MMANIAK 34 - Arcuri/West PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Avila Alvarez (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Tommy Lotus (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Chooooooooon! I think Alvarez might be my favorite fighter, now he's come out to Barbarian by The Darkness. Lotus is bouncing up and down as he enters the arena, backed by Eye of the tiger. I can't wait for this one - let's get the fighter introductions out of the way and get this one started!

Alvarez
vs
Lotus

190 cm
29
180 lbs
12 - 18 - 0

186 cm
50
172 lbs
34 - 47 - 2

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

BJJ Blue 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 12 - 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 34 - 47 - 2, fighting out of London, Tommy Lotus!
The judges for this bout are Steven Brown, Andrew Berry and Richard Clark.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Lotus throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Alvarez tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Lotus is in Alvarez's guard.

Alvarez has managed to wall walk up one of the corner posts to get back to his feet. Lotus is pushing him up against the cage, looking to control the position.
We've been hearing reports that Alvarez has been drilling takedowns in recent sessions so let's see if that has an impact on the result of this fight.
Alvarez lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.

It looks like Tommy Lotus has been cut.
Lotus wants to get back to striking at distance but Alvarez won't allow it.
Alvarez connects with a knee to the head.
Alvarez comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Lotus wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Alvarez lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Alvarez prevents Lotus from breaking the clinch.
Alvarez lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Alvarez landing knees to the head.
A right hand to the body from Alvarez.
Nice body punch from Alvarez.
A knee to the head by Alvarez.
Alvarez lands an elbow just above Lotus 's eye.
Lotus wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Alvarez has him pressed against the cage.
Alvarez lands an elbow inside that Lotus shrugs off.
Nice elbow from Alvarez.
Lotus takes a knee right on the jaw!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lotus wants to break the clinch but can't.
A right hand to the body from Alvarez.
Lotus looks winded!
Alvarez makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Alvarez lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Alvarez lands a knee to the head.
Alvarez lands a nice shot to the body.
Nice body punch from Alvarez.
Alvarez scores a nice knee to the body.
Lotus tries to break free but Alvarez pushes him back against the cage.
Lotus is trying to force a seperation but Alvarez has the dominant position.
Alvarez keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Lotus's efforts to push away.
Alvarez lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Lotus takes a knee right on the jaw!
Alvarez lands a good knee to the midsection. Lotus won't want to take too many of those.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Alvarez lands a nice shot to the body.
Alvarez works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A right hand to the body from Alvarez.
Alvarez creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Lotus's defenses.
Alvarez is working Lotus over against the cage.
Alvarez digs a right hand into Lotus's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Lotus's gas tank.
Alvarez is leaning against Lotus and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Alvarez with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.

Lotus is rocked!

That has opened up Tommy Lotus's cut even more.
Alvarez connects with a knee to the head.
Lotus is still on wobbly legs! Can Alvarez finish him?
Nice body punch from Alvarez.
Lotus takes an elbow to the forehead.
Alvarez has the Thai clinch. He lands a big knee to the head that stumbles Lotus - he's in trouble! Another big knee to the head from Alvarez, and another! Lotus is out on his feet - the ref jumps in to save him and ends the fight!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:36 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Knees). Avila Alvarez!
Post fight, Avila Alvarez took to the microphone: '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
77%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between De Janeiro (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Paul Maul (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Fingers crossed for an exciting fight - I'm sure both fighters are looking for a nice under the table bonus!

Janeiro
vs
Maul

180 cm
30
151 lbs
19 - 7 - 0

180 cm
30
182 lbs
19 - 14 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Counter fighter
Granite chin

Good wrestler
Excellent boxer
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 19 - 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 19 - 14 - 0, fighting out of London, Paul Maul!
The judges for this bout are Daniel Bishop, Richard Clark and Steven Brown.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Janeiro ducks right into an uppercut from Maul.
Janeiro slips a jab and a cross from Maul.
Janeiro appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Janeiro takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Maul lands with a cross.
Maul fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Maul jabs at Janeiro's body.
Maul swinging wildly here.
Janeiro feinted with a counter takedown.
Maul misses with a looping right.
Janeiro drops down looking for a counter takedown but Maul sprawls and moves away.
Janeiro takes one on the button.
Maul throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped

so Janeiro counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Maul is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Janeiro postures up in Maul's guard and throws a big left but Maul blocks it.
Janeiro trying to control but Maul is working from the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Janeiro being controlled here momentarily.
Maul wants to sweep but no luck.
Janeiro forces his way into half guard.

Janeiro is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Maul has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Janeiro is working away from the top position though.
Maul has his hands clasped together around Janeiro's back. He's all about the action.

Janeiro is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Maul doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Janeiro.
Maul has found himself in a tricky position here. He's been working his transitions in training so let's see if he can work his way out of it.

That's two 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.

Janeiro is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Maul sees it coming and defends easily.

Maul is defending against the submission attempts here by Janeiro.
Maul gets full guard.
Janeiro throws a strike but Maul rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

Maul trying to control but Janeiro is working from the bottom.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Maul is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.

