MMANIAK 31 - Maul vs Arcuri PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between De Janeiro (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Borys Mankowski (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Mankowski has chosen Kękę -Wyjebane as his entrance music. Borys Mankowski told me before the fight that he's been watching a lot of DVDs so let's see if that helps him in this one! I can't wait to find out!

Janeiro
vs
Mankowski

180 cm
30
151 lbs
18 - 7 - 0

180 cm
27
179 lbs
14 - 5 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Counter fighter
Granite chin

Good wrestler
Counter fighter
Good gas tank

RAGS of a RONIN

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 18 - 7 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, De Janeiro!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 14 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Borys Mankowski!
The judges for this bout are Colin Fotheringham, Donald Grub and Daniel Bishop.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
We've got one fighter who appears to only be looking to counter and the other not looking particularly aggressive either, so we could be in for a dull fight.

Mankowski closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Janeiro to the mat! Janeiro manages to get full guard.

Janeiro working for a triangle but Mankowski defends it easily.
Mankowski working some strikes from top position.

Janeiro is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Mankowski is aware though and is defending well.

Mankowski got a little sloppy there for a moment and Janeiro has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Mankowski has managed to get both his arms back between Janeiro's legs - danger averted.

Janeiro has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Mankowski can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Janeiro avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Mankowski working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Janeiro's head.

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

Mankowski drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Mankowski jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.

Janeiro has his foot on Mankowski's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Mankowski works his way back into a safe position though.
Mankowski lands a couple of digs.
Mankowski lands a couple of digs.
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!

Mankowski avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Janeiro keeping full guard, as Mankowski tries to pass.
Janeiro seems to have improved his submission grappling technique since last time we saw him. Let's see if he can pull off a submission.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mankowski working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Janeiro's head.

Mankowski 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.
Mankowski working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.

Janeiro is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Mankowski defends well.

Janeiro throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.

Janeiro working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Mankowski doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Mankowski manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Mankowski is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Mankowski chips away with some ground and pound.
Mankowski makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Mankowski drops back looking for a leg! Janeiro is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Janeiro manages to kick Mankowski off! Mankowski jumps back into Janeiro's guard.

Janeiro working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Mankowski doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Mankowski manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Mankowski must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Mankowski with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.

Janeiro has managed to work for a loose triangle. I think Mankowski should be able to defend this one pretty easily though. Oh, Janeiro has tightened it up now! Mankowski 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 2:43 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle). De Janeiro!
De Janeiro was full of energy after the big win and talked about how he thinks he can do big things in this sport. The crowd were appreciative of his determination to succeed.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
45%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Avila Alvarez (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Brandon Couture (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Alvarez comes to the cage accompanied by Barbarian by The Darkness. Couture has chosen Mama said knock you out as his entrance music. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Alvarez
vs
Couture

190 cm
29
180 lbs
11 - 18 - 0

175 cm
51
174 lbs
58 - 41 - 2

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

BJJ Purple Belt
Decent boxing
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 11 - 18 - 0, fighting out of London, Avila Alvarez!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 58 - 41 - 2, fighting out of London, Brandon Couture!
The judges for this bout are Daniel Bishop, Sam Margolis and William Gold.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Alvarez closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Alvarez lands in his opponent's guard.
Alvarez working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Couture's head.
Couture wants to stand but Alvarez is controlling the position.
Alvarez makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Alvarez won't allow Couture to get back to his feet.
Alvarez distracts Couture with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Alvarez postures up and lands a big shot to Couture's brow.
Couture is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Alvarez is controlling him.
Alvarez passes Couture's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Alvarez prevents Couture from standing back up.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Alvarez frees up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Alvarez with a couple of short strikes.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Couture tries to buck Alvarez off but he can't manage it.
Alvarez will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Alvarez scores with a couple of good head shots there.
Alvarez working Couture over with strikes here.

Alvarez with some aggressive grappling here. He's looking for submissions here, rather than waiting for the opportunity to counter.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Alvarez in mount throwing good strikes here, bouncing his opponent's head off the canvas.
Alvarez is in the full mount, landing strikes.
Alvarez won't let Couture get back to his feet... He wants to keep the fight where it is for now.
Alvarez unloads with some vicious shots from mount and Couture wants out - he looks towards the referee who steps in to save him! Alvarez celebrates on the cage and the crowd goes wild!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:35 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Avila Alvarez!
Avila Alvarez made sure to give a little speech post fight, saying 'Whooo! That was a battle, bay bay!'.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
81%

Main event

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Phil Arcuri (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Paul Maul (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Arcuri
vs
Maul

