PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Zoran Paunovic (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Peyton Manning (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Manning has chosen Jiu-Jitsu as his entrance music. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Paunovic
vs
Manning

186 cm
23
193 lbs
2 - 2 - 0

180 cm
29
203 lbs
7 - 6 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent MT
Cardio machine

BJJ Red Belt
Decent boxing
Granite chin

FinnFighter Nutrition (Five 160Q supps!)

Urban Fighter
Dauntless

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 2 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Zoran Paunovic!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Peyton Manning!
The judges for this bout are Thiago Cunha, Mauricio Rocha and Luis Engracia.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Paunovic uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Manning.
Paunovic looked to counter with a high kick but didn't commit.
Manning dodges the punch combination from Paunovic.
Paunovic doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Manning avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Manning moves out of range as Paunovic strikes.
Manning wants to counter the offense by Paunovic and move into the clinch position.
Manning cracks Paunovic with a right hand to the side of the head.
Manning is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Paunovic fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Manning is looking to clinch.
A little feinted left hand from Paunovic on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
We can't be sure of the tactics at this early stage but we have heard that Manning has been working on his takedowns a lot in the buildup to the fight and we can only assume he's going to look to take this to the mat.
A jab from Paunovic does it's job there.
Paunovic throws a sloppy head kick and Manning moves out of range easily.
Manning keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Paunovic.

Paunovic rushes Manning and presses him up against the cage.
Paunovic lands a shoulder strike.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Paunovic swings wildly with an uppercut but Manning uses good head movement to avoid it.
Paunovic misses with a punch on the inside.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Paunovic misses with the head strike.
Manning keeps control of Paunovic as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
A nice left hand lands by Paunovic.
Paunovic blocking some punches.
Paunovic scores with a shoulder strike.
Manning fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Paunovic pushes Manning back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Manning blocking some punches.
A body shot lands from Paunovic.

Manning jumps into guard, dragging Paunovic to the mat.
Manning is trying to keep Paunovic in close.
Paunovic trying to control the position from guard on top but Manning is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Manning working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Paunovic doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Paunovic manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Paunovic tries to free his leg and advance position but Manning is retaining full guard.
Manning working a defensive guard but Paunovic passes into half guard.

Manning actively working from the bottom here.
Manning wants to get back to full guard.
Paunovic is thwarting Manning's attempts to control the position.
Paunovic with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.
Manning gets full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Manning avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Paunovic scoring with punches to the head and body.
Paunovic knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Manning on the ground.
Manning is controlling Paunovic's posture.

Manning throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Paunovic trying to control but Manning is working from the bottom.

Manning is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Paunovic stopping the sweep attempt from Manning.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Manning controls Paunovic momentarily but Paunovic frees himself.
Paunovic loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.

Manning working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Paunovic doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Paunovic manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Paunovic sitting in guard, not really doing much.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Manning looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Paunovic loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Paunovic tries to free his leg and advance position but Manning is retaining full guard.

Manning working for a triangle but Paunovic defends it easily.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Zoran Paunovic dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Manning tries for a takedown but Paunovic sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Paunovic thinks about countering with a body kick.
We've been told by Paunovic's head coaches at Soul Supremacy Rio that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Manning crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Paunovic - the referee stops the clock and Manning gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Paunovic. Manning manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.
A big left from Paunovic misses.

Paunovic drives through and clinches with Manning against the cage.
Paunovic misses with a hook from the clinch.
A shot in the inside from Manning.

Paunovic escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.

Paunovic clinches with his opponent.
Nice body punch from Paunovic - that landed with a thud.
Paunovic lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Manning backwards.
Paunovic misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Paunovic tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Paunovic tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Manning's elbow.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Paunovic.
Manning tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Paunovic is leaning against Manning and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Paunovic misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Paunovic misses with a hook to the ribs.
Paunovic tries to work over Manning's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Paunovic misses with a knee strike.
Manning wants to stall.
Paunovic lands a nice uppercut.
Paunovic swings wildly with an uppercut but Manning uses good head movement to avoid it.

