QFC Tournament 70 Round 2 PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Jose Alves (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Michak Ropuia (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Ropuia is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: Here comes the pain - Slayer. Jose Alves has the edge in experience - let's see if he can make that count tonight.

Alves
vs
Ropuia

191 cm
24
144 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

176 cm
24
152 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

Good takedowns
Counter striker
KO power

Good takedowns
Brawler
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Jose Alves!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Michak Ropuia!
The judges for this bout are Paul Gruel, Josh West and Chris Saunders.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Alves avoids the body shot from Ropuia.
Ropuia throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Alves's waist but Alves gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Ropuia off to one side.
Ropuia looks to land a combination but Alves avoids it well.

Ropuia clinches with his opponent.

Alves decides to pull guard.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.

Alves looking for submissions from the bottom but instead Ropuia passes into side control.

Ropuia is trying to get an arm triangle but Alves is defending well.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Alves is looking for a sweep.

Ropuia working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
Alves is not content to let Ropuia control the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Alves is looking to regain half guard here but Ropuia keeps moving and retains side control.

Ropuia is working to tighten is grip on Alves's neck. He's isolated an arm and is working for an arm triangle. Alves has recognised the danger and is trying to turn with the submission but Ropuia is really squeezing tight and eventually Alves passes out! Ropuia breaks the hold and jumps onto the cage to celebrate! Submission of the night, I'd say!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:37 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Arm Triangle). Michak Ropuia!
An out of breath Michak Ropuia thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
46%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Kai Avares (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Albert Tejada (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Avares
vs
Tejada

156 cm
19
130 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

172 cm
19
155 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Brawler
KO power

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter striker
Intelligent

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Kai Avares!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Albert Tejada!
The judges for this bout are Chris Saunders, Paul Gruel and Ryoma Takatsuka.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Tejada throws a right and a left that Avares avoids nicely.
Tejada plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
Avares swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Tejada counters with a big head kick but Avares shrugs it off.

Avares tries to sprawl but Tejada drives through with a takedown into half guard.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.
Avares is looking to control Tejada's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Avares avoid being mounted?
Avares manages to get to full guard.
Avares avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.

Tejada stands up from Avares's guard - Tejada perhaps looking for a knockout.
Avares misses with a series of wild punches.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tejada misses with a wild combination.
Avares tries to score a power double leg takedown but Tejada sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Avares somewhat.
Tejada slaps away a takedown attempt from Avares, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Avares throws a body kick that misses
and Tejada counters with a head kick. That will keep Avares thinking before he tries any more sloppy attacks!
Avares has his takedown stuffed
and Tejada counters with a solid body kick.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Kai Avares. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Avares fails miserably with a takedown attempt.

Avares throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Tejada was covering up waiting for the punch and Avares finishes the takedown easily into guard.
Avares stopping the sweep attempt from Tejada.
Avares wants to pass the guard but Tejada is keeping the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Avares prevents Tejada from getting back to his feet.
Avares landing some decent shots from guard.
Tejada pulls Avares in close to prevent any damage.
Avares passes Tejada's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Avares wants to pass the guard but Tejada is defending well.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Avares is working hard here to advance position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Avares stands up from half guard.
Avares throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Tejada shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Tejada tries to clinch up.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Kai Avares will probably get the nod.
That's time! Back to the action!

Tejada shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in full mount! That's better than Tejada was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
Tejada prevents Avares from getting the reversal.
Tejada avoids the attempt from Avares to control.
Avares regains half guard.
Tejada wants to pass the guard but Avares is defending well.
Avares gets full guard.
Tejada postures up.
Tejada wants to stand but Avares has a closed guard, so he can't escape.
Tejada really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Avares. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Avares lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Tejada!
Tejada wants to control but Avares is having none of it.
Tejada is wriggling around trying to escape.
Tejada is trying to get back to his feet but can't.
Avares is landing with some decent strikes but Tejada is trying to advance his position so the referee is letting the fight continue.
Avares looking to finish with strikes here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Avares avoids the attempt from Tejada to control.

Avares is looking to secure an arm. He's managed it! He's pivoting for an armbar - that looks tight! But Tejada has managed to get out of it and now he's in a dominant position. Nice work from Tejada!
Avares trying to strike off his back.
Tejada trying to control the position from guard on top but Avares is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Avares looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tejada trying to stand up but can't free himself from Avares's guard.
Kai Avares overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

Avares has his feet on Tejada's hips. He pushes off and gets to his feet. Nice work.
Tejada throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.