176 cm
27
168 lbs
13 - 2 - 0

180 cm
30
182 lbs
19 - 13 - 0

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

Conviction
Sully's Bar & Grill

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the welterweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 13 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Phil Arcuri!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 19 - 13 - 0, fighting out of London, Paul Maul!
The judges for this bout are James Glass, Sam Margolis and James Atkins.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Maul throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Maul throws a hook but Arcuri blocks it.
Maul swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Paul Maul seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Maul throws a combination that misses
and Arcuri counters with a good, hard body kick but Maul shrugs it off.
Arcuri throws a jab when Maul was well out of range.
Maul on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Maul bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Arcuri throws out a leg kick but Maul moves out of range and Arcuri only half commits.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Maul! But no joy.
Maul misses with a right hand
and Arcuri counters with a slapping leg kick.
An inside leg kick lands from Arcuri.
Maul throws a lazy right hand but Arcuri sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Maul, as that shot connected.
Maul throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Arcuri counters with a good low kick that Maul was not able to check.
Arcuri has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
A punch lands to the side of Arcuri 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Maul tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Arcuri was well out of range. Poor timing from Maul.
Maul throws an off balance right hand
and Arcuri cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Maul pivots, looking for a leg kick but Arcuri is out of range and Maul settles back down.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Maul looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Arcuri swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Arcuri slips a jab from Maul.
As Maul backs away, Arcuri returns fire with a leg kick that just misses.
Maul throws out a loose jab but Arcuri uses good head movement to avoid it.
It looked like Arcuri wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Maul looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Arcuri quickly followed up with a counter body kick but doesn't connect.
Arcuri moves out of range as Maul strikes.
Arcuri appears to be looking for a big counter.
Arcuri throws a jab but it's blocked by Maul.
Maul throws a combination that misses
and Arcuri counters with a good, hard body kick but Maul shrugs it off.
Arcuri avoids the body shot from Maul.
Maul misses the shot to the body.
Arcuri quickly followed up with a counter body kick but doesn't connect.
Maul looks to throw a body kick
enabling Arcuri to counter with a crisp jab.
Arcuri staying out of range there.
Maul keeps the fight on the outside.
Maul throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Arcuri sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Maul lands a nice looking body shot.
Arcuri lands a jab to the nose.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Maul circles away from the clinch attempt.
Maul throws an off balance right hand
and Arcuri counters with a nice body kick.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Arcuri with a nice cross.

Arcuri has taken the fight to the clinch.
Maul letting Arcuri take a breather here.

Maul breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Arcuri staying out of range there.
Arcuri throws a half hearted mid kick.
Arcuri cracks Maul with a right hand to the side of the head.
Arcuri swings for the body but Maul moves out of range.
The crowd cheers as Maul lands an impressive looking overhand right. Arcuri doesn't seem phased though.
The fighters circling - Maul throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Arcuri uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Maul.
Arcuri throwing a counter right hand but Maul manages to avoid it.
Nice shot lands for Maul.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Maul throws a wild body kick that Arcuri sees coming a mile off.
A little feinted left hand from Arcuri on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Maul lands a nice shot to the body.
Arcuri on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Maul throws the left hand but Arcuri avoids the punch easily.
Arcuri is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Arcuri getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Maul lands a jab-cross combination.
Maul pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Arcuri gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Maul scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Arcuri doesn't seem bothered though.
Maul throws a shot to the body.
Maul lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Maul looks to land a body kick but Arcuri moved away.
Arcuri appeared to be looking to counter that last move with a leg kick.
Arcuri tries to work over Maul's front leg with a kick but Maul checks it.
Maul throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Arcuri lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Arcuri ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Arcuri is looking to counter punch.
Arcuri throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Maul misses with a wild combination.
Arcuri bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Arcuri throws a big counter combination but Maul scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
Maul throws a leg kick
and Arcuri counters with a thumping low kick.
Arcuri finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Arcuri throws a mid kick that lands with a slap.
Maul looks to throw the jab but Arcuri is out of range.
An attempted straight right counter from Arcuri misses the target.
Arcuri tries to close the distance and clinch but Maul swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Maul avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Maul misses with a hook.
Arcuri's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Maul connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Arcuri scrambles back to his feet.
Maul throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Arcuri.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Paul Maul 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.

Arcuri uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Maul.
Maul throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Maul misses with a few strikes there.
A little feinted left hand from Arcuri on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Maul has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Arcuri swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Maul scores to the head and body with a nice combination!
Maul throws a right hand that misses
enabling Arcuri to counter with a crisp jab.
Arcuri defending well as Maul loads up on a big left hand.
It appears Arcuri was looking to counter with a kick there.
Arcuri blocks a jab.
Arcuri throwing a counter right hand but Maul manages to avoid it.
Maul misses with an uppercut
and Arcuri counters with a nice leg kick.
Arcuri fakes the leg kick and cracks Maul in the body.
Arcuri uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Maul.
Maul misses with a combination
and Arcuri counters with a stiff right hand.
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!
Nice uppercut lands for Arcuri. That snapped Maul's head back.

Arcuri takes the fight into the clinch.
Arcuri lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Arcuri throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Mauls head.

