PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between One Fortythree (ranked 1342 p4p, 1091 weight class) and Cicero Verus (ranked 175 p4p, 141 weight class). Both fighters will be looking to make this an exciting fight for the fans, I'm sure!

Fortythree
vs
Verus

168 cm
39
143
33 - 41 - 0

175 cm
41
156
25 - 20 - 0

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

BJJ Red Belt
Decent boxing
Granite chin

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 33 - 41 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, One Fortythree!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 25 - 20 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Cicero Verus!
The judges for this bout are Hugh Johnson, Skip Squint and Bruno Hogan.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Fortythree misses with a body shot.
Verus has done a lot of speed work in the buildup to this fight.

Verus darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
Fortythree wants to get back to full guard.
Verus thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Verus controlling the action here.
Fortythree manages to get to full guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Verus wants to control from the top but Fortythree keeps moving.
Verus engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Fortythree is adopting a defensive guard.
Fortythree looking for a sweep. Not yet Fortythree, not yet.
Verus is fighting to break Fortythree's control of his arms but Fortythree is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
Verus throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Fortythree works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Fortythree trying to keep a closed guard but Verus is proving a slippery customer.
Verus trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Fortythree keeping moving, preventing Verus from controlling successfully.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Nice sprawl there from Fortythree as Verus shoots in.
Fortythree was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Verus staying out of range there.
And Verus tries to counter it with a takedown but Fortythree pushes his down on his head and steps out.
A jab from Fortythree finds it's way through Verus's defenses.
Verus displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Fortythree throws out the jab.
Fortythree cracks a nice hook into Verus's ribs.
Fortythree throws a lazy uppercut
and Verus connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Verus shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Verus fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Verus takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Fortythree lands with a good body shot.
Verus takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Fortythree with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Verus takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Verus fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Fortythree avoids it really well and circles away.
One Fortythree has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Cicero Verus.
Fortythree misses with a hook. Verus ducked under it nicely.
Fortythree tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Verus was well out of range. Poor timing from Fortythree.
Verus ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.

Fortythree has closed the distance and engaged Verus in a clinch.
Fortythree lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
A nice left hand lands by Fortythree.
Fortythree lands with a short head shot on the inside.
A nice left hand lands by Fortythree.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Fortythree misses with a hook to the ribs.

Verus has managed to pull guard. Let's see whether he can work an aggressive guard. It will also be interesting to see what tactics Fortythree uses from the top position.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Verus manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Fortythree manages to get himself to full guard.

Verus stops Fortythree from standing up.
Verus is fighting to break Fortythree's control of his arms but Fortythree is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
Verus wants to control from the top but Fortythree keeps moving.
Fortythree utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Verus throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Verus sitting in guard here, content to control.
Fortythree looking to hit a scissor sweep but Verus is one step ahead there.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

One Fortythree dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Verus dives in and grabs Fortythree's left leg, looking for a takedown. Fortythree pushes down on Verus's head and hops out.

Verus closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Verus lands in his opponent's guard.
Fortythree trying to control the position.
Verus trying to control the position from guard on top but Fortythree is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Fortythree is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Fortythree holds on and takes a little breather.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Verus accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Fortythree managing to control the position.

Verus postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Fortythree is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Verus, into his guard.

Verus has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.

Verus escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Fortythree gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.

Fortythree avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Fortythree advances to half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Verus tries to roll over but Fortythree keeps him under control.
Verus trying to hold on to Fortythree's head to control him but Fortythree postures up.
Fortythree is looking to take a break and control but Verus is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
The fighters are battling for position here. Verus manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Fortythree stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Verus swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Fortythree content to stall in guard here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Verus is working for submissions here. He's thrown up his legs looking for a triangle but Fortythree frees his head nicely. Oh but Verus has switched to an armbar! Fortythree is tapping furiously! Lovely submission there!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:22 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle Armbar). Cicero Verus!
A less than humble Cicero Verus misjudged his post fight interview somewhat and came across a little too arrogant whilst trying to hype up his own abilities.