PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Horacio Sadaval (ranked 1550 p4p, 1320 weight class) and Eron Saunders (ranked 192 p4p, 164 weight class). Sadaval comes to the cage accompanied by Prohibido Olvidar. These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Sadaval
vs
Saunders

186 cm
23
201
5 - 4 - 0

194 cm
35
196
20 - 15 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank

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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the middleweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Horacio Sadaval!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 20 - 15 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Eron Saunders!
The judges for this bout are Gwen Towbar, Stewart Dunkirk and Daniel Franklin.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Saunders scores with a nice strike.
Saunders throws a body shot but no joy.
We've been told by Sadaval's head coaches at Tiaoali Lvavatai BJJ & MMA that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Saunders throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.

Saunders fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Sadaval, pushing him back against the cage.
Saunders lands a nice elbow.
Sadaval lands a nice uppercut.
A short right from Sadaval.
Saunders tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Saunders throws a head punch that misses.
Saunders prevents the takedown attempt.
Sadaval wants to take the fight to the mat but Saunders manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Saunders taking a breather.

Sadaval has clasped his hands together around Saunders's back... aaand, he's got a takedown into side control. Nicely done.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Sadaval stands up.
Saunders misses with a straight left.
Saunders lands a nice shot to the body.

Sadaval shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.

Saunders manages to create a bit of space in order to work his way back to his feet. Sadaval keeps hold of his opponent and drives him back against the cage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Saunders throws an elbow that misses.
Saunders wants to get back to striking at distance but Sadaval won't allow it.
Still in the clinch, Saunders scores with a nice short uppercut.
Saunders just leaning against Sadaval, taking a breather.
Sadaval blocks a body shot from Saunders.
Sadaval lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Saunders backwards.
Saunders lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Saunders misses with a short punch on the inside.
Still in the clinch, Sadaval scores with a nice short uppercut.
Saunders lands a nice elbow from the clinch.

It looks like Horacio Sadaval has been cut.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Sadaval.
Sadaval misses with a hook to the ribs.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Saunders creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
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!

Saunders manages to break the clinch.
Saunders connects with a single shot there.
Saunders misses with an uppercut.
Saunders with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Saunders misses with a looping left.

Sadaval decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Sadaval decides to stand and escape the position.
Saunders swings for the body but Sadaval moves out of range.
Saunders 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.
Sadaval is trying hard to land a takedown here. Saunders sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Horacio Sadaval. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Saunders takes a swing at Sadaval's ribcage but misses.
Sadaval fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Saunders lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
A jab from Saunders misses.
Saunders throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped

and Sadaval counters with a single leg into guard. Saunders didn't expect that.

Sadaval gets to his feet. Saunders looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!

Saunders moves into range and clinches up with Sadaval.
Sadaval is working for takedown but Saunders is calmly controlling the position for now.
Saunders lands a right hand that snaps the head of Sadaval backwards.
Sadaval lands with a short shot to the head.
Sadaval misses with some punches.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sadaval lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
With the fighters up against the cage, Saunders throws an elbow but misses.
Saunders prevents a takedown attempt there.
Sadaval has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Saunders after a bit of a struggle.
A short right from Sadaval on the inside.

Sadaval has moved round to his opponent's back and is looking for a suplex! Oh snap! He's tossed Saunders clear over his head and slammed him to the mat!
Saunders is trying to get back to his feet but he's not managed it yet.

Sadaval stands up from back control! Strange decision that!
Saunders paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.

Saunders has Sadaval up against the cage in a clinch.
Sadaval has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Saunders after a bit of a struggle.
Sadaval is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Saunders pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Saunders avoiding damage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nice elbow from Saunders.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Saunders can't find room to land a body shot as Sadaval controls the action.
Saunders pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the cage.
Sadaval misses with a punch on the inside.
Sadaval has a couple of punches blocked by Saunders.
Sadaval scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Saunders lands with a short shot to the head.
Sadaval makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Saunders cracks Sadaval with a nice body shot.
Sadaval drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Saunders blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Sadaval tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Sadaval is looking to take this one to the mat.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Sadaval misses with a body punch.
Sadaval misses with a body punch.
Sadaval tries for a takedown. No joy.
Sadaval swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Saunders throws a head punch that misses.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Saunders.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Eron Saunders dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Horacio Sadaval's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Good exchange - Saunders coming out on top.
Saunders jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Sadaval is looking to take this fight into the clinch.

Sadaval drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.

Sadaval gets to his feet. Saunders looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!
Saunders throws a looping overhand right but Sadaval ducks down to avoid it.
Saunders fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Sadaval manages to avoid it.
Sadaval shoots in but no luck this time.
Saunders has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Saunders looks to score with a jab to the body but Sadaval is just out of range.
Sadaval half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Saunders throws a punch but it's blocked by Sadaval.
Sadaval pushes Saunders back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Saunders swings away with an uppercut that misses.

