PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Bernardo De Barros (ranked 421 p4p, 50 weight class) and Xavier Merlin (ranked 542 p4p, 62 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

De Barros
vs
Merlin

173 cm
22
160 lbs
9 - 2 - 0

170 cm
21
162 lbs
9 - 3 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Basic striking
Cardio machine

Excellent grappler
Decent boxing
Powerful

Combat Wombat (90% Laundry)
Urban Fighter

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 9 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Bernardo De Barros!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 9 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Xavier Merlin!
The judges for this bout are Ben Hemmingworth, Hugh Johnson and Damien Edna.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

De Barros drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
De Barros passes Merlin's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Merlin is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
De Barros sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Merlin defending well though.

Merlin is defending against the submission attempts here by De Barros.
De Barros looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
De Barros wants to lay and pray for a moment but Merlin keeps working.
Merlin controlling the leg, holding on to half guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

De Barros seems to be working for a kimura but Merlin defends the submission attempt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
De Barros tries to pass to full mount but Merlin defends it.
Merlin tries to roll over but De Barros keeps him under control.
Merlin is holding on to half guard well.

De Barros is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Merlin tries to get to full guard but De Barros has control of the leg.
De Barros is looking to advance position but Merlin won't allow it.
Merlin gets full guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Merlin is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
De Barros stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Merlin swivels though and keeps the full guard.
De Barros is pushing down on Merlin's leg trying to pass to half guard. Merlin is fighting to maintain full guard but De Barros has managed to sneak the leg through.
Merlin wants to get back to full guard.
De Barros is thwarting Merlin's attempts to control the position.
Merlin is trying to avoid being dragged into an even worse position than he's already in but De Barros is staying active.
Merlin tries to get to full guard but De Barros has control of the leg.

De Barros seems to be looking for submissions.
Merlin moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Merlin trying to control the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
De Barros stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Merlin swivels though and keeps the full guard.
De Barros wants to control from the top but Merlin keeps moving.
Merlin pulls De Barros in close to his closed guard and prevents De Barros from doing any damage or advancing position.
Merlin keeping full guard, as De Barros tries to pass.
Merlin seems keen to control De Barros's posture.
Merlin trying to control the position.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.

De Barros 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.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Merlin keeping full guard, as De Barros tries to pass.
De Barros wants to control from the top but Merlin keeps moving.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
De Barros tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Merlin swivels and escapes.
De Barros darts in looking for a takedown but Merlin gets double underhooks and turns De Barros into the cage.
Merlin dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Merlin lands a really nice looking cross but De Barros seems unphased.
Nice straight punches there by Merlin. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Merlin.
Merlin stuffs the takedown attempt from De Barros. De Barros gets slowly back to his feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Bernardo De Barros. That's going to take a lot out of him.
A cross from Merlin lands.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
De Barros tries to move into range but Merlin moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Merlin swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
De Barros goes for a double leg but Merlin avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Merlin continues to drive forward.
De Barros takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Merlin connects with a jab.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Xavier Merlin 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.

De Barros shoots in but Merlin avoids the takedown attempt easily.
De Barros shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Merlin throws a wild body kick that De Barros sees coming a mile off.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Merlin lands with a nice body punch.
Merlin leaves De Barros with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Merlin now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Bernardo De Barros. That's going to take a lot out of him.
De Barros fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
De Barros slips under a jab.
Merlin connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
De Barros looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Merlin lands a nice shot that snaps De Barros's head back.
De Barros ducks under a wild hook from Merlin.
De Barros shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Merlin as he jumps to the side.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
De Barros fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Merlin uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from De Barros.
Merlin stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Merlin wants it to stay on the feet.
A jab lands there for Merlin.
De Barros walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Merlin misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from De Barros.
Merlin scores with a jab. De Barros acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Merlin moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
De Barros takes a push kick to the midsection and stumbles backwards.
Nice takedown defense from Merlin. No joy for De Barros on that attempt.
Merlin swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Merlin just misses with a punch to the body.
De Barros changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Merlin throws a leg kick which misses De Barros's front leg but catches the back leg as De Barros tries to avoid it.
Xavier Merlin is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
De Barros shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
letting Merlin counter with a right hand.
Merlin throws a jab when De Barros was well out of range.
Merlin with a hook.
Merlin stuffs the takedown attempt from De Barros. De Barros gets slowly back to his feet.
De Barros fails to land the takedown.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Merlin dips down and scores with a jab to the body.