Tejada closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Avares did well to prevent Tejada getting side control.
Tejada is breathing heavily.
Tejada thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Avares's head.
Tejada is trying to control. Avares wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Avares tries to roll over but Tejada keeps him under control.
Avares preventing any damage for now, controlling his opponent's head.
Tejada is just content to waste time from the top position. Avares takes advantage of the situation and regains full guard.
Tejada trying to control the position from guard on top but Avares is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Avares controlling the position.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.
Avares keeping moving, preventing Tejada from controlling successfully.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Kai Avares will probably get the nod.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. And we move into the final round!

Avares tries for a takedown but Tejada circles away easily
and Tejada counters with an outside leg kick.
Tejada shoots in but Avares avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Avares fails with the takedown

and Tejada counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Tejada lands with a punch from half guard.
Avares works his way to full guard. Good work.
Avares wants to sweep but no luck.
Tejada landing some decent shots from guard.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Avares keeping full guard, as Tejada tries to pass.
Tejada not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Avares controls Tejada momentarily but Tejada frees himself.
Tejada preventing the sweep.
Tejada wants to stand but Avares is controlling his posture from full guard.
Tejada throwing strikes but missing.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Avares working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Tejada doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Oh but Avares is tightening it up a little... Tejada has to be careful here... He's got his foot tucked under now, this looks tight! Tejada reacted too slowly and this one could be over in a matter of seconds! YES! Tejada taps out! Nice BJJ there by Avares!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:31 of round 3, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle Choke). Kai Avares!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
67%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Matheus Sousa (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Mike Redd (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Mike Redd has the power to score a knockout today if he connects clean with Matheus Sousa's chin.

Sousa
vs
Redd

180 cm
19
155 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

172 cm
24
152 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Self confident

Good takedowns
Basic striking
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Matheus Sousa!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Mike Redd!
The judges for this bout are Chris Saunders, Paul Gruel and Jeff Smith.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Redd shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Sousa manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.

Redd drops back, looking for a kneebar! Sousa looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Sousa looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Sousa!
Redd gets back to half guard.
Redd tries to get to full guard but Sousa has control of the leg.
Redd moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.

Redd working for a triangle but Sousa defends it easily.
Redd looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Redd is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.

Sousa stands up and waves to Redd to follow him.

Redd drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Sousa can't do much from the bottom here.

Redd tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Redd has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!

Redd tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.

Redd is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Sousa is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Redd goes for an armbar! This could be all over! Wait, no, Sousa rolls with the submission and now he's on top in Redd's guard! Nice work there by Sousa!
Sousa knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Redd on the ground.
Redd not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Sousa wants to get up but he can't break Redd's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.

Sousa is sitting in close to Redd's body. Redd has gone for a guillotine from the bottom. Oh damn, that looks pretty tight! Sousa is panicking - it looks like this one could be all over! Yes, Sousa is tapping! That was a very nice submission by Redd.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:56 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Guillotine). Mike Redd!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
44%

Main event

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Caius Lehtonen (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Karlic Tiberous (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Karlic Tiberous is the more experienced fighter, so let's see if that makes a difference tonight.

Lehtonen
vs
Tiberous

177 cm
24
150 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

180 cm
24
150 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter striker
Inexperienced

Good takedowns
Brawler
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Caius Lehtonen!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Karlic Tiberous!
The judges for this bout are Micheangelo Fripello, Colin Fray and Paul Gruel.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Tiberous has closed the distance and engaged Lehtonen in a clinch.

Lehtonen's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.

Lehtonen moves into the clinch.
Tiberous wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.

Lehtonen manages to pull guard.

Lehtonen had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Tiberous defends it easily.
Tiberous with a flurry of punches that miss.
Tiberous trying to control but Lehtonen is working from the bottom.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Lehtonen strikes from his own guard.
Tiberous sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Tiberous stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Lehtonen swivels though and keeps the full guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tiberous wants to control from the top but Lehtonen keeps moving.

Tiberous drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but Lehtonen manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Tiberous has Lehtonen in his guard.

Tiberous is looking for a triangle here but Lehtonen uses the submission attempt to pass into side control.
You can see the frustration on Tiberous's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Tiberous manages to get back to half guard.

Tiberous looking for submissions off his back.

Lehtonen is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Tiberous doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Lehtonen.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Tiberous has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Lehtonen is working away from the top position though.
Tiberous slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Tiberous keeping moving, preventing Lehtonen from controlling successfully.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Tiberous is on top in guard.
Lehtonen working a defensive guard but Tiberous passes into half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Tiberous looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.

