PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Shu Fang Tzeng (ranked 345 p4p, 1182 weight class) and Lorenzo Bataglia (ranked 20 p4p, 63 weight class). Tzeng kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genius that is Mantra Chant. Shu Fang Tzeng is staring across the cage at his opponent, tweaking his nipples... Tweaking his own nipples that is.

Tzeng
vs
Bataglia

165 cm
28
135
11 - 1 - 0

170 cm
26
142
9 - 2 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Counter fighter
Insanely flexible

Decent wrestler
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

Brooklyn Apothecary
Concrete Clothing (Laundry Re Stock Coming Soon)

Core Combat

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the bantamweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 11 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Shu Fang Tzeng!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 9 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Lorenzo Bataglia!
The judges for this bout are Seu Braga, Daniel Cesar and Luis Engracia.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Tzeng clinches up with Bataglia and pushes him back against the cage.
Tzeng pressing his opponent against the cage.
Bataglia being controlled against the cage.
Bataglia lands a hook to the side of the head.

Bataglia escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Tzeng fails with a takedown attempt.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Bataglia throws a jab when Tzeng was well out of range.
Bataglia looks to throw the jab but Tzeng is out of range.
Shu Fang Tzeng seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Tzeng closes the distance but Bataglia moves to the side
and Bataglia counters with a nice uppercut.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A lazy left from Bataglia finds it's target.
Tzeng tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Bataglia swivels and escapes.
Bataglia takes a swing at Tzeng's ribcage but misses.
Bataglia missing with a left hand there. Tzeng was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Tzeng with a lazy takedown attempt
enabling Bataglia to counter with a crisp jab.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Shu Fang Tzeng. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Tzeng takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Bataglia leaves Tzeng with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Bataglia let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
We've been informed that Bataglia has been sparring a lot of Muay Thai in the buildup to this fight so let's see if that has an impact on the result.
Tzeng slips under a jab.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tzeng avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Tzeng tries for a takedown but Bataglia sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Tzeng fails with the takedown.
Tzeng shoots in but Bataglia avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Tzeng fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Tzeng shoots in but no luck this time.
Tzeng looks for a takedown but Bataglia sprawls well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A combination from Bataglia does no damage.
Tzeng changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Bataglia tries to avoid it but Tzeng manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Bataglia to the ground. Bataglia escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Bataglia scores with the left hand. Tzeng knows he should have avoided that one.

Tzeng clinches up with Bataglia and pushes him back against the cage.
Bataglia lands a body shot.
Bataglia slowing the pace effectively.
Tzeng is trying to pull guard but Bataglia has him pressed against the cage.
A shot in the inside from Bataglia.

Bataglia breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Tzeng changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Bataglia tries to avoid it but Tzeng manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Bataglia to the ground. Bataglia escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Bataglia appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Bataglia swings for the body but Tzeng moves out of range.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Bataglia circles away from the clinch attempt.
Bataglia dips to his left and cracks Tzeng with an uppercut!

It looks like Shu Fang Tzeng has been cut.
Tzeng is looking to clinch but Bataglia is avoiding it.
Tzeng shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Bataglia as he jumps to the side.

Tzeng closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Bataglia is trying to stand up here but Tzeng is controlling him well.

Tzeng is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Bataglia sees it coming and defends easily.
Tzeng stops Bataglia from getting back to his feet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Lorenzo Bataglia dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Shu Fang Tzeng's cut.
That's time! Back to the action!

Tzeng rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Bataglia counters with a solid body kick.
Tzeng shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Bataglia counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Bataglia misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Horrible takedown attempt by Tzeng or perhaps it was just good defense by Bataglia, which made it look bad.

Tzeng looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Tzeng wants to free his trapped foot but Bataglia is holding on for dear life with his legs.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Bataglia is trying to control but can't.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Tzeng is working for a kimura but Bataglia is defending it quite comfortably.
Tzeng seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Bataglia does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Bataglia keeping control of the leg, stopping his opponent passing to mount.

Tzeng looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
Tzeng is trying to control the action in half guard but Bataglia is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Bataglia pushes Tzeng off looking to stand but Tzeng dives back in and keeps control.
Bataglia really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Tzeng. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Tzeng is looking to advance position but Bataglia won't allow it.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Bataglia tries to roll over but Tzeng keeps him under control.

Tzeng is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Bataglia is just riding it out for now. Tzeng eventually gives up the hold.

Tzeng is working for a kimura but Bataglia is defending it quite comfortably.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Tzeng is looking for a kimura but Bataglia is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Tzeng to get the leverage.
Shu Fang Tzeng overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Tzeng wants to control but Bataglia is keeping him busy.
We've been hearing good reports from Tzeng's training camp. Apparently he has been rolling around with some good quality BJJ practitioners and has been sharpening his skills. Let's see if that has an impact on the fight today.

Tzeng wants to work for an arm triangle but Bataglia is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Bataglia is looking to improve his position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Bataglia missing with punches from the bottom.
The fighters are battling for position here. Bataglia manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Tzeng sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Bataglia's guard.
Tzeng is controlling the pace.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Tzeng trying to control from half guard but Bataglia is working away.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Shu Fang Tzeng dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Shu Fang Tzeng's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Tzeng keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Bataglia.
Tzeng fails with a takedown attempt.
Tzeng shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Bataglia sprawls well. Bataglia wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Tzeng gets slowly back to his feet.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Tzeng.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Shu Fang Tzeng. That's going to take a lot out of him.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Tzeng has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Tzeng there as he acknowledges the shot.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bataglia scores with a nice strike.
Bataglia defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Tzeng.
Bataglia scores with a three punch combo!
Tzeng misses with a takedown
and Tzeng takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Lorenzo Bataglia is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Bataglia throws a jab but it's blocked by Tzeng.
Tzeng swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Bataglia connects with a body shot that sends Tzeng's belly button to the back.
Tzeng is trying hard to land a takedown here. Bataglia sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Bataglia throws a body shot but no joy.
Bataglia defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Tzeng.
Bataglia throws a body shot but no joy.
Tzeng moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Tzeng tries for a takedown but Bataglia circles away easily
and Bataglia counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Tzeng closes this distance looking for a takedown but Bataglia circles away.
Bataglia has been the more effective fighter overall so far.