Saunders breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Saunders throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Saunders misses with a looping right.

Sadaval shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Saunders's guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Sadaval decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.

Sadaval drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.

Saunders wriggles free and stands up.
Eron Saunders seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Sadaval takes a shot to the body in his stride.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Sadaval shoots in and gets a takedown into Saunders's guard.

Sadaval gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.

Sadaval closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
Saunders gets back to half guard.
Saunders gets full guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Saunders is working an open guard so Sadaval takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.

Sadaval closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Saunders did well to prevent Sadaval getting side control.

Saunders kicks off Sadaval and gets to his feet.
Eron Saunders is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Saunders scores with a body shot.
Saunders misses with a straight left.
Saunders cracks Sadaval with an open hand slap.

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

Saunders throws his opponent off and manages to get back to his feet! Nicely done!
Saunders misses with a straight right.
Sadaval shoots in but no luck this time.
Sadaval moves out of range as Saunders strikes.
Saunders misses the shot to the body.
Sadaval shoots for a double leg takedown but Saunders sprawls well. He's pushed Sadaval's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Horacio Sadaval. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

The fight moves into the clinch position.

Saunders manages to break the clinch.

Saunders closes the distance and pushes Sadaval back into the cage.
Sadaval has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Saunders after a bit of a struggle.
Sadaval looking for a takedown.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Sadaval blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Saunders lands with a short shot to the head.
Sadaval avoids a wild elbow strike from Saunders.

Sadaval is working on a single leg takedown against the cage. Saunders can't fight it off and eventually Sadaval manages to take the fight to the floor. Saunders looks annoyed but at least he's managed to land in guard.

Saunders pushes Sadaval off for just long enough to get back to his feet. Very athletic spring there.
Sadaval shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Saunders counters with a nice uppercut.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Saunders tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Sadaval paws at him with a jab and circles away.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A big left from Saunders misses.
Sadaval attempts a counter takedown but Saunders avoids it well and moves away.
Saunders throws a hook but Sadaval avoids it easily.
Sadaval takes one to the chin there.
Saunders misses with a wild body shot.

Sadaval shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Saunders manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.

Saunders manages to escape and get back to his feet.
Eron Saunders seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Saunders misses with a telegraphed body shot

and Sadaval counters with a takedown into side control.

Sadaval decides to stand back up.
Saunders tries to close the distance and clinch up but Sadaval swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Sadaval changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Good standup being displayed there by Saunders as he connects with a hook.
Saunders with a jab.
Saunders swings widly with a right hand
and Sadaval counters with a stiff right hand.
Sadaval shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Eron Saunders showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Horacio Sadaval's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare each other down, ready to get back to the action.

Sadaval shoots in for a takedown but Saunders shows good takedown defense.
Saunders tries to close the distance and clinch but Sadaval swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Saunders throws an off balance right hand

and Sadaval counters with a single leg into guard. Saunders didn't expect that.

Sadaval gets to his feet - Saunders follows without any prompting.
Sadaval tries to score a power double leg takedown but Saunders sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Sadaval somewhat.
Saunders tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Sadaval manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
A jab from Saunders misses.
Saunders throws a body shot but no joy.
Sadaval takes one to the side of the head.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Saunders gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Saunders misses with a short punch on the inside.
Saunders stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Sadaval working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
A left hand lands to the body for Saunders.
Sadaval scores with a nice hook to the head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Saunders scores with a nice hook to the head.
Saunders tries to throw a body punch but Sadaval avoids it by throwing Saunders back against the cage.
Saunders lands with a left to the head.
Sadaval goes for a takedown in the clinch but Saunders prevents it.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Horacio Sadaval. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Sadaval.
Sadaval drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Saunders gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Saunders goes for a body shot but it's blocked.

Saunders manages to break the clinch.
Saunders lands a jab.
Saunders takes a swing at Sadaval's ribcage but misses.

Saunders gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Saunders misses with a shot to the kidneys.
A hook to the body from Saunders.
Saunders has a couple of punches blocked by Sadaval.
Saunders tries a body shot but Sadaval blocks it.
Saunders prevents a takedown attempt there.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Saunders is looking to control Sadaval's arms but Sadaval gets an underhook and turns him. Now Saunders has his back to the cage.
Sadaval wants a takedown but no success here.
Sadaval can't get the takedown.
Sadaval is trying to drag Saunders to the mat but Saunders just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Saunders tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Sadaval's elbow.
Saunders lands an elbow just above Sadaval 's eye.
Sadaval lands with a light punch inside.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Saunders lands a damaging elbow.
Saunders gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Sadaval lands a right hand.
Saunders comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Sadaval wants a takedown.

