PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Antonov Lopescu (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Raf Gon DIas (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Antonov Lopescu had real problems making weight for this fight. After initially coming in at 171.3lbs, he had two hours to make the official fight weight. He made it but it will have taken a lot out of him to cut those extra few pounds. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Lopescu
vs
Gon DIas

180 cm
18
177 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

185 cm
18
177 lbs
1 - 2 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Good chin

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Solid chin

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 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Antonov Lopescu!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Raf Gon DIas!
The judges for this bout are Bruno Hogan, Donatello Bradman and Eliza Hachem.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Lopescu misses with a two punch combination.
Gon DIas throws a wild body kick that Lopescu sees coming a mile off.
Gon DIas scores with a body shot.
Lopescu closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Lopescu is breathing heavily.
Gon DIas misses with a series of wild punches.
Gon DIas shoots in for a double leg but Lopescu sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Gon DIas scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Raf Gon DIas seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Lopescu moves forwards but Gon DIas connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Gon DIas thuds a left hand into Lopescu's body.
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!
Gon DIas works the jab nicely.
Gon DIas jabs away that one connects to the head of his opponent.
Gon DIas takes a swing at Lopescu's ribcage but misses.
Lopescu walks into a left hand.
Gon DIas connects with a single shot there.
Gon DIas looks for a takedown but Lopescu sprawls well.
Gon DIas tests Lopescu's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Gon DIas cracks a nice hook into Lopescu's ribs.
The fight stays on the outside here - Gon DIas looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Gon DIas throws a hard body shot but it just misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lopescu doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Lopescu blocks a head kick by Gon DIas.
Gon DIas works Lopescu's body with a nice hook.
Gon DIas ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Gon DIas scores with a jab.
Gon DIas dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Gon DIas's corner calls for a 1-2. Gon DIas obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Gon DIas lands the left hand.
Gon DIas swings for the body but Lopescu moves out of range.
Gon DIas digs a good body shot into Lopescu's ribs.
Gon DIas lands a nice shot to the body.
Lopescu on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.

Lopescu shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Lopescu showed some decent athleticism there.
Gon DIas trying to control but Lopescu postures up.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Lopescu sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Gon DIas defending well though.
Gon DIas is not content to let Lopescu control the position.
Gon DIas really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Lopescu. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.

Lopescu is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Lopescu seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Gon DIas does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Lopescu is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Gon DIas is holding on to half guard well.
Lopescu thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Gon DIas scores with a punch to the head.
Gon DIas wants to clinch.
Gon DIas scores with a hook to the body. Lopescu takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gon DIas throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Lopescu checks a leg kick.
Gon DIas scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Lopescu on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Gon DIas tries for a takedown but Lopescu circles away easily

and Lopescu counters by moving into the clinch.
Antonov Lopescu has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Raf Gon DIas.
A battle for position here, against the ropes.
Gon DIas is trying to force a seperation but Lopescu has the dominant position.
Lopescu swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Gon DIas gets underhooks to prevent Lopescu's takedown attempt.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Lopescu wants to break free but Gon DIas has control.
Lopescu is looking for a takedown up against the ropes. Gon DIas gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Gon DIas tries to break the clinch but Lopescu is controlling the position.
Lopescu keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Gon DIas's efforts to push away.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Raf Gon DIas dominated that round.
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.

Lopescu moves out of range as Gon DIas throws a body kick.
Gon DIas lands a really nice looking cross but Lopescu seems unphased.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Lopescu.
Gon DIas works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Nice body punch from Gon DIas.
A looping hook to the body misses from Gon DIas. Lopescu does a little dance to reset his feet.
Gon DIas scores with a jab to the jaw.
Gon DIas lands with a shot to the body.
Gon DIas misses with a body shot.
Lopescu on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Gon DIas swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Lopescu is looking to clinch but Gon DIas is avoiding it.
Gon DIas tries to clinch but Lopescu is having none of it.
Gon DIas lands with a nice combination. Lopescu backs away looking to recover.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Gon DIas takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Gon DIas scores with a jab to the body.
Antonov Lopescu is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Gon DIas misses with a kick to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gon DIas tries to close the distance and clinch but Lopescu swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Gon DIas lands a lovely overhand right.
A left lands for Gon DIas.
Gon DIas pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Gon DIas with a nice cross.
Gon DIas has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Lopescu tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Lopescu tries to close the distance and clinch but Gon DIas swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Gon DIas is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Lopescu rather than just go for the knockout.
Gon DIas dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Gon DIas misses with a body shot.
Lopescu takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Lopescu avoids the body shot from Gon DIas.

