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PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Pinocchio Cruz (ranked 3146 p4p, 5139 weight class) and Ruslan Makhadinov (ranked 321 p4p, 439 weight class). Cruz comes to the cage accompanied by Mejor Mi Alejo - Banda MS. The fight MMA fans around the world have waited their entire lives for!
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| 167 cm
25
145
1 - 1 - 0 |
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165 cm
25
143
1 - 1 - 0 |
BJJ Blue Belt
Great elbows
KO power |
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BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent boxer
Heavy handed |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Pinocchio Cruz!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of London, Ruslan Makhadinov!
The judges for this bout are Jonathan Paton, Dean Styles and David Schapiro.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Cruz misses with a body punch
and Makhadinov counters with a series of strikes. Cruz will be more careful next time no doubt.
Cruz throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Cruz misses with a lunging right hand
and Makhadinov counters with a straight right hand.
Sloppy strikes from Cruz. Those never looked like landing.
Cruz fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Makhadinov, pushing him back against the cage.
Cruz escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Makhadinov has a takedown stuffed.
Cruz throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Makhadinov counters with a straight right hand.
Cruz takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Cruz throws a body punch but Makhadinov moves out of range.
Makhadinov misses with a takedown attempt - Cruz sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Cruz has managed to clinch.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Makhadinov can't break the clinch.
Makhadinov gets underhooks to prevent Cruz's takedown attempt.
I was talking to Cruz's coach per-fight and he was telling me that they'd been working on the clinch in the runup to this fight.
Makhadinov has had enough of the clinch but Cruz keeps him there for the moment.
Makhadinov can't break the clinch.
Makhadinov wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Cruz has him pressed against the cage.
Cruz lands a nice shot to the body.
Cruz lands a body punch.
Makhadinov wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Cruz has him pressed against the cage.
Cruz pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Makhadinov leaves Cruz with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Makhadinov.
Pinocchio Cruz has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ruslan Makhadinov.
Cruz clinches up with Makhadinov and pushes him back against the cage.
Cruz has Makhadinov pressed against the cage, preventing Makhadinov from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Cruz's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cruz misses with a series of wild punches.
Makhadinov is looking for the big counter here.
Cruz slaps away a takedown attempt from Makhadinov, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Cruz misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Cruz misses with a combination
and Makhadinov counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Cruz moves into the clinch.
Makhadinov is trying to break the clinch but Cruz is controlling him.
Makhadinov is looking to break free of the clinch but Cruz has double underhooks.
Makhadinov wants to break free but Cruz has control.
Makhadinov takes an elbow to the temple.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Cruz pulls Makhadinov into guard.
Makhadinov postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Makhadinov missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cruz is working an open guard so Makhadinov takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.
Cruz rushes Makhadinov and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Cruz keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Makhadinov's efforts to push away.
Cruz lands an elbow inside that Makhadinov shrugs off.
Makhadinov has had enough of the clinch but Cruz keeps him there for the moment.
Makhadinov wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Cruz lands an elbow inside that Makhadinov shrugs off.
Makhadinov wants to break the clinch but can't.
Makhadinov is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Cruz manages to break the clinch.
Cruz looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Cruz throws a right and a left that Makhadinov avoids nicely.
Makhadinov closes the distance and lands a one-two.
Danga de danga de dang - Makhadinov scores with a four punch combination!
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Makhadinov stuffs the takedown.
Makhadinov is looking for the big counter here.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Cruz closes the distance and pushes Makhadinov back into the cage.
Makhadinov looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Cruz lands an elbow inside that Makhadinov shrugs off.
Cruz lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Cruz creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Makhadinov's defenses.
Makhadinov avoiding damage as Cruz throws knees to the body.
A body shot lands from Cruz.
Cruz is working for takedown but Makhadinov is calmly controlling the position for now.
Makhadinov is looking to break free of the clinch but Cruz has double underhooks.
Makhadinov wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Cruz has him pressed against the cage.
Cruz is working Makhadinov over against the cage.
Cruz's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Cruz throws a hook but Makhadinov blocks it.
Pinocchio Cruz seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Makhadinov misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Cruz is looking for a counter combo.
Cruz lands with a cross.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Pinocchio Cruz dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!
Makhadinov throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Cruz defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Makhadinov.
Cruz tries to bum rush Makhadinov with a series of wild strikes but Makhadinov uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Cruz darts in and clinches Makhadinov up against the cage.
Cruz lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
It looks like Ruslan Makhadinov has been cut.
Cruz has picked Makhadinov up - he's going for a ride! Cruz dumps his opponent to the mat with a thud and settles into half guard.
Makhadinov is trying to stand back up but Cruz is controlling him
Cruz trying to control the pace.
Makhadinov is looking to escape.
Cruz trying to control from half guard but Makhadinov is working away.
Makhadinov pushes Cruz off looking to stand but Cruz dives back in and keeps control.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Makhadinov is looking to get back to is feet but Cruz passes into side control.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Cruz stands up and beckons Makhadinov to his feet.
Cruz rushes Makhadinov and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Cruz is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Cruz.
Cruz wants a takedown.
Cruz digs a right hand into Makhadinov's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Makhadinov's gas tank.
Cruz breaks from the clinch.
Cruz clinches up with Makhadinov and pushes him back against the cage.
Cruz gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Cruz creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Makhadinov's defenses.
Makhadinov is trying to break the clinch but Cruz has him pressed against the cage.
Pinocchio Cruz has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Makhadinov is trying to break the clinch but Cruz has him pressed against the cage.
Makhadinov tries to circle away but Cruz has him pinned against the cage.
Cruz landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Cruz breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
A jab from Cruz does it's job there.
That's two 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!
Makhadinov tries to keep at a distance but Cruz has taken the fight into the clinch.
