PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Gerlach Rutger (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Jolo Tianjengo (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Rutger
vs
Tianjengo

180 cm
23
215 lbs
9 - 1 - 1

185 cm
23
210 lbs
6 - 2 - 0

Powerful takedowns
Basic striking
KO power

BJJ Purple Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Solid chin

Knock Out Artistry
MMA's Best Nutrition

ZSTAR

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the light heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 9 - 1 - 1, fighting out of Sydney, Gerlach Rutger!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Jolo Tianjengo!
The judges for this bout are Winston Howard, Summer Carpenter and John Mangel.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Nice sprawl there from Rutger as Tianjengo shoots in.

Rutger shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Tianjengo is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Rutger won't allow Tianjengo to sweep him here.
Rutger tries to free his leg and advance position but Tianjengo is retaining full guard.
Tianjengo working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Rutger.

Tianjengo is looking for a triangle but Rutger pushes his legs off easily.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Rutger trying to control but Tianjengo is working from the bottom.
Rutger throwing strikes from guard but Tianjengo blocks nicely.
Rutger thows a big elbow that misses.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.

Tianjengo shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Tianjengo showed some decent athleticism there.

Tianjengo is trying to work for a kimura. He's got his hands clasped together - this could be trouble! No, Rutger has managed to free his arm - good work.
Rutger is on the bottom, trying to hold on to half guard. He's throwing a few small shots here, to keep his opponent honest.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rutger punching from the bottom.
Rutger is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Rutger trying to control but Tianjengo postures up.
Rutger slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Rutger looking for a sweep. Not yet Rutger, not yet.

Rutger is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.

Tianjengo gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.

Rutger avoids a guillotine attempt easily.

Tianjengo is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Tianjengo looks gassed!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rutger is in close to Tianjengo's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Rutger stands up over Tianjengo, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.

Tianjengo working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Rutger doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Rutger manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Rutger landing with the ground and pound.
Rutger makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Rutger content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Rutger stands up over Tianjengo, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.

Tianjengo has his foot on Rutger's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Rutger works his way back into a safe position though.

Rutger stands up and waves to Tianjengo to follow him.
Tianjengo doesn't succeed with the takedown

and Rutger counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Rutger.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Rutger lands a couple of elbows.
Rutger slips nicely into half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rutger slips a nice elbow through Tianjengo's hands, connecting with Tianjengo's forehead.
Rutger working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.
Tianjengo wants to get back to full guard.
Rutger is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Rutger looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Tianjengo with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Rutger working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.
Tianjengo on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Tianjengo on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Rutger trying to control the action but Tianjengo is working from the bottom.

Tianjengo actively working from the bottom here.
Rutger working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rutger lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Rutger has freed up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
BOOM! Rutger connects with a massive shot to the dome!
Rutger avoids the attempt from Tianjengo to control.
BOOM! Rutger connects with a massive shot to the dome!
Rutger scoring with some good ground and pound from mount here. Will he manage to finish Tianjengo?
Rutger landing punches.
Tianjengo can't escape the position.
Rutger postures up and cracks his opponent a couple of times before moving back into close ground control. Tianjengo looks a forlorn figure.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Rutger has his opponent pinned against the cage, landing some nasty ground and pound that is really making a bit of a mess out of Tianjengo's face.
Rutger with good strikes from the mount here!
Rutger with good strikes from the mount here!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Gerlach Rutger dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Tianjengo staying out of range there.

Rutger shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
Rutger with a nice head shot there.
Tianjengo is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Gerlach Rutger overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Rutger landing with the ground and pound.
Tianjengo looking for a sweep. Not yet Tianjengo, not yet.
Rutger seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
Tianjengo controls Rutger momentarily but Rutger frees himself.
Rutger makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Tianjengo is breathing heavily.
Rutger is pushing down on Tianjengo's leg trying to pass to half guard. Tianjengo is fighting to maintain full guard but Rutger has managed to sneak the leg through.
Rutger wants to control but Tianjengo is keeping him busy.
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. Rutger connects with a nice short shot to Tianjengo's temple.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tianjengo is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Rutger's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Rutger's back!
Tianjengo is trying to stick to Rutger's back but Rutger is turning into Tianjengo. He's managed to reverse the position - now he's in Tianjengo's guard. Polite applause from the crowd in appreciation of some nice Jiu Jitsu by Rutger.
Tianjengo looking for a sweep. Not yet Tianjengo, not yet.
Rutger pushes down on Tianjengo's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Rutger blocks the strikes from Tianjengo.
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. Rutger connects with a nice short shot to Tianjengo's temple.
Rutger trying to control the action but Tianjengo is working from the bottom.
Rutger is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Rutger lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Tianjengo has hold of Rutger's hands but Rutger slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.

