PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Henrique Gusmao (ranked 50 p4p, 10 weight class) and Great Tiger (ranked 444 p4p, 59 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Gusmao
vs
Tiger

179 cm
26
155 lbs
18 - 2 - 0

172 cm
25
150 lbs
16 - 8 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Cardio machine

Excellent grappler
World class MT
Good gas tank

Bloodsport clothing
Ma Balls Is Hot Clothing

Ma Balls Is Hot Clothing

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the featherweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 18 - 2 - 0, fighting out of London, Henrique Gusmao!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 16 - 8 - 0, fighting out of London, Great Tiger!
The judges for this bout are Colin Fotheringham, Sam Margolis and Phil Schofield.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Gusmao waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Tiger.
Gusmao wants to land a leg kick but Tiger is out of range.
Gusmao ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Tiger moves away.
A big right from Gusmao misses.
Gusmao dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
A chopping leg kick lands by Tiger.
Gusmao cracks a nice hook into Tiger's ribs.
Gusmao connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Donk. Tiger catches Gusmao right on the button with a cross.
Tiger tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Gusmao was well out of range. Poor timing from Tiger.
A slapping leg kick lands for Gusmao.
Tiger swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Gusmao.
Gusmao stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
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!
Tiger listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Gusmao takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Tiger swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Gusmao swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Good standup being displayed there by Gusmao as he connects with a hook.
Tiger throws a mid kick that lands with a slap.
Gusmao misses with a low kick.
Tiger lands with a hook. Gusmao tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Henrique Gusmao seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Tiger checks a leg kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gusmao cracks Tiger with an open hand slap.
Tiger uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Gusmao takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Tiger throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Gusmao looks to land a right hand but Tiger moved out of range.
Tiger misses with a telegraphed body shot
letting Gusmao counter with a right hand.
Tiger checks a leg kick.
Gusmao tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Tiger was well out of range. Poor timing from Gusmao.
Henrique Gusmao is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
A big right from Tiger misses.
Gusmao looked to counter with a high kick but didn't commit.
Gusmao circles away from the clinch attempt.
Tiger lands a leg kick that knocks Gusmao off balance momentarily.
Gusmao steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Tiger.
Gusmao throws a body shot but no joy.
Gusmao missing with a left hand there. Tiger was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
And Tiger tries to counter it with a takedown but Gusmao pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Tiger bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Gusmao on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Tiger tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Gusmao manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Tiger throws a looping overhand right but Gusmao ducks down to avoid it.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Gusmao takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Tiger lands a nice leg kick that just misses Gusmao's sensitive parts.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gusmao throws an overhand right that lands on Tiger's shoulder, as Tiger tries to avoid the shot.
Gusmao misses with a hook. Tiger ducked under it nicely.
Gusmao jabs at Tiger's body.
Gusmao misses the shot to the body.
Tiger moves away from the strike by Gusmao.
Gusmao just misses with a punch to the body.
Tiger connects with a solid leg kick.
Tiger tries to close the distance and clinch up but Gusmao swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Tiger moves away from the strike by Gusmao.
Tiger looks to land a left hand but Gusmao moved out of range nicely.
A jab from Gusmao does it's job there.
Gusmao throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Tiger looking to land some kicks to the body here.
That kick from Tiger tenderised Gusmao's leg. Gusmao is trying to keep his angry face on.
Gusmao wants to slow Tiger down by chopping away at his legs.
Gusmao scores with a leg kick.
Gusmao on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Tiger throws out a leg kick but Gusmao moves out of range and Tiger only half commits.
Tiger blocks a jab.
Tiger throws a head kick but Gusmao moves out of range.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tiger moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Gusmao fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Tiger manages to avoid it.
Tiger is landing a lot of head punches in this opening round! Gusmao had better start moving his head a bit unless he wants his face to turn into pâté.
Tiger lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Gusmao throws a right hand that misses
and Tiger counters with a thumping low kick.
Tiger looks to land a right hand but Gusmao moved out of range.
Gusmao throws a series of strikes that have Tiger backpedaling.
Tiger looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Tiger throws a chopping leg kick but Gusmao manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
A chopping leg kick lands by Tiger.
Gusmao lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Tiger backs up against the cage.
Gusmao swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Tiger with a body punch. A glancing blow.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Tiger throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Tiger lands with a good body shot.
Tiger shoots in looking for a takedown but Gusmao manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Tiger's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Gusmao throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Gusmao tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Tiger was well out of range. Poor timing from Gusmao.
Gusmao scores with a body shot.
Gusmao with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gusmao chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Tiger can pounce on him.
Tiger slips under a jab from Gusmao.
Gusmao checks a leg kick.
Tiger fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Tiger avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Gusmao looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Tiger misses with a straight left.
Gusmao misses with a hook. Tiger ducked under it nicely.
A big left from Gusmao misses.
Gusmao throws a shot from downtown. Tiger moves away and avoids it.
Gusmao scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Tiger doesn't seem bothered though.
Tiger moves out of range as Gusmao strikes.
Gusmao takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Tiger connects with a high kick.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Gusmao with a jab.
Tiger takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Gusmao blocks a low kick nicely.
Tiger connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Tiger avoids the body shot from Gusmao.
Tiger appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
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 Henrique Gusmao will probably get the nod.
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 defenses there by Tiger.
Tiger throws a looping overhand right but Gusmao ducks down to avoid it.
Tiger closes the distance and clinches up with Gusmao, looking for a takedown. Tiger pushes Gusmao against the cage but Gusmao circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
A big right from Gusmao misses.
Tiger looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Gusmao swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.
Gusmao misses with a hook.
Gusmao throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Tiger changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
The crowd cheers as Gusmao lands an impressive looking overhand right. Tiger doesn't seem phased though.
Tiger lands a nice leg kick that just misses Gusmao's sensitive parts.
Tiger slips a straight right by Gusmao.
Gusmao steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Tiger.
Tiger staying out of range there.
Gusmao fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Tiger manages to avoid it.
Gusmao is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Gusmao throws a leg kick that misses.
Gusmao throws a hook but Tiger blocks it.
A big right from Gusmao misses.
Tiger with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Gusmao stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Tiger.
A big left from Gusmao misses.
Gusmao lands with an uppercut that bounces Tiger off the cage and back into range.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gusmao swings for the body but Tiger moves out of range.
Gusmao swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Gusmao misses the shot to the body.
Gusmao throws a nice outside leg kick.
Gusmao tries to land a leg kick but Tiger saw it coming and moves away.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Gusmao thows a left - swing and a miss!
Gusmao fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Tiger looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
A big right from Gusmao misses.
Tiger steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Gusmao.
Henrique Gusmao is winning the standup battle so far.
Gusmao bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Gusmao is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Tiger walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Gusmao checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Both these guys seem content to just stand up and trade with eachother but Tiger might want to think about changing up his gameplan a bit because over the course of the fight, Gusmao has got the better of the exchanges.
Gusmao swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Tiger.
Gusmao misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
And Tiger tries to counter it with a takedown but Gusmao pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Gusmao defending well as Tiger loads up on a big left hand.
Tiger tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Gusmao is able to avoid easily.
Tiger is looking to clinch.
Gusmao blocks a head kick by Tiger.
Gusmao digs a good hook to Tiger's body.
Tiger slips under a jab.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tiger misses with a looping left.
Tiger throws a hook but Gusmao avoids it easily.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Gusmao lands a jab to the head.
Gusmao takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Gusmao connects with a body shot.