Maul breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Maul fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Arcuri looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Maul throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Arcuri counters with a nice uppercut.
Arcuri fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Maul throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Arcuri counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Maul throws a poor cross that misses
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
Maul throws a lazy right hand but Arcuri sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Arcuri moves out of range of the strikes.
Maul rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Arcuri counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Arcuri closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Arcuri wants to clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Maul misses with a looping right.
Paul Maul seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Arcuri takes one on the button.
Arcuri ducks under a wild hook from Maul.
Maul throws a right hand that Arcuri ducks under and follows up with a left that Arcuri also avoids with ease.
Maul throws a hook but Arcuri blocks it.
Arcuri half committed to a counter leg kick.
Maul rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Arcuri counters with an outside leg kick.
Arcuri on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Maul looks to land a left hand but Arcuri moved out of range nicely.
Arcuri swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Arcuri lands with a nice body kick.
Maul is breathing heavily.
Maul just misses with a punch to the body.
Arcuri misses with a body shot.
Maul looks to land a right hand but Arcuri moved out of range.
A nice combination there by Maul.
Maul misses with a hook
and Arcuri counters with a body kick that stops Maul in his tracks momentarily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Arcuri feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Maul's calf.
Arcuri lands a nice looking body kick.
Arcuri tests Maul's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Arcuri throws a quick inside leg kick.
Maul tries to land a body kick
and Arcuri counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Maul misses with a straight left.
Maul throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Arcuri moves out of range as Maul strikes.
Maul throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.

Arcuri drives through and clinches with Maul against the cage.

Maul escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Jab by Maul.
Maul rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Arcuri moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Maul loads up on a big right hand but Arcuri slips the punch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Arcuri scores with a crisp jab that stopped Maul in his tracks.
Maul throws a combination that misses
and Maul takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Maul throws a looping overhand right but Arcuri ducks down to avoid it.
Maul takes one on the chin but seems OK.
The fighters circling - Maul throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Maul throws a shot from downtown. Arcuri moves away and avoids it.
Arcuri looked to counter that last move with a leg kick but didn't pull the trigger.
Donk. Maul catches Arcuri right on the button with a cross.
Maul misses with a looping left.
Maul looks to land a left hand but Arcuri moved out of range nicely.
Arcuri half committed to a counter leg kick.
Maul swings widly with a right hand
and Arcuri makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
Nice defenses there by Arcuri.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Maul swats away the attempt to clinch by Arcuri.
Arcuri tries a head kick but it misses.
Maul swings widly with a right hand
and Arcuri counters with a lovely straight right hand!
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 Phil Arcuri will probably get the nod.
That's time! Back to the action!

Both fighters circling a little - Arcuri finishes the exchange with a kick to the body.
Arcuri takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Maul misses with an uppercut
and Arcuri counters with a nice leg kick.
Maul's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Arcuri scores with a spinning back kick!
Maul misses with an uppercut
and Maul takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.

Arcuri closes the distance and pushes Maul back into the cage.

Arcuri breaks from the clinch.
Arcuri scores with a crisp jab that stopped Maul in his tracks.
Maul keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Maul misses with a wild body shot.
Maul looks to score with a jab to the body but Arcuri is just out of range.
Maul takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Maul looks to land a left hand but Arcuri moved out of range nicely.
Maul throws out a loose jab but Arcuri uses good head movement to avoid it.
Arcuri throws a low kick but it's checked well by Maul.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Some wild striking there from Maul.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Maul misses with a body punch
and Arcuri counters with a good low kick that Maul was not able to check.
Maul misses with a low kick.
Maul has developed a nice purple lump on his ribcage, as a result of some heavy body kicks from Arcuri.
Maul swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Arcuri counters with a nice leg kick.
A jab lands there for Arcuri.
Maul misses with a lunging right hand
and Arcuri counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Maul throws a shot from downtown. Arcuri moves away and avoids it.
Arcuri lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.

Maul is rocked!
Maul misses with a hook to the body

and Arcuri lands a stunning uppercut that sends Maul to the mat!
Maul is still in real trouble! Can Arcuri finish him?
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Maul wants to improve his position but Arcuri is controlling well.

Arcuri is trying to work for a kimura but Maul is defending well.
Arcuri scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Arcuri scoring with strikes to the body and head.

Arcuri is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Maul sees it coming and defends easily.
Arcuri takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Arcuri works his way into side control.
Arcuri lands a knee to the body and follows it up with some ground and pound to the head. That will wear Maul down.
Arcuri moves into full mount!
Arcuri has his opponent pinned against the cage, landing some nasty ground and pound that is really making a bit of a mess out of Maul's face.
Arcuri looking to ground and pound his opponent to a finish here.
Maul is in a horrible position here. Arcuri smacks him with another shot as he tries to escape the position.
Arcuri scoring with strikes but Maul is staying in there.
Arcuri with good strikes from the mount here!
Arcuri is in full mount looking to finish with strikes. He lands a big shot, followed by another and Maul goes limp! The ref jumps in to end the fight - a big win for Arcuri!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:49 of round 3, we have a winner by way of KO (Strikes). Phil Arcuri!
Phil Arcuri is the new welterweight champion!
Phil Arcuri decided to go for the less than humble approach in his post fight interview, telling everyone how he is going to conquer the world. The crowd seemed to like it when really that sort of approach could have gone either way.