Tianjengo looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Rutger drops an elbow to the side of Tianjengo's head.
Rutger lands strikes from half guard.

That's two 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. Rutger connects with a nice short shot to Tianjengo's temple.
Rutger passes to full mount!
Tianjengo takes a big shot to the head but keeps on trying to improve his position.
Rutger lands a nice shot to the head.
Rutger looking to ground and pound his opponent to a finish here.
Tianjengo is trying to escape the mount.
Tianjengo slips a leg in and gets back to half guard.
Rutger drops an elbow to the side of Tianjengo's head.

Rutger is looking for a kimura here.
Rutger thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Tianjengo's head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tianjengo wants to improve his position but Rutger is controlling well.
Rutger is nestled in close to Tianjengo, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Tianjengo is trying to maintain the position but Rutger is very close to passing his half guard.
Tianjengo is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fight is doing enough on the ground.

Rutger feints and as Tianjengo raises his hands in defense, Rutger changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
Rutger working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Tianjengo's head.
Rutger keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Tianjengo's head.
Rutger lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Rutger with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Rutger slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.
Rutger has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Rutger scoring with punches to the head and body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rutger is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Rutger is looking to work some ground and pound but Tianjengo has wrist control.
Tianjengo is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
Rutger moves into full guard.
Rutger controls Tianjengo momentarily but Tianjengo frees himself.

Rutger escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Tianjengo gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Tianjengo passes Rutger's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Rutger is trying to get back to full guard.
Rutger is working hard here to advance position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Gerlach Rutger dominated that second round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Tianjengo with a poor takedown

so Rutger counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
Rutger preventing the sweep.
Rutger is looking to stand up but Tianjengo won't let him.
Rutger landing with the ground and pound.
Rutger stands up over Tianjengo, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Tianjengo is on top in guard.
Tianjengo postures up.
Tianjengo stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Rutger swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Rutger is trying to keep Tianjengo in close.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Tianjengo tries to free his leg and advance position but Rutger is retaining full guard.
Tianjengo throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Rutger works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Rutger trying to keep a closed guard but Tianjengo is proving a slippery customer.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tianjengo preventing the sweep.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fight is doing enough on the ground.

Rutger drives through with a takedown into guard.
Rutger postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Tianjengo is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Tianjengo is looking for a kimura but Rutger is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Tianjengo to get the leverage.
Tianjengo wants to pass the guard but Rutger is defending well.
Rutger trying to control here.
Rutger misses with some strikes from the bottom.

Tianjengo is working for a kimura but Rutger is defending it quite comfortably.

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

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The fighters are battling for position here. Rutger manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Tianjengo stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Rutger swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Rutger striking off his back but it's not causing Tianjengo any problems.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
A swing and a miss from Rutger.

Tianjengo closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Tianjengo lands in his opponent's guard.
Tianjengo tries to free his leg and advance position but Rutger is retaining full guard.
Tianjengo won't allow Rutger to sweep him here.
Tianjengo passes Rutger's left leg - he's now in half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rutger gets back to full guard.
Tianjengo advances to half guard.

Tianjengo seems to be working for a kimura but Rutger defends the submission attempt.
Rutger flails away from the bottom but he's not doing any damage.

Tianjengo is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.

Tianjengo is trying to work for a kimura. He's got his hands clasped together - this could be trouble! No, Rutger has managed to free his arm - good work.

Rutger looking for submissions from an awkward position here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.

Tianjengo is looking for a kimura but Rutger is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Tianjengo to get the leverage.

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

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Tianjengo slips a straight right by Rutger.
Tianjengo uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Rutger.
Rutger pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Tianjengo misses with a takedown

and Rutger counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Rutger lands a couple of digs.

Tianjengo is looking for a triangle but Rutger pushes his legs off easily.
Rutger wants to control from the top but Tianjengo keeps moving.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Gerlach Rutger clearly takes 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.

Tianjengo moves out of range of the strikes.

Rutger closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Rutger lands in his opponent's guard.
Rutger wants to control from the top but Tianjengo keeps moving.
Tianjengo wants to sweep here but Rutger controlling him for the moment.

Tianjengo working for a triangle but Rutger defends it easily.
Rutger keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Tianjengo's head.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Rutger keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Tianjengo's head.