Sadaval has dropped down and is working for a takedown. Saunders is trying to keep an underhook but Sadaval manages to get the takedown into half guard.

Saunders has managed to escape just enough to sneak back to his feet but Sadaval is on him like a limpet, forcing Saunders back against the cage.
Saunders lands a right hand.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sadaval looking for a takedown.
Saunders lands an uppercut.

Saunders breaks the clinch.
Saunders fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Sadaval manages to avoid it.
Saunders lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Saunders.
Sadaval uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Saunders.

Sadaval gets the takedown into side control.

Saunders bucks up and manages to escape back to his feet!
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Saunders thuds a left hand into Sadaval's body.
Saunders throws a series of strikes that have Sadaval backpedaling.
Saunders throws an overhand right that lands on Sadaval's shoulder, as Sadaval tries to avoid the shot.
Sadaval shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Saunders as he avoids it easily.

Sadaval bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.

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

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Saunders throws out a powerful jab.
Horrible takedown attempt by Sadaval or perhaps it was just good defense by Saunders, which made it look bad.
Saunders unleashes a big counter combination but Sadaval bobs and weaves and avoids any damage.
Saunders throws a poor cross that misses
and Sadaval counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Saunders throws a poor cross that misses

and Sadaval counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.

Sadaval gets to his feet. Saunders looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!
Saunders connects with a nice looking jab.
Sadaval tries to clinch there but Saunders circles away.
Sadaval takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Saunders throws a body shot but no joy.
Saunders throws a shot from downtown. Sadaval moves away and avoids it.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Saunders misses with a hook to the body
and Sadaval counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.

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

Saunders manages to wriggle out and sneak his way back up to his feet, so the fighters are now clinched up against the cage.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Eron Saunders really dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Horacio Sadaval's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare each other down, ready to get back to the action.

A punch lands to the side of Sadaval 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Sadaval slips under a jab.
Sadaval wants to clinch.
Saunders lands with a nice body punch.
Saunders circles away from the clinch attempt.
Sadaval shoots in but no luck this time.
Saunders connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sadaval throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Saunders's waist but Saunders gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Sadaval off to one side.
Saunders looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
The fight stays on the outside here - Sadaval looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Saunders let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
Sadaval fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Horacio Sadaval. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's one minute gone in the round.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Sadaval.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Saunders swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Saunders changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Sadaval takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Sadaval staying out of range there.
Sadaval has a takedown stuffed.
Sadaval takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Saunders doesn't manage to clinch there - Sadaval circles away.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Saunders prevents a takedown attempt there.
A short right from Saunders.
Sadaval blocks an elbow strike.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A head punch on the inside from Saunders fails to land.
Sadaval blocks a body shot from Saunders.
Saunders misses with a punch to the body.
Sadaval wants to take the fight to the mat but Saunders manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Sadaval is working for takedown but Saunders is calmly controlling the position for now.

Sadaval lands a takedown into guard.

Saunders pushes Sadaval off for just long enough to get back to his feet. Very athletic spring there.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Saunders works Sadaval's body with a nice hook.
Saunders scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Saunders tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Sadaval was well out of range. Poor timing from Saunders.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Sadaval.
A little jabbing left from Saunders on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Saunders tests Sadaval's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Sadaval looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Sadaval takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Saunders swings for the body but Sadaval moves out of range.
Sadaval was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Saunders with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Sadaval moves away from the strike by Saunders.
Saunders throws a hook to the side of Sadaval's head but Sadaval sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.

Saunders has taken the fight to the clinch.
Sadaval scores with a nice hook to the head.

Saunders breaks the clinch.
Saunders fails to land with a series of punches.
Saunders lands with a right hand.
A jab from Saunders does it's job there.
Sadaval fails to land the takedown.
Sadaval fails with the takedown
and Saunders counters with a nice uppercut.
Sadaval with a poor takedown
and Saunders counters with a straight right hand.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Saunders thuds his right hand into Sadaval's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.

Sadaval is rocked!
Saunders wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Oh Sadaval is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Saunders cracks Sadaval with a hook to the temple - Sadaval is on wobbly legs here! Saunders swarms him with hook after hook, landing with each one! Sadaval falls to the canvas face first and the referee dives in to stop the fight! Saunders wins by TKO!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:14 of round 4, we have a winner by way of TKO (Punches). Eron Saunders!
Eron Saunders is the new middleweight champion!
After the fight, Eron Saunders was humble in paying tribute to his opponent but made it clear he wants to go on to bigger and better things. It seemed to go down well with the crowd who cheered him loudly.