PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Horace Cuba (ranked 3246 p4p, 2028 weight class) and Note Sparxx (ranked 320 p4p, 218 weight class). Sparxx has chosen We don't need another hero: Tina Turner as his entrance music. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Cuba
vs
Sparxx

200 cm
19
270
5 - 0 - 0

194 cm
26
258
3 - 2 - 0

Good wrestling
Great elbows
Very strong

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent MT
Good gas tank

EL ZOIDO FEEBLE FIGHTWEAR

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 5 - 0 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Horace Cuba!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 2 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Note Sparxx!
The judges for this bout are Daniel Franklin, Bart Greer and Michael Johnstone.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Sparxx scores with a nice head shot.
Cuba has been working on his boxing with his coaches at Cozad The Island in the buildup to the fight.
Cuba tries to clinch but Sparxx is having none of it.
Sparxx throws out a counter right but Cuba avoids it with no problem.
Decent striking displayed by Sparxx there.

Cuba shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Cuba takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.
Cuba's ground tactics aren't going to win him many fans. Let's hope he's got fireworks for us if he gets back to his feet because he's not doing much on the ground.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Sparxx can do anything to dispel that myth.

Sparxx manages to create a bit of space in order to work his way back to his feet. Cuba keeps hold of his opponent and drives him back against the cage.
Sparxx wants to take the fight to the mat but Cuba manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cuba creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
Cuba's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.
Sparxx can't get the takedown.
Sparxx goes for a takedown in the clinch but Cuba prevents it.
Horace Cuba has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Note Sparxx.
Sparxx wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Sparxx has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Cuba after a bit of a struggle.
Sparxx has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Cuba avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Cuba gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Sparxx.
Cuba gets underhooks to prevent Sparxx's takedown attempt.
Cuba's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.
Cuba stalling.
Cuba gets a warning from the ref for wasting time.
Sparxx has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Cuba avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Cuba lands a hook that snaps the head of Sparxx backwards.
Sparxx tries for a takedown. No joy.
Cuba tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Sparxx's elbow.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cuba gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Sparxx.
Sparxx drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Cuba is pressed up against the cage. Sparxx has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Cuba down to the mat. Cuba avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.

A momentary lapse in concentration from Sparxx enables Cuba to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. Sparxx manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.
Cuba is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Cuba throws an elbow that misses. Sparxx uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Cuba's guard. Nice move by Sparxx!

Sparxx must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Cuba tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Cuba wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Sparxx loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Cuba bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Sparxx's guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cuba trying to control but Sparxx is working from the bottom.
Cuba is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Cuba seems to have a rather negative gameplan on the ground. He seems keen to just score the takedown and hold down Sparxx for as long as he can get away with.
Sparxx working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Cuba.
Cuba engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Sparxx is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Cuba is controlling him.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Cuba engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Sparxx gets tackled into the cage by Cuba. Cuba maintains the clinch.
Cuba throws a head punch that misses.
Cuba creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Sparxx's defenses.

It looks like Note Sparxx has been cut.
Cuba prevents a takedown attempt there.
Sparxx wants a takedown but no success here.
Cuba throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Sparxx takes an elbow to the forehead.
Cuba prevents the takedown attempt.
Horace Cuba has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Note Sparxx.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Cuba.
Sparxx has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Cuba avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Cuba misses with a punch to the body.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cuba holding his opponent close, against the cage.
Sparxx has Cuba pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Cuba manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Nice elbow from Cuba.
Sparxx is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Cuba is defending well.
Cuba gets underhooks to prevent Sparxx's takedown attempt.
Sparxx being controlled against the cage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cuba throws an elbow that misses.
Sparxx tries to circle away but Cuba has him pinned against the cage.
Cuba throws an elbow but it misses.
Sparxx blocking some punches.
Cuba lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Cuba throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Sparxx avoiding damage as Cuba throws knees to the body.
Sparxx avoids a wild elbow strike from Cuba.
Sparxx dodges an elbow strike from Cuba.
Cuba is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Sparxx can do to turn this around?
Cuba throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Sparxx drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Sparxx is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Cuba is defending well.
Horace Cuba has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Cuba is pushing Sparxx up against the cage, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.
Sparxx is trying to break the clinch but Cuba has him pressed against the cage.
Cuba gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Sparxx.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Sparxx has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Cuba is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Sparxx is trying to drag Cuba to the mat but Cuba just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Cuba misses with a short punch on the inside.
Cuba keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Sparxx's efforts to push away.
Sparxx goes for a takedown in the clinch but Cuba prevents it.
Sparxx changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Cuba fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Sparxx throws a jab when Cuba was well out of range.