Tiger shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.

Gusmao pushes Tiger off and gets back to his feet.
Gusmao looks to throw the jab but Tiger is out of range.
Gusmao fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Tiger has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Gusmao uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Tiger has time to react.
Gusmao keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Tiger missing with a left hand there. Gusmao was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Tiger lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Gusmao misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Tiger walks into a straight right hand from Gusmao.
Gusmao just misses with a punch to the body.
Gusmao throws an overhand right that lands on Tiger's shoulder, as Tiger tries to avoid the shot.
Tiger steps in looking to counter with the mid kick but it doesn't connect.
Gusmao misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Tiger.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tiger doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Gusmao uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Tiger.
Gusmao moves out of range of the strikes.
Gusmao fires out a quick counter leg kick but Tiger just manages to avoid it.
Tiger misses the jab.
Gusmao is looking to counter punch.
Gusmao takes a swing at Tiger's ribcage but misses.
Tiger moves away from the strike by Gusmao.
A telegraphed right hand from Gusmao misses the target.
The crowd cheers as Tiger lands an impressive looking overhand right. Gusmao doesn't seem phased though.
A looping hook to the body misses from Gusmao. Tiger does a little dance to reset his feet.
Tiger scores with a jab to the jaw.
Gusmao displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Tiger throws out the jab.
Gusmao misses the shot to the body.

Tiger gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Tiger tries to throw a body punch but Gusmao avoids it by throwing Tiger back against the cage.

Gusmao escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
A solid leg kick lands there for Gusmao.
Gusmao swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Tiger is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Gusmao takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
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!