Tiberous is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.

Lehtonen looking for submissions from an awkward position here.

Tiberous wants to work for an arm triangle but Lehtonen is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.

Lehtonen pushes Tiberous off and gets back to his feet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tiberous shoots for a double leg takedown but Lehtonen sprawls well. He's pushed Tiberous's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.

Tiberous dives in and scores a takedown into Lehtonen's guard.

Lehtonen pushes Tiberous off and scrambles back to his feet.
Lehtonen leaves Tiberous with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Tiberous tries a head kick but it misses.
Lehtonen throws a leg kick which misses Tiberous's front leg but catches the back leg as Tiberous tries to avoid it.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Lehtonen throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.

Lehtonen gets a takedown into half guard.

Tiberous looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Karlic Tiberous will probably get the nod.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Lehtonen has closed the distance and engaged Tiberous in a clinch.

Lehtonen works for the underhooks and manages to get a trip takedown into guard.

Tiberous is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.

Lehtonen got a little sloppy there for a moment and Tiberous has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Lehtonen has managed to get both his arms back between Tiberous's legs - danger averted.
Lehtonen connects with a couple of short punches.
Lehtonen trying to control but Tiberous is working from the bottom.

Tiberous throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Tiberous has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Lehtonen can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lehtonen is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Tiberous looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
Lehtonen wants to stand but Tiberous has a closed guard, so he can't escape.
Lehtonen trying to control but Tiberous is working from the bottom.
Karlic Tiberous has got the better of the ground game so far.

Caius Lehtonen has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.

Lehtonen drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Lehtonen pushes down on Tiberous's leg and manages to get into half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tiberous flails away from the bottom but he's not doing any damage.
Tiberous manages to get to full guard.

Tiberous has his foot on Lehtonen's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Lehtonen works his way back into a safe position though.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Lehtonen wants to control from the top but Tiberous keeps moving.

Tiberous had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Lehtonen defends it easily.
Lehtonen is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.

Lehtonen avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Lehtonen pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Tiberous is keeping the position for now.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tiberous throws a couple of weedy looking strikes off his back.
Lehtonen landing with the ground and pound.

Tiberous has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Lehtonen can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.

Tiberous is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Lehtonen defends well.
Tiberous keeping moving, preventing Lehtonen from controlling successfully.
Tiberous is trying to control the position from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tiberous keeping moving, preventing Lehtonen from controlling successfully.
Lehtonen passes into half guard.

Tiberous looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Lehtonen lands with a punch from half guard.
Tiberous is looking for a sweep. Lehtonen is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Tiberous slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Lehtonen has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Lehtonen tries to free his leg and advance position but Tiberous is retaining full guard.
Lehtonen with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Karlic Tiberous showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

Tiberous gets a double leg takedown into Lehtonen's guard.

Tiberous is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! Lehtonen is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! Lehtonen has escaped and now he's on top!

Tiberous has his foot on Lehtonen's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Lehtonen works his way back into a safe position though.
Lehtonen keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Tiberous's head.
Lehtonen wants to control from the top but Tiberous keeps moving.
Tiberous preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Tiberous keeping moving, preventing Lehtonen from controlling successfully.

Tiberous looking for submissions from the bottom but instead Lehtonen passes into half guard.
Tiberous regains full guard. Nicely done.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Lehtonen got a little sloppy there for a moment and Tiberous has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Lehtonen has managed to get both his arms back between Tiberous's legs - danger averted.
Lehtonen content to stall in guard here.
Tiberous keeping moving, preventing Lehtonen from controlling successfully.
Tiberous looking to control.
Lehtonen trying to control the position from guard on top but Tiberous is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
Lehtonen stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Tiberous swivels though and keeps the full guard.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Caius Lehtonen wasn't doing enough on the ground.

Lehtonen shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in full mount! That's better than Lehtonen was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Lehtonen breaks from Tiberous's wrist control and lands an elbow.
Lehtonen working away from the top, dropping strikes.
Tiberous tries to hold on but Lehtonen pushes him away.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Tiberous regains half guard.

Tiberous looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Tiberous takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Tiberous trying to control here.
Tiberous gets back to full guard.
Tiberous looking to control.

Tiberous has his feet on Lehtonen's thighs here. He's pushed Lehtonen off and worked for a very quick armbar from the bottom! He's flipped onto his stomach and he's cranking hard on the arm! Lehtonen screams in pain and taps out! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:59 of round 3, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Karlic Tiberous!