Cuba shoots in and bounces Sparxx off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
Cuba is stalling in the full guard.
Horace Cuba overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Cuba continues to stall.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
More hug and hope from Cuba.
Cuba has controlled the position for a good 20 seconds, which will no doubt be starting to frustrate his opponent.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters, thinking about a standup.

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.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.

Cuba changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Sparxx looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
You can see the frustration on Sparxx's face as Cuba controls the position.
Sparxx is not content to let Cuba control the position.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Cuba is maintaining the dominant position - no doubt Sparxx will start to get frustrated soon if he's not already.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Horace Cuba dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Note Sparxx's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Cuba darts in and clinches Sparxx up against the cage.
Cuba lands an elbow inside.
Sparxx is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Cuba is defending well.
Cuba taking a breather.
Sparxx is looking for a takedown.
Sparxx wants to break the clinch but can't.
Sparxx can't get the takedown.
Horace Cuba has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Note Sparxx.
Cuba just leaning against Sparxx, taking a breather.
A frustrated look appears on Sparxx's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Cuba controlling the action here for a moment.
Cuba comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.

That has opened up Note Sparxx's cut even more.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cuba is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Sparxx tries to score a body lock takedown but Cuba shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Sparxx drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Cuba gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Sparxx can't get the takedown.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nice elbow from Cuba.
Sparxx takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Sparxx takes an elbow to the forehead.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.
Cuba effectively controlling the action here.
Sparxx is trying to break the clinch but Cuba is controlling him.
Sparxx drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Sparxx is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Cuba gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Sparxx takes a shot to the head.
Cuba is pressed up against the cage. Sparxx has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Cuba down to the mat. Cuba avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Horace Cuba seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Cuba tries to clinch but Sparxx is having none of it.
Cuba darts in trying to clinch
letting Sparxx counter with a right hand.

Cuba rushes Sparxx and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Cuba lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Sparxx takes an elbow to the forehead.

The cut above Note Sparxx's eye is starting to cause him problems now.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cuba gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Cuba lands a nice uppercut.
Sparxx tries to break the clinch but Cuba is controlling the position.
Cuba is struggling to control the position.
Sparxx changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Cuba fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Cuba tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Sparxx paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Cuba closes the distance but Sparxx moves to the side
and Cuba takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Cuba tries to clinch but Sparxx moves out of range.

Cuba drives through with a takedown into Sparxx's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
Cuba throws a big elbow that misses.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Cuba pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Sparxx is keeping the position for now.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Cuba controlling from the top position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Note Sparxx has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
This is a sustained period of stalling by Cuba.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.
Cuba takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Cuba is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Sparxx throws out a counter right but Cuba avoids it with no problem.

Cuba closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Sparxx to the mat! Sparxx manages to get full guard.
Cuba sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Cuba postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Cuba slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.
Cuba throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Sparxx works some decent striking defense from the bottom.

And that's the end of the fight!
Horace Cuba showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Cuba, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Daniel Franklin scores the fight 30:27
Judge Bart Greer scores the fight 30:27
Judge Michael Johnstone scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Horace Cuba!
Horace Cuba was full of energy after the big win and talked about how he thinks he can do big things in this sport. The crowd were appreciative of his determination to succeed.