PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Sheldon Maia (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Maek Houzo (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Maia kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genius that is Bleed It Out. 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.

Maia
vs
Houzo

185 cm
29
193 lbs
16 - 7 - 0

177 cm
35
192 lbs
25 - 19 - 0

Good takedowns
Solid boxing
Granite chin

Good wrestler
Decent boxing
Knockout power

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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 16 - 7 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Sheldon Maia!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 25 - 19 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Maek Houzo!
The judges for this bout are Cecil Peabody, Wesley Smith and Stewart Dunkirk.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Houzo is defended easily by Maia.
Houzo has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.

Maia gets caught napping as Houzo dives in and scores a takedown. Maia manages to retain guard.
Maia is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Maia is looking to stand up but Houzo isn't so interested in that idea.
Houzo is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.

Maia working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Houzo doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Houzo manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Houzo looking to control the position here, rather than advance.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Houzo wants to control from the top but Maia keeps moving.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Houzo is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.

The ref calls for a clean break and stands the fighters back up. Maek Houzo wasn't active enough on the ground.
Maia jabs Houzo right on the nose. Houzo blinks but takes it well.
Houzo wants to clinch up but Maia keeps it at a distance.
Houzo closes the distance and clinches up with Maia, looking for a takedown. Houzo pushes Maia against the cage but Maia circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Maia lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Houzo drops his hands for a split second and Maia immediately capitalizes on the opportunity by smashing a powerful hook into Houzo face, sending his mouthguard sailing through the air, much to the delight of the crowd. Maia follows up with a right hand that knocks Houzo into next week. He's out cold and this fight is over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:54 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punches). Sheldon Maia!
Sheldon Maia made sure to give a little speech post fight, saying 'Big thanks to the guys at Hilo Pit, couldn't have done this without the help of my coaches and training partners.'.