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

That's two minutes gone in the round.
De Barros stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Merlin swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Merlin looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Merlin is adopting a defensive guard.

De Barros 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.
De Barros trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
De Barros missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Merlin pulls De Barros in close to prevent any damage.
De Barros stopping the sweep attempt from Merlin.
De Barros being controlled here momentarily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
De Barros tries to free his leg and advance position but Merlin is retaining full guard.
Merlin pulls De Barros in close to prevent any damage.
De Barros wants to control from the top but Merlin keeps moving.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
De Barros passes into half guard.
Bernardo De Barros overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Merlin is holding on to half guard well.
Merlin is looking to improve his position.
Merlin felt the need to train up his defensive grappling in the buildup to the fight. Presumably he was expecting to be in a difficult position like this, so let's see if he can get out of it.

De Barros is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
De Barros wants to lay and pray for a moment but Merlin keeps working.
Merlin trying to control from the bottom.

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.
Merlin is doing well to control the position and prevent De Barros from advancing to side control.
Merlin tries to roll over but De Barros keeps him under control.
Merlin slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Merlin being controlled here, momentarily.
De Barros throwing strikes but missing.
De Barros slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.

De Barros is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Merlin is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
Merlin is trying to improve his position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Xavier Merlin showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Back to the action!

Merlin scores with a crisp jab that stopped De Barros in his tracks.
Merlin throws a right and a left that De Barros avoids nicely.
De Barros dives in for a single leg takedown but Merlin sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
De Barros closes this distance looking for a takedown but Merlin circles away.
Merlin has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
De Barros shoots in and drives through. Merlin sprawls well.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Bernardo De Barros. That's going to take a lot out of him.
De Barros doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Merlin counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
De Barros with a poor takedown
and Merlin counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Merlin pushes De Barros away with a front kick.
Merlin lands with an overhand left.
De Barros with a lazy takedown attempt
and Merlin counters with a nice body shot.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Merlin, as that shot connected.
De Barros shoots and misses
and Merlin counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
De Barros takes a nasty kick to the mid section... That should keep him thinking. Does he try and block and risk a head kick landing?
Good exchange - Merlin coming out on top.
Merlin lands with a shot to the body.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Merlin misses with a head kick.
Merlin throws the kick towards the body but De Barros avoids it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
De Barros has a takedown stuffed.
De Barros tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Merlin swivels and escapes.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Merlin! But no joy.
De Barros walks into a left hand.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Merlin!
Nice takedown defense from Merlin. No joy for De Barros on that attempt.
De Barros has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Merlin finds it's way round the side to connect with De Barros's head.
De Barros tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
De Barros ducks right into an uppercut from Merlin.
De Barros shoots for a takedown but Merlin saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.

Merlin tries to sprawl but De Barros drives through with a takedown into half guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Merlin keeping control of the position.
Merlin is pressing down on De Barros's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Merlin has control of De Barros's left arm, preventing De Barros from doing any damage.
Merlin is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Both fighters have adopted an aggressive gameplan on the ground!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
De Barros tries to get to full guard but Merlin has control of the leg.
Merlin tries to pass to full mount but De Barros defends it.
Merlin prevents De Barros from improving his position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Merlin controlling the action here.

De Barros looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
De Barros trying to control from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Merlin controlling the action here.
Merlin wants to free his trapped foot but De Barros is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Merlin takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.
De Barros is looking for a sweep. Merlin is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Merlin perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.

De Barros looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Merlin content to control rather than advance.
De Barros is trying to get back to full guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Merlin controlling the action here.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
De Barros shoots in for a takedown but Merlin shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Merlin looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Merlin swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Merlin throws a body punch but De Barros moves out of range.
Merlin fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. De Barros looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.

De Barros scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
Merlin tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but De Barros wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Merlin is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on De Barros's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.
Merlin is trying to control but can't.
Merlin tries to get to full guard but De Barros has control of the leg.
De Barros thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Xavier Merlin really dominated that round.
That's time! De Barros's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

De Barros misses with a takedown attempt
and Merlin counters with a straight right hand.
De Barros shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Merlin as he avoids it easily.
Merlin throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Merlin throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent De Barros stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Merlin moves into range and connects with a jab.
De Barros fails with the takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Bernardo De Barros. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Merlin lands a two punch combo.
De Barros fails to land the takedown.
Merlin is clearly trying to counter these attacks from De Barros with a body shot.
De Barros avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Merlin lands a head kick. De Barros smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
Merlin lands a really nice looking cross but De Barros seems unphased.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
A telegraphed takedown attempt from De Barros is defended easily by Merlin.
De Barros looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Merlin lands with a nice body punch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nice shot by Merlin.
De Barros shoots in but no luck this time.

