PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Matija Maestro (ranked 2295 p4p, 2595 weight class) and Etimoni Founuku (ranked 279 p4p, 316 weight class). Maestro comes to the cage accompanied by Shortwire - Reconfig. Founuku is bouncing up and down as he enters the arena, backed by Gun - Blind Channel. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Maestro
vs
Founuku

174 cm
19
156
3 - 0 - 0

173 cm
19
156
2 - 1 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Counter fighter
Cardio machine

BJJ Brown Belt
Counter fighter
Granite chin

Ma Balls Is Hot Clothing

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Matija Maestro!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Etimoni Founuku!
The judges for this bout are Trevor Gratis, Dillan Fox and Robert Douchet.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Maestro thuds his right hand into Founuku's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Maestro scores with a nice head shot.
Founuku takes one on the button.
Founuku throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Founuku moves out of range of the strikes.
Maestro jabs at Founuku's body.
Founuku fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Maestro with a nice cross.
Maestro keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Founuku misses the body punch
and Maestro counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Founuku thinking.
Maestro swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Founuku takes one on the button.

It looks like Etimoni Founuku has been cut.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Founuku misses with an uppercut
letting Maestro counter with a right hand.
Maestro fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Founuku manages to avoid it.
Founuku goes for a double leg but Maestro avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Maestro continues to drive forward.
Founuku throws a shot from downtown. Maestro moves away and avoids it.
Maestro ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Founuku moves away.
Founuku misses with a body shot
and Maestro counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Maestro scores with a jab. Founuku acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Maestro throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Maestro slips a jab from Founuku.
Founuku looks to land a right hand but Maestro moved out of range.
Maestro throws a lazy right hand but Founuku sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Founuku misses the shot to the body.
Founuku throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Founuku takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Founuku shoots in but no luck this time.
Matija Maestro has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Etimoni Founuku.
Founuku misses with a telegraphed body shot
enabling Maestro to counter with a crisp jab.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Maestro keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Founuku takes a swing at Maestro's ribcage but misses.
Nice shot lands for Maestro.
A slow jab from Founuku misses its intended target.
Maestro throws a shot from downtown. Founuku moves away and avoids it.
Maestro is really peppering his opponent's head with punches.
Founuku swings and misses with a shot to the body
and Maestro counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Maestro cracks Founuku with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Maestro fails in his attempt to clinch.
Founuku ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Maestro moves away.
Good standup being displayed there by Maestro as he connects with a hook.
Maestro lands a nice hook to Founuku's body. Founuku takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Founuku uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Maestro.
Founuku takes a jab right on the kisser.
Maestro connects with a good right hand that stumbles Founuku. Founuku circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Founuku throws a hook to the side of Maestro's head but Maestro sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
It looks like Maestro has been trying to sharpen up his punching technique, as it looks crisper than last time we saw him.
Founuku steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Maestro.
Founuku drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Maestro defends it well.
Maestro avoids the body shot from Founuku.
Maestro ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Founuku moves away.
Founuku changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Maestro throws a lazy right hand but Founuku sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Founuku with a lazy takedown attempt
and Maestro counters with a lovely straight right hand!

Maestro closes the distance and clinches.
Founuku blocks a body shot from Maestro.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Founuku blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Founuku tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Founuku tries to throw a body punch but Maestro avoids it by throwing Founuku back against the cage.
Founuku blocks a body shot from Maestro.
Maestro lands a left hand.
Maestro blocks a body shot from Founuku.
Maestro blocking some punches.
Maestro prevents a body shot from Founuku.
Founuku misses with a hook from the clinch.
Founuku drops down looking for an ankle pick but Maestro pulls his leg out and moves away.
Founuku has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Maestro finds it's way round the side to connect with Founuku's head.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Matija Maestro dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Etimoni Founuku's cut.
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.

