg, looking for a takedown. DeSilva pushes down on Bang's head and hops out.
Antonio Mauricio DeSilva has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Miro Bang.

Bang darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
DeSilva is trying to control but can't.

Bang is working for a kimura but DeSilva is defending it quite comfortably.

Bang is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
DeSilva is looking for a sweep. Bang is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

Bang is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
DeSilva is trying to maintain the position but Bang is very close to passing his half guard.

Bang is working for a submission of some sort.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Miro Bang will probably get the nod.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Bang closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Bang wants to take the fight to the mat but DeSilva manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
DeSilva misses with a hook from the clinch.
DeSilva pushes Bang back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Bang is looking to take this one to the mat.
Bang is trying to pull guard but DeSilva has him pressed against the cage.
Antonio Mauricio DeSilva has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Miro Bang.
DeSilva tries to work over Bang's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from DeSilva.
DeSilva gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Bang.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
DeSilva working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.

DeSilva breaks from the clinch.
DeSilva is looking to clinch.
DeSilva misses with a head kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A head kick by DeSilva misses
and Bang counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
DeSilva tries a head kick but it misses.
DeSilva throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Bang avoids a kick to the body.
Bang tries to counter with a clinch but DeSilva shakes him off and moves away.
DeSilva is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Bang tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Bang shoots in but DeSilva avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Bang avoids the body shot from DeSilva.
Bang tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but DeSilva swivels and escapes.
DeSilva slaps away a takedown attempt from Bang, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Bang keeps the fight on the outside.
Bang changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Antonio Mauricio DeSilva seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Bang wants to clinch up but DeSilva keeps it at a distance.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
DeSilva fails with an attempt to clinch.
DeSilva scoring well with a low kick there.
Bang keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Bang avoids the head kick by DeSilva.
DeSilva throws a head kick but Bang moves out of range.
Bang checks a leg kick nicely.
DeSilva darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
DeSilva misses with a head kick.
Bang with the counter takedown but DeSilva avoids it easily.
Bang closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
This has been an exciting period of action!

Bang clinches up with DeSilva and pushes him back against the cage.
Bang wants a takedown but no success here.
DeSilva is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Bang can do to turn this around?
Bang has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. DeSilva avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.

DeSilva manages to break the clinch.
DeSilva throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Bang tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bang fails with a takedown attempt.
Bang avoids the head kick by DeSilva.
DeSilva tries to clinch up.
Bang shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says DeSilva as he avoids it easily.
DeSilva throws a quick counter head kick but Bang was just out of range.

Bang clinches up with DeSilva and pushes him back against the cage.
DeSilva lands a body punch.
DeSilva doesn't land with the attempted body shot.

DeSilva escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.

DeSilva clinches up with Bang and pushes him back against the cage.
Bang takes a shot to the head.
A right hook to the body lands for DeSilva.
DeSilva swings away with an uppercut that misses.

Bang breaks from the clinch.
DeSilva takes a swing at Bang's ribcage but misses.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

DeSilva gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.

Bang has clasped his hands together around DeSilva's back... aaand, he's got a takedown into side control. Nicely done.

DeSilva bucks up and manages to escape back to his feet!
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
DeSilva misses with a head kick.
DeSilva lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Bang circles away from the clinch attempt

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

DeSilva manages to escape and get back to his feet.
DeSilva keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
DeSilva lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
DeSilva misses with a body shot.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Antonio Mauricio DeSilva dominated that second round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Nice straight punches there by DeSilva. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of DeSilva.
DeSilva will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
DeSilva is looking to clinch.
A slow jab from DeSilva misses its intended target.
DeSilva misses with a hook to the body
and Bang counters with a series of strikes. DeSilva will be more careful next time no doubt.
DeSilva lands a nice looking body shot.
Bang shoots for a takedown but DeSilva saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Bang tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but DeSilva defends well and Bang ends up having to push DeSilva into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Bang shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Antonio Mauricio DeSilva has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Miro Bang.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Bang ducks under a wild hook from DeSilva.
DeSilva takes a swing at Bang's ribcage but misses.
Bang with the counter takedown but DeSilva avoids it easily.
DeSilva lands a slapping body shot.
DeSilva tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Bang fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Bang takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