Tianjengo has his foot on Rutger's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Rutger works his way back into a safe position though.
Rutger distracts Tianjengo with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rutger keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Tianjengo's head.
Rutger wants to control from the top but Tianjengo keeps moving.
Rutger working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Rutger is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Tianjengo looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Rutger is pushing down on Tianjengo's leg trying to pass to half guard. Tianjengo is fighting to maintain full guard but Rutger has managed to sneak the leg through.
Tianjengo is looking to improve his position.
Rutger scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Rutger lands with a punch from half guard.
Tianjengo tries to roll over but Rutger keeps him under control.
Rutger lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tianjengo taking some punishment here, with Rutger in his half guard.
Tianjengo tries to strike from the bottom but it doesn't land.
Rutger lands strikes from half guard.
Tianjengo is looking for a sweep. Rutger is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Rutger scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Rutger is nestled in close to Tianjengo, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Rutger looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Rutger winds up and cracks Tianjengo with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Tianjengo tries to roll over but Rutger keeps him under control.

Tianjengo looking for submissions from an awkward position here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tianjengo on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Rutger takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Rutger with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.
Rutger is trying to control the action in half guard but Tianjengo is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Tianjengo with a lazy takedown attempt

and Rutger decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Tianjengo's guard.

Tianjengo is looking for a triangle but Rutger pushes his legs off easily.
Rutger wants to control from the top but Tianjengo keeps moving.
Tianjengo wants to sweep but no luck.
Rutger landing with the ground and pound.

Tianjengo looking for a guillotine here but Rutger defends easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Tianjengo looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Rutger keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Tianjengo's head.
Rutger postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Rutger postures up and lands a big shot to Tianjengo's brow.
Rutger is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Tianjengo can do to turn this around?
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Rutger's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Tianjengo manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Rutger manages to get himself to full guard.

Tianjengo is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.
Rutger keeping full guard, as Tianjengo tries to pass.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Gerlach Rutger had his way with Jolo Tianjengo in that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Rutger closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Tianjengo to the mat! Tianjengo manages to get full guard.
Rutger working some strikes from top position.

Tianjengo escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Rutger gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Rutger wants to pass the guard but Tianjengo is keeping the position.
Rutger slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.

Tianjengo working for a triangle but Rutger defends it easily.
Rutger lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - an gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
Rutger makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.

Tianjengo working for a triangle but Rutger defends it easily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rutger working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Tianjengo's head.
Rutger slips nicely into half guard.
Rutger is keen to just control but Tianjengo is a slippery customer.
Rutger winds up and cracks Tianjengo with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Rutger takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.
Rutger prevents Tianjengo from improving his position.
Tianjengo wants to get back to full guard but Rutger has passed into side control.
Rutger prevents Tianjengo from getting the reversal.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rutger landing strikes, looking to finish!
Rutger with a couple of short strikes.
Rutger lands with some strikes.
Tianjengo is looking to improve his position but Rutger isn't that keen on the idea.
Rutger landing punches.
Tianjengo is looking to get to half guard.
Rutger with a couple of short strikes.
Rutger is in the full mount, landing strikes.
Rutger punishing his opponent with strikes.
Rutger landing strikes from the mount.
The referee warns Tianjengo that he has to improve his position here as he takes two more clean shots to the head.
Rutger breaks from Tianjengo's wrist control and lands an elbow.
Rutger lands a big shot there that rocks Tianjengo but he's holding on and managing to survive for now.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rutger looking to ground and pound his opponent to a finish here.
Tianjengo sneaks a leg under to get to half guard.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Rutger lands a nice short elbow.
Rutger wants to control but Tianjengo is keeping him busy.
Tianjengo makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Tianjengo.
Rutger lands a couple of elbows.

Tianjengo looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Rutger chips away with some ground and pound.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tianjengo takes a nasty elbow to the side of the head.
Tianjengo tries to bench press Rutger off him but Rutger keeps the position.
Rutger lands a few punches from side control.
Rutger cracks Tianjengo with a big right hand but Tianjengo just smiles back at him and invites him to have another go.
Jolo Tianjengo has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Rutger advances nicely into full mount.
Rutger working away from the top, dropping strikes.
Rutger dominating with strikes here.
Rutger dominating with strikes here.
Tianjengo gets back to half guard.
Rutger is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
Tianjengo is looking to improve his position.

And that's the end of the fight!
Gerlach Rutger showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Rutger 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Winston Howard scores the fight 50:45
Judge Summer Carpenter scores the fight 50:45
Judge John Mangel scores the fight 50:45

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Gerlach Rutger!
Gerlach Rutger retains his light heavyweight title!