Tzeng throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Bataglia tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Tzeng is in Bataglia's guard.
Bataglia is looking to stand up but Tzeng isn't so interested in that idea.
Bataglia is trying to keep Tzeng in close.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tzeng controls from within his opponent's guard.
Bataglia looking for a sweep. Not yet Bataglia, not yet.
Bataglia wants to get back to his feet but Tzeng passes into half guard.
Bataglia tries to get to full guard but Tzeng has control of the leg.
Bataglia throws a strike from the bottom that misses.
Tzeng seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Bataglia is refusing to be controlled, as Tzeng sits in half guard.

Tzeng is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Bataglia sees it coming and defends easily.

Tzeng is looking for a kimura but Bataglia is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Tzeng to get the leverage.
Tzeng wants to take a breather but Bataglia is having none of it.

Bataglia is defending against the submission attempts here by Tzeng.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Tzeng trying to control the action but Bataglia is working from the bottom.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Lorenzo Bataglia really dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Shu Fang Tzeng's cut.
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.

Tzeng misses with a takedown attempt
and Bataglia counters with a lovely straight right hand!
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Tzeng is defended easily by Bataglia.
Bataglia bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Tzeng's head.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Tzeng shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Bataglia counters with a nice uppercut.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Shu Fang Tzeng. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Tzeng fails with a takedown attempt.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Bataglia gets caught napping as Tzeng dives in and scores a takedown. Bataglia manages to retain guard.
Bataglia wants to sweep but no luck.

Bataglia isolates an arm and boxes in a triangle. Tzeng stacks Bataglia on his neck as he steps over and passes to the side. He's now in a much more dominant position where he can look to do some serious damage. Nice move by Tzeng!

Tzeng is trying to get an arm triangle but Bataglia is defending well.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tzeng is staying tight to Bataglia's torso, preventing him from escaping.
Bataglia is trying to get back to half guard.
Bataglia is trying to buck Tzeng off.

Tzeng is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Bataglia knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Tzeng trying to control the position but Bataglia is working away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Tzeng is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Bataglia has escaped the position, nice work there.
Tzeng trying to control the action but Bataglia is working from the bottom.

Tzeng is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Bataglia is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Bataglia can do anything to dispel that myth.
Bataglia is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Tzeng off and has taken his back!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tzeng tries to escape but Bataglia has the hooks in and won't let him break free.
Tzeng looks to control his opponent's hands but he's not mananging it at the moment.

Tzeng fending off the submission attempt from Bataglia.
Bataglia doesn't have the hooks in and Tzeng manages to turn into his guard.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Bataglia keeping moving, preventing Tzeng from controlling successfully.
Bataglia controlling Tzeng's posture.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close fourth round but Lorenzo Bataglia will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Shu Fang Tzeng's cut.
That's time! Tzeng's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!

Tzeng shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Bataglia cracks a nice hook into Tzeng's ribs.
Bataglia throws a looping overhand right but Tzeng ducks down to avoid it.
Bataglia scores with a jab.
Tzeng shoots in for a double leg but Bataglia sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Tzeng shoots in but Bataglia avoids the takedown attempt easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Shu Fang Tzeng. That's going to take a lot out of him.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Bataglia misses with a wild body shot.
Tzeng shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Bataglia pinned against the cage. Bataglia gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bataglia slips a straight right by Tzeng.
Tzeng shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Bataglia makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Bataglia keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Tzeng shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Bataglia counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Shu Fang Tzeng has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Jab by Bataglia.
Tzeng doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Tzeng shoots and misses
enabling Bataglia to counter with a crisp jab.
Bataglia connects with the punch.
Tzeng misses with a takedown attempt
enabling Bataglia to counter with a crisp jab.
Tzeng shoots in for a double leg but Bataglia sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
A little jabbing left from Bataglia on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - a gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
Tzeng throws an overhand right that lands on Bataglia's shoulder, as Bataglia tries to avoid the shot.
Bataglia uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Tzeng.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Nice takedown defense from Bataglia. No joy for Tzeng on that attempt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tzeng closes the distance and clinches up with Bataglia, looking for a takedown. Tzeng pushes Bataglia against the cage but Bataglia circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Bataglia lands a head shot.
Tzeng walks into a straight right hand from Bataglia.
Tzeng throws a leg kick
and Bataglia counters with a stiff right hand.
Tzeng wants to clinch
and Bataglia counters with a one-two to the body.
Tzeng tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Tzeng takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Bataglia wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Bataglia lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Bataglia misses with a straight right.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Tzeng doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Bataglia counters with an outside leg kick.
Bataglia scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Lorenzo Bataglia seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Bataglia scores with a body shot.
Tzeng misses with a shot to the body
and Bataglia counters with a stiff right hand.

And that's the end of the fight!
Lorenzo Bataglia comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Bataglia has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Seu Braga scores the fight 46:49
Judge Daniel Cesar scores the fight 45:49
Judge Luis Engracia scores the fight 45:49

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Lorenzo Bataglia!
Lorenzo Bataglia is the new bantamweight champion!