De Barros shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Merlin napping and manages to drive through into side control!
Merlin is looking for a sweep.
You can see the frustration on Merlin's face as De Barros controls the position.

De Barros tries for a kimura but Merlin is defending well.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Merlin stops De Barros from passing to mount.

De Barros wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Merlin, who protects the arm well.
Merlin is looking to regain half guard here but De Barros keeps moving and retains side control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Merlin is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked De Barros off and has taken his back!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Merlin working for a choke but De Barros is defending well.
Merlin struggling to keep hold of the position.
De Barros breaks Merlin's hooks off and manages to turn into his guard.
De Barros stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Merlin swivels though and keeps the full guard.
De Barros trying to pass the guard. He's being very persistent here but Merlin manages to land a sweep and now he's on top!

Merlin trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Merlin avoids a guillotine attempt easily.

De Barros looks to be working for a triangle here. Oh, it looks like he might have it! Merlin has picked De Barros up and slammed him! De Barros can't keep hold of the triangle and Merlin manages to pass to side control!
Merlin controls the position from side control.
De Barros is looking for a sweep.
Merlin trying to control the position but De Barros is working away.
De Barros tries to bench press Merlin off him but Merlin keeps the position.
De Barros can't do much from the bottom here.
Merlin is looking to take a break and control but De Barros is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here.
De Barros is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Merlin controlling from side mount.
Merlin wants to control but De Barros is keeping him busy.
De Barros manages to get back to half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Xavier Merlin dominated that fourth round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. This is the final round!

Decent striking displayed by Merlin there.
Merlin will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Xavier Merlin seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Merlin scores with a shot to the body.
De Barros goes for a double leg but Merlin avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Merlin continues to drive forward.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Merlin! But no joy.
Merlin looks to land a right hand but De Barros moved out of range.
Merlin throws a jab when De Barros was well out of range.
Merlin displaying good standup as he scores with a three punch combination.
De Barros shoots in looking for a takedown but Merlin manages to keep the fight standing, pushing De Barros's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Merlin throws a half hearted mid kick.
De Barros takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Merlin leaves De Barros with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Bernardo De Barros. That's going to take a lot out of him.

De Barros drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
De Barros trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Merlin pulls De Barros in close to prevent any damage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
De Barros won't allow Merlin to sweep him here.
Merlin managing to control the position.
De Barros wants to control from the top but Merlin keeps moving.
Merlin pulls De Barros in close to his closed guard and prevents De Barros from doing any damage or advancing position.
Merlin not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
De Barros missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Merlin looking to control.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
De Barros avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
De Barros darts in looking for a takedown but Merlin gets double underhooks and turns De Barros into the cage.
Nice defenses there by De Barros.
De Barros misses with a takedown attempt - Merlin sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Merlin lets it all go there with a big combo counter but none of the punches connected.
De Barros shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Merlin counters with a series of strikes. De Barros will be more careful next time no doubt.
De Barros defending well as Merlin loads up on a big left hand.
Merlin bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps De Barros's head backwards.

Merlin tries to sprawl but De Barros drives through with a takedown into half guard.

De Barros is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Merlin is just riding it out for now. De Barros eventually gives up the hold.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - a gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
Merlin is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Merlin keeping hold of De Barros's head, controlling as best he can.
De Barros is pressing down on Merlin's thigh, looking to free his foot. Merlin is holding on for now.
Merlin makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Merlin.
De Barros stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Merlin swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Merlin seems keen to control De Barros's posture.
De Barros throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Merlin works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Merlin looking to hit a scissor sweep but De Barros is one step ahead there.
Merlin controlling the position.

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.
Merlin keeping full guard, as De Barros tries to pass.
Merlin bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in De Barros's guard.

De Barros working for a triangle but Merlin defends it easily.
Merlin trying to control the position from guard on top but De Barros is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

De Barros has managed to work for a loose triangle. I think Merlin should be able to defend this one pretty easily though. Oh, De Barros has tightened it up now! Merlin should have reacted faster there - he's in big trouble and yes, he's tapped out! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:58 of round 5, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle). Bernardo De Barros!
Bernardo De Barros retains his lightweight title!