Lopescu closes the distance and clinches.
Lopescu has Gon DIas pressed up against the ropes and is working for takedown. Gon DIas manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Gon DIas gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Lopescu.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Antonov Lopescu. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Gon DIas tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Lopescu smiles and moves away.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gon DIas lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Lopescu circles away quickly and effectively.
Nice sprawl there from Lopescu as Gon DIas shoots in.
Lopescu shoots in for a takedown but Gon DIas shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Lopescu changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Gon DIas tries to avoid it but Lopescu manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Gon DIas to the ground. Gon DIas escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
A decent looking cross lands there for Gon DIas.
Nice body punch from Gon DIas.
Gon DIas looks to land a left hand but Lopescu moved out of range nicely.
Lopescu fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Lopescu fails with the takedown.
Gon DIas scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Good standup being displayed there by Gon DIas as he connects with a hook.
Gon DIas fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Lopescu manages to avoid it.
Lopescu misses with a takedown attempt - Gon DIas sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gon DIas fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Lopescu manages to avoid it.
Lopescu throws a jab when Gon DIas was well out of range.
Gon DIas looks for a takedown but Lopescu sprawls well.
Lopescu moves out of range of the body kick.
Lopescu takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Gon DIas scores with a jab to the head.

Lopescu bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
Lopescu wants to lay and pray for a moment but Gon DIas keeps working.

Lopescu decides to stand up, so the ref orders Gon DIas to his feet.

Lopescu pushes Gon DIas up against the ropes in a clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gon DIas tries to pull guard but Lopescu won't allow it.
Gon DIas misses with a knee strike.
Gon DIas gets underhooks to prevent Lopescu's takedown attempt.
Gon DIas tries to circle away but Lopescu has him pinned against the ropes.
Gon DIas drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Gon DIas jumps guard but Lopescu stands there with Gon DIas around his waist. Gon DIas gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Lopescu looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Gon DIas jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Lopescu walks away with a smile on his face. Gon DIas gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Lopescu misses with a takedown attempt - Gon DIas sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Lopescu misses with the combination.
Lopescu keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Raf Gon DIas showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
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. This is the final round!

Gon DIas moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Gon DIas misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Lopescu.
Lopescu on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Gon DIas throws a right and a left that both miss.
Raf Gon DIas seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Gon DIas scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Lopescu is pinned up against the ropes taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Gon DIas closes the distance looking to clinch

and Lopescu counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Lopescu.
Lopescu looking for a takedown.
Gon DIas looking to throw knees to the head but Lopescu is blocking nicely.
Lopescu tries to pull guard but Gon DIas won't allow it.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Gon DIas looking for a takedown.
Lopescu is trying to break free.
Gon DIas is trying to break the clinch but Lopescu is controlling him.
Gon DIas has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lopescu gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Gon DIas.

Lopescu breaks from the clinch.
Gon DIas thows a body shot but no joy.

Lopescu scores with a takedown into Gon DIas's guard.
Lopescu trying to control but Gon DIas is working from the bottom.
Gon DIas working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Lopescu.
Lopescu postures up in Gon DIas's guard and throws a big left but Gon DIas blocks it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gon DIas has control of Lopescu's left arm, preventing Lopescu from doing any damage.
Gon DIas utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Lopescu wants to control from the top but Gon DIas keeps moving.
Gon DIas trying to keep a closed guard but Lopescu is proving a slippery customer.
Lopescu wants to control from the top but Gon DIas keeps moving.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Good standup being displayed there by Gon DIas as he connects with a hook.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gon DIas misses with a takedown attempt

and Lopescu counters by clinching up.
Antonov Lopescu has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Raf Gon DIas.
Lopescu tries to throw a body punch but Gon DIas avoids it by throwing Lopescu back against the cage.
Gon DIas avoiding damage as Lopescu throws knees to the body.
Gon DIas is looking to break free of the clinch but Lopescu has double underhooks.
Gon DIas tries to pull guard but Lopescu won't allow it.

Lopescu successfully pulls guard.
Gon DIas wants to pass the guard but Lopescu is keeping the position.
Lopescu looking to control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Lopescu looking for a sweep. Not yet Lopescu, not yet.
Lopescu is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Gon DIas controls the pace of the fight for a moment.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Antonov Lopescu.
I think Gon DIas 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 Bruno Hogan scores the fight 28:29
Judge Donatello Bradman scores the fight 28:30
Judge Eliza Hachem scores the fight 28:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Raf Gon DIas!