PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Yusuf Mammadov (ranked 1360 p4p, 1120 weight class) and Douglas Cardozo (ranked 203 p4p, 171 weight class). Yusuf Mammadov could well score a knockout today. He has the power to get to Douglas Cardozo's chin.

Mammadov
vs
Cardozo

173 cm
24
172
5 - 3 - 1

178 cm
24
173
6 - 4 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

Ma Balls Is Hot Clothing

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 3 - 1, fighting out of Amsterdam, Yusuf Mammadov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Douglas Cardozo!
The judges for this bout are Sergei Dronov, Fedor Mirinova and Viktor Lagutenko.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
The fight stays on the outside here - Mammadov looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Mammadov tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Mammadov has been working on his boxing with his coaches at Hare of the Dog Gym in the buildup to the fight.
Cardozo throws a nice looking combination but Mammadov bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
An attempted straight right counter from Mammadov misses the target.
Mammadov slips a jab from Cardozo.
As Cardozo backs away, Mammadov returns fire with a leg kick that just misses.
Mammadov just misses with a punch to the body.
Mammadov fails in his attempt to clinch.
Cardozo getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Cardozo has been spending a lot of time sparring his boxing in the run up to the fight, trying to sharpen up those hands and look for a knockout.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cardozo throws a lazy right hand but Mammadov sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
It looked like Mammadov was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Cardozo.
Mammadov stuns Cardozo with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Mammadov lands a really nice looking cross but Cardozo seems unphased.

It looks like Douglas Cardozo has been cut.
A swing and a miss from Cardozo.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Cardozo gets a takedown into half guard.
Mammadov is looking to get full guard. It looks like he might be successful but at the last minute Cardozo jumps into side control!
Mammadov gets back to half guard.
Mammadov wants to get back to full guard.
Cardozo looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Mammadov is trying to get back to full guard.
Mammadov is looking to control Cardozo's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Mammadov avoid being mounted?

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

Cardozo is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Mammadov has managed to free his arm - good work.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Cardozo is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Mammadov defends it well.

Mammadov actively working from the bottom here.
Cardozo tries to pass to full mount but Mammadov defends it.
Mammadov is looking for a sweep. Cardozo is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Mammadov wants to control but Cardozo is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Mammadov gets full guard.

Mammadov is looking for a triangle but Cardozo pushes his legs off easily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Mammadov is looking for a triangle but Cardozo pushes his legs off easily.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Mammadov wants to sweep but no luck.
Cardozo is pushing down on Mammadov's leg trying to pass to half guard. Mammadov is fighting to maintain full guard but Cardozo has managed to sneak the leg through.
Cardozo is keen to just control but Mammadov is a slippery customer.

Cardozo is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Mammadov has managed to free his arm - good work.
Cardozo wants to pass the guard but Mammadov is defending well.
Cardozo works his foot free and advances to mount.

Cardozo goes for an armbar but Mammadov turns quickly into his guard - lovely anticipation from Mammadov.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Cardozo lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

Cardozo postures up.
Mammadov lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

Mammadov gets to his feet. Cardozo looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!
Mammadov works the jab nicely.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Cardozo clobbers Mammadov with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Mammadov ducks under a wild hook from Cardozo.
Cardozo misses with an uppercut. Mammadov saw that one coming.
Mammadov throws a jab when Cardozo was well out of range.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Douglas Cardozo will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Douglas Cardozo's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Mammadov misses with a lunging right hand
and Cardozo counters with a stiff right hand.
Cardozo looks to land a left hand but Mammadov moved out of range nicely.
Mammadov appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
Mammadov defending well as Cardozo loads up on a big left hand.
Cardozo jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Mammadov half committed to a counter leg kick.
An inside leg kick lands from Mammadov.
Mammadov walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Mammadov slips a straight right by Cardozo.
Nice defenses there by Mammadov.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Mammadov takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Cardozo sizes up Mammadov with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Cardozo has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Mammadov throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Cardozo looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mammadov takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Cardozo throws out a loose jab but Mammadov uses good head movement to avoid it.
Cardozo misses with a takedown attempt - Mammadov sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Douglas Cardozo seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Nice straight punches there by Cardozo. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Cardozo.
Cardozo misses with a left hand
and Mammadov counters with an inside leg kick.
Mammadov dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Cardozo fails to land with a series of punches.
Cardozo throws a jab but it's blocked by Mammadov.
Douglas Cardozo seems to be getting the better of the standup.