That's one minute gone in the round.
DeSilva cracks a nice hook into Bang's ribs.
Bang keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Bang feints the counter takedown.
Bang circles away from the clinch attempt.
Bang throws a big counter head kick but DeSilva avoids it with no problem.
DeSilva tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Bang was well out of range. Poor timing from DeSilva.
DeSilva is looking to score with low kicks.
Bang slips a straight right by DeSilva.
DeSilva misses with a head kick.
Bang flicks out a counter leg kick but DeSilva steps away.
DeSilva pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Antonio Mauricio DeSilva is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
DeSilva pulls out of a head kick attempt.
DeSilva tries to clinch there but Bang circles away.
Bang drops down looking to force a counter takedown but DeSilva defends it well.
DeSilva misses with a body shot.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
DeSilva tries a head kick but it misses.
Bang tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
DeSilva throws a body kick, spinning off balance

and Bang counters with a shoot takedown. DeSilva fights it but they end up in guard.

The fighters are working up against the cage. DeSilva manages to wriggle his way back to his feet, so the fighters are now clinched against the cage.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Bang tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. DeSilva smiles and moves away.
Antonio Mauricio DeSilva is winning the standup battle so far.

DeSilva moves into range and clinches up with Bang.
DeSilva cracks Bang with a nice body shot.
DeSilva lands an uppercut.
DeSilva lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
DeSilva throws a head punch that misses.
DeSilva trying to stall but Bang improves his position.
I was talking to DeSilva's coach per-fight and he was telling me that they'd been working on the clinch in the runup to this fight.
Bang is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Bang is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but DeSilva is defending well.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, DeSilva creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
DeSilva misses with a hook from the clinch.
Bang is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
A hook to the body from DeSilva.

Bang pulls DeSilva into guard.

DeSilva gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.

DeSilva has managed to clinch.
DeSilva lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Bang tries for a takedown. No joy.
DeSilva lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Bang backwards.
Bang jumps guard but DeSilva turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Bang tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
DeSilva softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Bang blocking some punches.
DeSilva misses with a hook to the ribs.
DeSilva misses with a hook from the clinch.
Antonio Mauricio DeSilva has scored more points in the clinch so far.
DeSilva lands with a right to the head.
Still in the clinch, DeSilva scores with a nice short uppercut.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
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!

Bang pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
DeSilva is looking to wear down Bang with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
DeSilva throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
DeSilva tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Bang tries to counter by closing the distance.
DeSilva throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Bang on the side of the head.
DeSilva tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Bang was well out of range. Poor timing from DeSilva.
DeSilva throws a head kick but Bang moves out of range.
DeSilva connects with a jab.

DeSilva rushes Bang and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Bang is trying to drag DeSilva to the mat but DeSilva just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Bang missing with knees to the body.
Bang has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by DeSilva after a bit of a struggle.

DeSilva breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
DeSilva slaps away a takedown attempt from Bang, before circling back to the center of the mat.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Antonio Mauricio DeSilva clearly takes that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

DeSilva lands a high kick!
Bang takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
DeSilva throws an overhand right that lands on Bang's shoulder, as Bang tries to avoid the shot.
Bang fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but DeSilva avoids it really well and circles away.
As Bang backs away, DeSilva returns fire with a leg kick that just misses.
DeSilva throws a front kick aimed at Bang's knee but Bang avoids it well.
Bang avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A nice leg kick lands there from DeSilva.
Bang closes the distance and clinches up with DeSilva, looking for a takedown. Bang pushes DeSilva against the cage but DeSilva circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
DeSilva is looking to clinch.
Bang drops down looking to force a counter takedown but DeSilva defends it well.
DeSilva gets off balance looking for a body kick

and Bang counters with a single leg into guard. DeSilva didn't expect that.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bang pushing down on DeSilva's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Bang is pressing down on DeSilva's thigh, looking to free his foot. DeSilva is holding on for now.

Bang wants to work for an arm triangle but DeSilva is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.

Bang is working for a kimura but DeSilva is defending it quite comfortably.
Bang has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.