Makhadinov is trying to push Cruz away but Cruz has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Cruz keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Makhadinov's efforts to push away.
Cruz creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Makhadinov's defenses.
Cruz lands a body punch in the clinch.
Nice elbow from Cruz.
Cruz breaks the clinch.
Makhadinov tries to keep at a distance but Cruz has taken the fight into the clinch.
Makhadinov is fighting off a takedown attempt but Cruz is just too persistent for him and manages to trip Makhadinov to the mat. Makhadinov regains guard as soon as the fighters hit the mat.
We've been informed that Makhadinov has been working hard on his conditioning in the buildup to the fight.
Makhadinov is wriggling around but Cruz manages to pass to half guard.
Makhadinov is looking to escape.
Cruz is trying to control. Makhadinov wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Makhadinov has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Cruz connects with a nice short shot to Makhadinov's temple.
Cruz gets to his feet - back to striking we go!
Cruz throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Makhadinov has a takedown stuffed.
Cruz moves into range and clinches up with Makhadinov.
Cruz breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Makhadinov shoots in for a double leg but Cruz sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Pinocchio Cruz has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ruslan Makhadinov.
Cruz keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Makhadinov is breathing heavily.
Makhadinov throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Pinocchio Cruz is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
The crowd cheers as Cruz lands an impressive looking overhand right. Makhadinov doesn't seem phased though.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Cruz fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Makhadinov avoids it really well and circles away.
As Cruz backs off Makhadinov throws a huge counter combo but Cruz manages to avoid it all.
Cruz darts in and clinches Makhadinov up against the cage.
A knee to the head by Cruz.
Cruz breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Cruz leaves Makhadinov with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Cruz clinches with his opponent.
Cruz manages to break the clinch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Pinocchio Cruz dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Ruslan Makhadinov's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! This is the final round!
A punch combination from Cruz misses.
No luck for Makhadinov with that takedown attempt.
Cruz dives in for a single leg takedown but Makhadinov sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Despite the aggression on Makhadinov's face he doesn't fully commit to the counter.
Makhadinov tries to keep at a distance but Cruz has taken the fight into the clinch.
Cruz lands an elbow just above Makhadinov 's eye.
Makhadinov is trying to push Cruz away but Cruz has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Cruz pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Makhadinov misses with a double jab.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Makhadinov quickly recovers to half guard.
Cruz escapes and gets back to his feet.
Cruz misses with a jab, cross combination.
Makhadinov shoots in and drives through. Cruz sprawls well.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Makhadinov goes for a double leg but Cruz avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Cruz continues to drive forward.
Pinocchio Cruz has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ruslan Makhadinov.
Cruz bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Makhadinov's head.
Makhadinov takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Cruz has Makhadinov up against the cage in a clinch.
Cruz breaks the clinch.
Cruz throws a head kick but Makhadinov moves out of range.
The fight moves into the clinch position.
Cruz is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Makhadinov can do to turn this around?
Cruz breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Makhadinov avoids a kick to the body.
Makhadinov stuffs the takedown.
Cruz swings away with a body shot that misses
and Makhadinov counters with a left and a right that stings Cruz.
Cruz misses with a two punch combination.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Makhadinov getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
No joy there for Cruz, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Makhadinov dives in and grabs Cruz's left leg, looking for a takedown. Cruz pushes down on Makhadinov's head and hops out.
Cruz pushes Makhadinov up against the cage in a clinch.
Cruz has Makhadinov pressed against the cage, preventing Makhadinov from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Makhadinov is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Cruz lands a body punch.
Makhadinov wants to break free but Cruz has control.
Cruz is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Makhadinov is defending well.
Cruz drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Makhadinov wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Cruz has him pressed against the cage.
Cruz breaks from the clinch.
Makhadinov throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Cruz's waist but Cruz gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Makhadinov off to one side.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cruz instigates a clinch.
Makhadinov tries to circle away but Cruz has him pinned against the cage.
Cruz escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Cruz clinches up against the cage.
Cruz crunches a lovely knee into Makhadinov's ribcage.
Cruz escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Cruz misses with the combination.
Makhadinov lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Cruz backs up against the cage.
Makhadinov shoots in for a takedown but Cruz shows good takedown defense.
Cruz shoots for a double leg takedown but Makhadinov sprawls well. He's pushed Cruz's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
As Cruz backs off Makhadinov throws a huge counter combo but Cruz manages to avoid it all.
Cruz tries to clinch up but Makhadinov circles away and keeps his distance.
Makhadinov swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Makhadinov changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Cruz tries to avoid it but Makhadinov manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Cruz to the ground. Cruz escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Cruz moves into range and clinches up with Makhadinov.
Makhadinov working hard to break the clinch.
Makhadinov is trying to push Cruz away but Cruz has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Cruz has Makhadinov pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Makhadinov manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Pinocchio Cruz is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Cruz lands an elbow inside.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Makhadinov is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Cruz lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Makhadinov wants to break free but Cruz has control.
Cruz breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Cruz swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Makhadinov shoots in but no luck this time.
Ruslan Makhadinov has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Makhadinov tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Cruz defends well and Makhadinov ends up having to push Cruz into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Makhadinov.
And that's the end of the fight!
Pinocchio Cruz showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Cruz has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... 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 Jonathan Paton scores the fight 30:27
Judge Dean Styles scores the fight 30:27
Judge David Schapiro scores the fight 30:27
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Pinocchio Cruz!
An out of breath and clearly excited Pinocchio Cruz thanked HELLBENT for their help and support (and free stuff they sent him).
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| S |
C
A |
G |
S |
C
B |
G |
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S |
C |
G |
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energy
A | B |
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hype
A | B |
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pop
A | B |
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mgr
A | B |
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FIGHT
RATING
61% |
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