Founuku keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Founuku is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Maestro rather than just go for the knockout.
Founuku ducks under a wild hook from Maestro.
Founuku swings and misses with a shot to the body
letting Maestro counter with a right hand.
Maestro lands the left hand.
Founuku takes a swing at Maestro's ribcage but misses.
Maestro misses with a looping right.
Founuku drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Maestro defends it well.
Maestro is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Founuku can do to turn this around?
Founuku swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Maestro swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Founuku shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Maestro pinned against the cage. Maestro gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Maestro keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Maestro just misses with a punch to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Maestro just misses with a punch to the body.
Founuku misses with a body shot.
Founuku slips a jab from Maestro.
Founuku throws a body shot but no joy.
Founuku swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Maestro swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Founuku throws a body punch but Maestro moves out of range.
Maestro appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
Maestro throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Founuku keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Maestro.
Matija Maestro is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Maestro connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Nice sprawl there from Maestro as Founuku shoots in.
Maestro is looking to counter punch.
Maestro lands with a shot to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Maestro throws a lazy right hand but Founuku sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Maestro throws a lazy right hand but Founuku sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Maestro slips a jab from Founuku.
Founuku takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Founuku looks to score with a jab to the body but Maestro is just out of range.
Founuku looks to score with a jab to the body but Maestro is just out of range.
Founuku throws a body shot but no joy.
Founuku throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Maestro swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Maestro lands a slapping body shot.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Maestro dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Founuku shoots for a double leg takedown but Maestro sprawls well. He's pushed Founuku's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Matija Maestro has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Etimoni Founuku.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Founuku ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Founuku throws a body shot but no joy.
Maestro is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Founuku.
Founuku fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Maestro throws a body shot but no joy.
Founuku tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Maestro was well out of range. Poor timing from Founuku.
Founuku slips under a jab.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Maestro, as that shot connected.
Founuku has done a lot of speed work in the buildup to this fight.
Nice takedown defense from Maestro. No joy for Founuku on that attempt.
Maestro scores with a jab to the body.
Maestro thows a left - swing and a miss!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Maestro looks to score with a jab to the body but Founuku is just out of range.
Founuku tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Maestro misses with a looping right.
Maestro uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Founuku.
Founuku misses the shot to the body.
Founuku tries for a takedown but Maestro circles away easily
and Maestro counters with a right hand to the body.
Maestro looks to land a left hand but Founuku moved out of range nicely.
Founuku is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Maestro keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Maestro pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Founuku with the counter takedown but Maestro avoids it easily.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Founuku shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Maestro as he jumps to the side.
Founuku has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Founuku drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Matija Maestro dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Etimoni Founuku's cut.
That's time! Maestro's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.

Maestro swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Founuku drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Maestro defends it well.
Matija Maestro is winning the standup battle so far.
Maestro moves out of range of the strikes.
Maestro sizes up Founuku with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Maestro misses with an uppercut.
A jab from Maestro finds it's way through Founuku's defenses.
Founuku misses with a body shot
and Maestro cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Founuku fails with a takedown attempt.
Maestro is looking to counter punch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Nice defenses there by Founuku.
Maestro looks to score with a jab to the body but Founuku is just out of range.
Maestro misses with a looping right.
Founuku is trying desperately to land a takedown but Maestro is having absolutely none of it. This is turning into a bit of a nightmare for Founuku.
Founuku steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Maestro.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Founuku swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Maestro misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Founuku.
Founuku shoots in for a double leg but Maestro sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Maestro scores with a jab.
Maestro throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Founuku stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Founuku goes for a double leg but Maestro avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Maestro continues to drive forward.
Matija Maestro has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Etimoni Founuku.
Founuku slips under a jab from Maestro.
Maestro cracks Founuku with a good jab.
Maestro lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Maestro jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Founuku misses with a body shot.
Etimoni Founuku has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Maestro ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Founuku moves away.
Founuku throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Founuku thuds his right hand into Maestro's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Founuku scores with a jab to the body.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Maestro throws a body shot but no joy.
Founuku throws a body shot but no joy.
It looked like Maestro wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
A big left from Founuku misses.
The fighters circling - Maestro throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Maestro fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Maestro bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Founuku's head backwards.
Maestro bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Founuku's head backwards.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Maestro uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Founuku.
Founuku misses with a hook.
It looked like Maestro wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Maestro scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Maestro's jab looks to have found its range, popping Founuku under the eye.
Maestro thows a left - swing and a miss!
Matija Maestro is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Founuku swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Founuku takes one to the side of the head.
Maestro throws a shot from downtown. Founuku moves away and avoids it.
Founuku ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Maestro moves away.
Founuku tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Maestro was well out of range. Poor timing from Founuku.
Founuku throws a hard body shot but it just misses.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Maestro tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Founuku was well out of range. Poor timing from Maestro.
Founuku shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Maestro defends it nicely.
Maestro lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Founuku at a distance.
Maestro connects with a body shot that sends Founuku's belly button to the back.
Nice uppercut lands for Maestro. That snapped Founuku's head back.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Founuku lands with an overhand left.
Maestro ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Founuku moves away.

And that's the end of the fight!
Matija Maestro showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Maestro has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Trevor Gratis scores the fight 30:27
Judge Dillan Fox scores the fight 30:27
Judge Robert Douchet scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Matija Maestro!
During a confident post fight interview, Matija Maestro thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.