Mammadov has closed the distance and engaged Cardozo in a clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cardozo is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Mammadov is defending well.
Mammadov gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Cardozo.
Yusuf Mammadov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Douglas Cardozo.
Mammadov tries to throw a body punch but Cardozo avoids it by throwing Mammadov back against the cage.
Mammadov prevents a takedown attempt there.
Mammadov lands a hook to the side of the head.

Mammadov jumps guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Mammadov is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Cardozo passes Mammadov's right leg, so he's now in half guard.

Mammadov kicks off Cardozo and gets to his feet.
Cardozo swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Mammadov.
Cardozo misses with a body shot
and Mammadov counters with a leg kick that reverborates around the arena.
Cardozo scores with a jab to the jaw.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cardozo misses with a lunging right hand
and Mammadov counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Cardozo throws a series of punches but Mammadov moves out of range.
Cardozo throws an off balance right hand
and Mammadov counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Cardozo thinking.
Cardozo with a nice cross.
Cardozo with a lazy takedown attempt
and Mammadov counters with a slapping leg kick.
Cardozo is breathing heavily.
A decent looking cross lands there for Mammadov.
A big right from Cardozo misses.
Yusuf Mammadov is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Mammadov fails in his attempt to clinch.
Mammadov throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Cardozo counters with a series of strikes. Mammadov will be more careful next time no doubt.
Cardozo with a lazy takedown attempt
and Cardozo takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Mammadov staying out of range there.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Cardozo feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Mammadovs jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Mammadov throws a head kick that misses.

Cardozo looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
Cardozo won't allow Mammadov to sweep him here.
Cardozo throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Mammadov works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Mammadov is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Douglas Cardozo has got the better of the ground game so far.
Mammadov wants to sweep here but Cardozo controlling him for the moment.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Mammadov is on top in guard.

Cardozo is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Douglas Cardozo will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Douglas Cardozo's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Cardozo scores with a jab.
Mammadov scoring well with a low kick there.
Mammadov swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Cardozo with the counter takedown but Mammadov avoids it easily.
Cardozo rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Mammadov connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.

Mammadov clinches up with Cardozo and pushes him back against the cage.
Cardozo has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Mammadov is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Mammadov misses with some punches.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
Cardozo looking for a takedown.
Cardozo goes for a takedown in the clinch but Mammadov prevents it.
Yusuf Mammadov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Douglas Cardozo.
Cardozo goes for a takedown in the clinch but Mammadov prevents it.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Mammadov pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Cardozo misses with an uppercut. Mammadov saw that one coming.
Mammadov defending well as Cardozo loads up on a big left hand.
Mammadov wants to clinch up but Cardozo keeps it at a distance.
Mammadov smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Cardozo looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Mammadov swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Mammadov misses with a wild body shot.
Cardozo misses with a hook. Mammadov ducked under it nicely.
Cardozo throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Mammadov sees it coming and avoids it easily.

Mammadov has closed the distance and engaged Cardozo in a clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cardozo takes a shot to the head.
Mammadov lands with a light punch inside.
Cardozo has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Mammadov after a bit of a struggle.
Cardozo is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Cardozo is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Mammadov pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Cardozo takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Cardozo wants a takedown but no success here.
Mammadov scores with a nice hook to the head.
A short uppercut from Mammadov.
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!
A left hand lands to the body for Mammadov.
Mammadov scores with an uppercut up the middle.

Mammadov jumps guard.
Mammadov seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.

Mammadov is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Cardozo defends well.
Cardozo trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Both fighters have adopted an aggressive gameplan on the ground!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cardozo is pushing down on Mammadov's leg trying to pass to half guard. Mammadov is fighting to maintain full guard but Cardozo has managed to sneak the leg through.

Mammadov looking for submissions off his back.
Mammadov moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Cardozo wants to control from the top but Mammadov keeps moving.
Douglas Cardozo has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Cardozo looking to pass the guard.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Mammadov is on top in guard.

Mammadov trying to control the position from guard on top but Cardozo is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Mammadov engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mammadov missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Mammadov wants to control from the top but Cardozo keeps moving.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Mammadov slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Mammadov wants to control from the top but Cardozo keeps moving.
Mammadov trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

And that's the end of the fight!
Yusuf Mammadov showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Cardozo 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Sergei Dronov scores the fight for Yusuf Mammadov!
Judge Fedor Mirinova scores the fight for Yusuf Mammadov!
Judge Viktor Lagutenko scores the fight for Yusuf Mammadov!

Yusuf Mammadov wins by unanimous decision!
A less than humble Yusuf Mammadov misjudged his post fight interview somewhat and came across a little too arrogant whilst trying to hype up his own abilities.