PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Zuillnic Canto (ranked 1375 p4p, 195 weight class) and Matola Machava (ranked 2021 p4p, 252 weight class). The crowd seem to be enjoying Machava's choice of entrance music: Mozambique National Anthem. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the ring.

Canto
vs
Machava

190 cm
25
218 lbs
8 - 2 - 0

190 cm
24
210 lbs
6 - 6 - 0

Good wrestling
Solid boxing
Granite chin

Good wrestler
Lethal high kicks
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 8 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Zuillnic Canto!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Matola Machava!
The judges for this bout are Dillan Fox, Elvis Blanc and Robert Douchet.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A leg kick checked by Canto.
Canto fails with the takedown.
Machava looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.

Canto is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Machava's half guard.
Machava wants to control but Canto is keeping busy.
Machava might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Canto haven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.
Machava tries to roll over but Canto keeps him under control.

Canto is working for a submission of some sort.

Canto is working for a kimura but Machava is defending it quite comfortably.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Canto seems to be working for a kimura but Machava defends the submission attempt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Machava works his way to full guard. Good work.
Machava seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
Machava 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.

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

Canto looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.

Canto throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Machava looking to control the position here, rather than advance.

Machava avoids a guillotine attempt easily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Machava trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Machava showing good wrestling skills to control the position.

Canto working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Machava doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Machava manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Machava showing good wrestling skills to control the position.

Canto working for a triangle but Machava defends it easily.

Canto working away from the bottom but not quite defensive enough there because Machava has passed into half guard!
Machava content to control rather than advance.
Machava's corner are shouting for him to control the position and he seems happy to oblige.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Canto is not content to let Machava control the position.
Canto wants to improve his position but Machava is controlling well.
Machava slows the pace down in half guard.
Canto is staying active underneath Machava, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.
Machava is in a good position here but he's just trying to control... And he's not even managing to do that successfully.

Canto actively working from the bottom here.
Canto slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Machava is stalling in the full guard.
More stalling from Machava.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Machava would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.
Machava is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.

Canto is looking for a triangle but Machava pushes his legs off easily.
Canto keeping moving, preventing Machava from controlling successfully.

Canto is looking for a triangle but Machava pushes his legs off easily.
Machava stands and throws Canto's legs to the side, diving into side control.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Canto is looking for a sweep.
Machava wants to lay and pray for a moment but Canto keeps working.
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 Zuillnic Canto will probably get the nod.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Machava connects with an inside leg kick.
Zuillnic Canto seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Machava scores with a body shot.
Canto avoids the body shot from Machava.

Canto gets the takedown into side control.
Machava manages to get back to half guard.

Canto is looking for a kimura here.

Canto seems to be working for a kimura but Machava defends the submission attempt.
Machava wants to get back to full guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Machava regains full guard. Nicely done.
Machava 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.
Canto postures up.
Machava wants to sweep but no luck.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Canto stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Machava swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Machava wants to sweep but no luck.

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

Machava trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

Canto looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Machava must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.

Canto has his feet on Machava's thighs here. He's pushed Machava off and worked for a very quick armbar from the bottom! He's flipped onto his stomach and he's cranking hard on the arm! Machava screams in pain and taps out! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:46 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Zuillnic Canto!
Zuillnic Canto bigged himself up after the win. The crowd seemed to love it.