Paunovic pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
A looping hook to the body misses from Paunovic. Manning does a little dance to reset his feet.
Manning tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Paunovic throwing a counter right hand but Manning manages to avoid it.
Paunovic lands with a cross.
Paunovic swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Paunovic gets off balance looking for a body kick

and Manning counters with a shoot takedown. Paunovic fights it but they end up in guard.
Manning trying to control but Paunovic is working from the bottom.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Paunovic trying to keep a closed guard but Manning is proving a slippery customer.
Manning stopping the sweep attempt from Paunovic.
Paunovic can't keep his opponent in guard - Manning advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Paunovic wants to get back to full guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Paunovic is working hard here to advance position.
Paunovic is refusing to be controlled, as Manning sits in half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Manning content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.
Paunovic trying to control but Manning postures up.

Manning is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Paunovic is just riding it out for now. Manning eventually gives up the hold.
Still in half guard, Manning seems content to control.
Peyton Manning has got the better of the ground game so far.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
The fighters are battling for position here. Paunovic manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Manning preventing the sweep.
Paunovic looking to sweep using the butterfly guard but Manning puts pay to that idea as he passes nicely into half guard.
Manning wants to take a breather but Paunovic is having none of it.
Paunovic regains full guard. Nicely done.
Manning pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Paunovic is keeping the position for now.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Paunovic manages to wriggle out and sneak his way back up to his feet, so the fighters are now clinched up against the cage.
Paunovic struggles to land a body shot inside as Manning controls his hands.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Zoran Paunovic dominated that second round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Paunovic takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Nice body punch from Paunovic.
Manning scores with a body shot.
Manning gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Paunovic keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Manning takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Paunovic throws a push kick but Manning slaps the foot to one side.
Manning steps in looking to clinch after the strikes miss from Paunovic.
Paunovic throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Manning.
Good standup being displayed there by Manning as he connects with a hook.
Some wild striking there from Paunovic.
Manning cracks Paunovic with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Paunovic misses with a straight left.
Paunovic looks to land a body kick but Manning moved away.
Manning tries to clinch but Paunovic moves out of range.
Manning keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Zoran Paunovic is winning the standup battle so far.
Manning uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Paunovic.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A punch lands to the side of Manning 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Paunovic lands a jab-cross combination.
Zoran Paunovic seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Manning darts in trying to clinch
and Paunovic counters with a straight right hand.
Paunovic scores with a jab. Manning acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Paunovic connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Manning dodges the punch combination from Paunovic.
Paunovic is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Manning can do to turn this around?
Paunovic throws a body kick that misses.

Manning moves into the clinch.
Paunovic makes some space for himself and lands an 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!
Paunovic tries to circle away but Manning has him pinned against the cage.

Paunovic's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Manning misses with a straight left.
Manning steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from Paunovic. That one must have hurt.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Paunovic.
Zoran Paunovic is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Manning shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Paunovic as he avoids it easily.
Paunovic swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Nice body kick there by Paunovic.
Paunovic moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Manning takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Manning swinging wildly here.
Paunovic lands a glancing blow to the side of Manning's head.
Some wild striking there from Paunovic.
Manning tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Paunovic paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Paunovic looks to throw the jab but Manning is out of range.
Zoran Paunovic is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Paunovic keeps the fight on the outside.
Manning changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Paunovic tries to avoid it but Manning manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Paunovic to the ground. Paunovic escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Manning takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Manning swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Paunovic is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Manning.
Manning is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Paunovic tests Manning's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Manning takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Manning moves out of range as Paunovic throws a body kick.
Manning takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.

Manning closes the distance and pushes Paunovic back into the cage.
Paunovic lands a right hand that snaps the head of Manning backwards.
Manning misses with the head strike.
Paunovic struggles to land a body shot inside as Manning controls his hands.
Manning tries to pull guard but Paunovic won't allow it.
Zoran Paunovic has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Peyton Manning.
Paunovic working aggressively here.
Zoran Paunovic has scored more points in the clinch so far.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Paunovic lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Manning misses with a body punch.
Paunovic struggles to land a body shot inside as Manning controls his hands.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Manning.
Paunovic throws a head punch that misses.
Manning tries to pull guard but Paunovic won't allow it.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Paunovic misses with a punch on the inside.
Paunovic is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Manning is defending well for now.
Paunovic blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Peyton Manning has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Paunovic lands with a short shot to the head.

And that's the end of the fight!
Zoran Paunovic showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Paunovic, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 Thiago Cunha scores the fight 30:27
Judge Mauricio Rocha scores the fight 30:27
Judge Luis Engracia scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Zoran Paunovic!
Zoran Paunovic took some time post fight to say the following; 'I can sing, dance and I have a lot of money'.