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

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Maul trying to control the position from guard on top but Janeiro is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Janeiro tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Janeiro being controlled here, momentarily.
Let's hope that Maul has the urge to step up the pace any second now because for the last 15 or 20 seconds he's just been holding on tight.

Janeiro escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Maul gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Maul not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
We're seeing a lot of stalling here from Maul.
Maul trying to control but Janeiro is working from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Maul working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Maul controlling from the top position.
Janeiro is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Maul is controlling Janeiro's trapped leg to prevent Janeiro from advancing to side control.
Maul is looking to improve his position.
We've been hearing good reports from Janeiro's training camp. Apparently he has been rolling around with some good quality BJJ practitioners and has been sharpening his skills. Let's see if that has an impact on the fight today.
Janeiro is pressing down on Maul's thigh, looking to free his foot. Maul is holding on for now.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

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

Janeiro is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Maul defends it well.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Paul Maul dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Janeiro takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Janeiro takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Janeiro gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Janeiro takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Maul listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Maul cracks Janeiro with a good jab.
Maul throws a monster overhand right that drops Janeiro! Maul follows up with more strikes from mount and the fight is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:42 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Paul Maul!
A very excited looking Paul Maul made sure he remembered to thank all the fans both in the arena and on the internet. He said all the coolest people spend all day on MMA websites, which got a big reaction.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
35%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Max Bear (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Mario Huber (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Huber has chosen Enter Sandman as his entrance music. Max Bear has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Bear
vs
Huber

199 cm
50
255 lbs
35 - 36 - 0

190 cm
34
240 lbs
22 - 34 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Solid boxing
KO power

Excellent grappler
Decent boxing
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 35 - 36 - 0, fighting out of London, Max Bear!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 22 - 34 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Mario Huber!
The judges for this bout are Sam Margolis, James Ackerman and Steven Brown.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Huber gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Huber working for a triangle but Bear defends it easily.
Bear wants to pass the guard but Huber is keeping the position.
Bear has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.

Huber is active off his back here, looking for submissions.

Huber looking for a guillotine here but Bear defends easily.
Bear trying to control but Huber is working from the bottom.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Huber is working actively from the bottom, looking for submissions. He's escaped his hips to the side and he's going for an armbar! Bear has his hands clasped together but Huber extends and breaks Bear's desperate grasp, forcing a tap out due to armbar! Nice BJJ displayed there by Huber.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:56 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Mario Huber!
A less than humble Mario Huber misjudged his post fight interview somewhat and came across a little too arrogant whilst trying to hype up his own abilities.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
75%

Main event

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Phil Arcuri (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Wayde West (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). West has chosen Sober as his entrance music. This should be fireworks!

Arcuri
vs
West

176 cm
27
168 lbs
14 - 2 - 0

187 cm
32
168 lbs
23 - 15 - 0

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Excellent MT
Good gas tank

Conviction
Sully's Bar & Grill

Sin City Allstars

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 14 - 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 23 - 15 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Wayde West!
The judges for this bout are Richard Clark, Paul Tew and James Atkins.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Arcuri has taken the fight to the clinch.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Arcuri.
Arcuri misses with a short punch on the inside.

Arcuri's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Arcuri throws the left hand but West avoids the punch easily.
Arcuri sets himself, and West steps forward looking for the clinch! Arcuri avoids it this time.
West doesn't manage to clinch there - Arcuri circles away.
Arcuri lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.

Arcuri closes the distance and clinches.

West manages to pull guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Arcuri throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as West works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Arcuri stopping the sweep attempt from West.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Arcuri controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
West preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.

West is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Arcuri stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. West swivels though and keeps the full guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.

West is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Arcuri is looking to work some ground and pound but West has wrist control.
West is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
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.
West wants to stand up but Arcuri is controlling him.
Arcuri trying to control the position from guard on top but West is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Arcuri wants to pass the guard but West is keeping the position.
West being controlled here, momentarily.

That's two 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 referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
West checks the leg kick.
No luck with that takedown attempt from West.
Arcuri throws a front kick aimed at West's knee but West avoids it well.
Arcuri misses the shot to the body.
West closes the distance and clinches up with Arcuri, looking for a takedown. West pushes Arcuri against the cage but Arcuri circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Arcuri is looking to counter punch.
Arcuri lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
West throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Arcuri counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
West scores with a head kick. Arcuri tried to block it but didn't get his arm up in time.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
West with a poor takedown
and Arcuri counters with a good low kick that West was not able to check.
Phil Arcuri has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Wayde West.
Arcuri checks the leg kick nicely there.
Arcuri lands a high kick!

It looks like Wayde West has been cut.
West misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
West dives in and grabs Arcuri's left leg, looking for a takedown. Arcuri pushes down on West's head and hops out.
West gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.

West is rocked!
West leaves his chin hanging out and Arcuri seizes the opportunity with an uppercut! West crumbles to the floor in a heap, and the referee steps in and tends to the downed fighter! What a knockout!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:39 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Phil Arcuri!
Phil Arcuri retains his welterweight title!
Phil Arcuri decided to hype himself up post fight. It was going well but he went on about it a bit too long and the crowd turned on him a little.