Bang wants to work for an arm triangle but DeSilva is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Bang is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
DeSilva blocking the ground and pound attempt from Bang.
Bang tries to pass the half guard into mount. DeSilva knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
DeSilva is trying to get back to full guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
DeSilva looks like he's trying to stand up.

Bang wants to work for an arm triangle but DeSilva is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
DeSilva tries to roll over but Bang keeps him under control.

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

Bang is working for a submission of some sort.
DeSilva looks like he's trying to stand up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Bang seems to be working for a kimura but DeSilva defends the submission attempt.
DeSilva is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Bang stops DeSilva from getting back to his feet.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.

Bang is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.

Bang is looking for a kimura here.
Bang looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Bang is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.

Bang is working for a submission of some sort.
DeSilva gets full guard.
DeSilva is looking to stand up but Bang isn't so interested in that idea.
Bang looking to pass the guard.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
DeSilva seems keen to control Bang's posture.
Bang chips away with some ground and pound.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Miro Bang dominated that fourth round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!

Bang throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around DeSilva's waist but DeSilva gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Bang off to one side.
DeSilva tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Bang was well out of range. Poor timing from DeSilva.
Bang drops down looking to force a counter takedown but DeSilva defends it well.
DeSilva pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
DeSilva gets off balance looking for a body kick

and Bang counters with a single leg into guard. DeSilva didn't expect that.
Bang throwing strikes but missing.

The fighters are working up against the cage. DeSilva manages to wriggle his way back to his feet, so the fighters are now clinched against the cage.
DeSilva stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
DeSilva digs a right hand into Bang's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Bang's gas tank.
Bang tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Nice body punch from DeSilva.
Bang is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but DeSilva is defending well.
DeSilva is stalling here.
A right hand to the body from DeSilva.
Bang is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

DeSilva breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bang keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
DeSilva misses with a body shot.
Bang tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and DeSilva is able to avoid easily.
DeSilva looks to score with a jab to the body but Bang is just out of range.
DeSilva tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Bang was well out of range. Poor timing from DeSilva.
DeSilva throws a body shot but no joy.
DeSilva moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
DeSilva lands a slapping body shot.
DeSilva dips to his left and cracks Bang with an uppercut!
DeSilva misses with a low kick.
DeSilva avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Bang checks the leg kick nicely there.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Bang looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? DeSilva is fending him off so far but Bang persists. Nope, DeSilva circles away and we're back to standing.
Antonio Mauricio DeSilva has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Miro Bang.

Bang fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. DeSilva sprawls well initially but Bang persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
DeSilva wants to control but Bang is keeping busy.
Miro Bang has got the better of the ground game so far.
DeSilva keeps control of the position for the meantime.
Bang trying to mount his opponent but DeSilva defends it.

DeSilva has managed to escape just enough to sneak back to his feet but Bang is on him like a limpet, forcing DeSilva back against the cage.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Bang goes for a takedown in the clinch but DeSilva prevents it.
Bang goes for a takedown in the clinch but DeSilva prevents it.
Bang fails to pull guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

DeSilva pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Decent striking displayed by DeSilva there.
Bang fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but DeSilva avoids it really well and circles away.
DeSilva wants to land a leg kick but Bang is out of range.
Bang avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
DeSilva lands a slapping body shot.
Bang shoots in for a double leg but DeSilva sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.

DeSilva has managed to clinch.
DeSilva lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Bang.

DeSilva breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
DeSilva tries to clinch up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Bang moves out of range as DeSilva strikes.

Bang tries to keep at a distance but DeSilva has taken the fight into the clinch.

Bang drags the fight down to the ground.

Bang 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!
DeSilva stands and throws Bang's legs to the side, diving into side control.

DeSilva stands up and beckons Bang to his feet.
Bang avoids the head kick by DeSilva.
Bang looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.

Bang instigates a clinch.

And that's the end of the fight!
Antonio Mauricio DeSilva showed his dominance in that final round.
I think DeSilva 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 Anthony Taglia scores the fight 48:47
Judge John Kavanagh scores the fight 48:47
Judge David Schapiro scores the fight 48:47

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Antonio Mauricio DeSilva!
Antonio Mauricio DeSilva retains his light heavyweight title!