Tiger closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.

Gusmao sneaks out the side door and pushes Tiger away - he's back to his feet. The crowd show their appreciation for the escape.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A big left from Gusmao misses.
Gusmao swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Gusmao throws a good cross that connects.
Gusmao throws a leg kick that is checked

and Tiger decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Gusmao's guard.

Gusmao has managed to wall walk up one of the corner posts to get back to his feet. Tiger is pushing him up against the cage, looking to control the position.

Tiger jumps guard and drags Gusmao to the mat. He's obviously going to be looking for submissions off his back.

Gusmao gets to his feet. Tiger looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!
Gusmao looks to land a right hand but Tiger moved out of range.
Gusmao cracks the inside of Tiger's front leg.
Tiger jabs Gusmao right on the nose. Gusmao blinks but takes it well.
Tiger throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Tiger misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Gusmao looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Gusmao throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Henrique Gusmao dominated that second round.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.

Gusmao takes a swing at Tiger's ribcage but misses.
Gusmao displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Tiger throws out the jab.
Gusmao is looking to slow Tiger down with leg kicks.
Tiger motions for Gusmao to come forward. Tiger throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Gusmao lands a two punch combo.
Tiger walks into a straight right hand from Gusmao.
Gusmao thuds his right hand into Tiger's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Tiger lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Tiger wants to clinch up but Gusmao keeps it at a distance.
Gusmao slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Gusmao misses with a head kick.
Tiger connects with a good right hand that stumbles Gusmao. Gusmao circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Tiger misses with a takedown attempt - Gusmao sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Gusmao misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Tiger.
Gusmao blocks a leg kick.
Gusmao scores with a jab to the body.
Gusmao smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Tiger ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gusmao will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Tiger does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
A looping hook to the body misses from Gusmao. Tiger does a little dance to reset his feet.
Tiger uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Gusmao.
Gusmao attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Tiger is clearly trying to counter these attacks from Gusmao with a body shot.
Tiger connects with a nice looking jab.
Tiger walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Gusmao checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Tiger checks the leg kick.
No joy there for Gusmao, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Gusmao is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Tiger can do to turn this around?
Tiger slips a straight right by Gusmao.
Gusmao slips under a jab.
Tiger has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Gusmao misses with a wild body shot.
Gusmao misses the shot to the body.
Tiger fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Gusmao has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
A looping hook to the body misses from Gusmao. Tiger does a little dance to reset his feet.
Gusmao throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Tiger misses with a head kick.
Tiger avoids a lazy jab quite easily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gusmao throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Tiger.
Gusmao moves away from the strike by Tiger.
Tiger uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Gusmao.
A shot to the liver by Tiger. Beautiful body shot.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
A slow jab from Tiger misses its intended target.
Gusmao defending well as Tiger loads up on a big left hand.
Gusmao ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Tiger moves away.
Gusmao steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Tiger.
Gusmao tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Tiger was well out of range. Poor timing from Gusmao.
A solid leg kick lands there for Tiger.

Tiger takes the fight into the clinch.
Tiger doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
A frustrated look appears on Gusmao's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Gusmao misses with some punches.
Gusmao goes for a body shot but it's blocked.

Tiger breaks from the clinch.
Tiger avoids the body shot from Gusmao.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gusmao throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Tiger sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Gusmao swings for the body but Tiger moves out of range.
Gusmao throws a leg kick that is checked

so Tiger counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
Tiger passes easily into side control. Nice work.
Tiger tries to move to mount but Gusmao blocks the move with his legs.
Gusmao is looking to work his way out of this bad position but Tiger is controlling him well.
Tiger connects with a decent looking elbow from side control that caused Gusmao some visible discomfort.
Gusmao is looking to work his way out of this bad position but Tiger is controlling him well.
Gusmao takes a big shot right to the temple there but he's taken it well.
Gusmao is looking to work his way out of this bad position but Tiger is controlling him well.
Gusmao taking a bit of punishment here - Tiger scoring with strikes.
Gusmao wants to get back to his feet.
Gusmao prevents Tiger from improving position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gusmao tries to escape but Tiger is in control.

Tiger is in a dominant position here, looking for a kimura. Gusmao looks calm but he's in trouble here. Tiger gets his leg over his opponent's head and yanks on the arm. Gusmao is tapping like a morse code operator on the titanic! SOS! SOS! Tiger lets go of the hold and Gusmao can pop his arm back in it's socket.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:33 of round 3, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Great Tiger!
Great Tiger is the new featherweight champion!
An out of breath Great Tiger thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.