PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Shinnosuke Nakagawa (ranked 3 p4p, 44 weight class) and Erasmo Vale Queiroz (ranked 1 p4p, 8 weight class). Nakagawa kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genius that is Koto - CloZee. Both these guys have really solid chins. Will we see a standup war or will they both decide that a knockout is unlikely and try to win the fight elsewhere?

Nakagawa
vs
Vale Queiroz

190 cm
34
190
35 - 14 - 0

190 cm
26
210
19 - 2 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent MT
Very quick

Good wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank

Tempo Athletics

HELLBENT
Conviction

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the light heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 35 - 14 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Shinnosuke Nakagawa!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 19 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Erasmo Vale Queiroz!
The judges for this bout are Seu Braga, Leandro Rodrigues and Luis Engracia.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Nakagawa tries to clinch but Vale Queiroz is having none of it.
Nakagawa looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Vale Queiroz takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Nakagawa fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Vale Queiroz manages to avoid it.
Vale Queiroz appeared to try and counter that last move with a leg kick.
Vale Queiroz throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
Vale Queiroz steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Nakagawa.
A good leg kick by Vale Queiroz.
Vale Queiroz takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Vale Queiroz throws a right hand that Nakagawa ducks under and follows up with a left that Nakagawa also avoids with ease.
Nakagawa attempts a counter takedown but Vale Queiroz avoids it well and moves away.
Vale Queiroz lands a jab to the head.
Vale Queiroz misses with a low kick.
Vale Queiroz lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Vale Queiroz connects with a right hand. Nakagawa shakes it off.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Vale Queiroz throws a body shot but no joy.
Vale Queiroz throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Vale Queiroz throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Nakagawa.
Nakagawa feinted with a counter takedown.
Nakagawa shoots in for a takedown but Vale Queiroz shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Vale Queiroz with the inside leg kick.
Vale Queiroz with a nice cross.
Vale Queiroz misses with a two punch combination.
Nakagawa tries to counter with a takedown but Vale Queiroz is quick to defend against it.
Nakagawa looks to throw the jab but Vale Queiroz is out of range.
The crowd cheers as Nakagawa lands an impressive looking overhand right. Vale Queiroz doesn't seem phased though.
Nakagawa checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Vale Queiroz fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Nakagawa.
Erasmo Vale Queiroz seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
A solid leg kick lands there for Vale Queiroz.
Vale Queiroz tries a head kick but it misses.
Nakagawa tries to score a power double leg takedown but Vale Queiroz sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Nakagawa somewhat.
Vale Queiroz listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Vale Queiroz connects with a single shot there.
Vale Queiroz throws a shot from downtown. Nakagawa moves away and avoids it.

Vale Queiroz rushes Nakagawa and presses him up against the cage.
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!
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Vale Queiroz.
Vale Queiroz keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Nakagawa's efforts to push away.
Nakagawa lands with a left to the head.
Nakagawa can't find room to land a body shot as Vale Queiroz controls the action.
Nakagawa's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Vale Queiroz can't find room to land a body shot as Nakagawa controls the action.
Vale Queiroz throws a punch but it's blocked by Nakagawa.
Nakagawa goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Vale Queiroz is leaning against Nakagawa and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Vale Queiroz can't find room to land a body shot as Nakagawa controls the action.
A short left from Vale Queiroz.
Vale Queiroz pushes Nakagawa back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Vale Queiroz gets underhooks to prevent Nakagawa's takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Shinnosuke Nakagawa. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Vale Queiroz blocking some punches.
Vale Queiroz struggles to land a body shot inside as Nakagawa controls his hands.

Nakagawa has hold of one of Vale Queiroz's legs. Vale Queiroz is fighting the takedown attempt but Nakagawa gets the trip and lands the takedown into guard.

Vale Queiroz manages to escape and get back to his feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nakagawa takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Nakagawa darts in looking for a takedown but Vale Queiroz gets double underhooks and turns Nakagawa into the cage.
Nakagawa misses with a punch on the inside.
Nakagawa misses with a punch on the inside.
Vale Queiroz tries to work over Nakagawa's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Vale Queiroz lands a body punch.
Vale Queiroz doesn't land with the attempted body shot.

Nakagawa gets control of Vale Queiroz's arms and successfully pulls guard. Nakagawa will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.
Nakagawa tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Vale Queiroz wanted to stand there but Nakagawa had control of the position.

Vale Queiroz gets to his feet. Nakagawa looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!
Vale Queiroz goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Vale Queiroz lands a right hook to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Vale Queiroz avoids the body shot from Nakagawa.
Vale Queiroz tries to clinch

and Nakagawa counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Nakagawa.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Nakagawa throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Vale Queiroz works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Nakagawa throws an elbow that misses. Vale Queiroz uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Nakagawa's guard. Nice move by Vale Queiroz!

Nakagawa has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Vale Queiroz can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Nakagawa is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Vale Queiroz tries to stand but Nakagawa is controlling from the bottom.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Erasmo Vale Queiroz dominated that round.
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.

Vale Queiroz is looking to clinch but Nakagawa is avoiding it.
Vale Queiroz looks to land a combination. Nakagawa sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
Vale Queiroz misses with a wild body shot.
Nakagawa tries to counter with a takedown but Vale Queiroz is quick to defend against it.
Vale Queiroz connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Vale Queiroz misses the body punch

so Nakagawa counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
Nakagawa wants to control from the top but Vale Queiroz keeps moving.
Nakagawa pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Vale Queiroz is keeping the position for now.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Nakagawa accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Vale Queiroz is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Nakagawa postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.
Vale Queiroz is looking to stand up but Nakagawa isn't so interested in that idea.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Vale Queiroz misses with a double jab

and Nakagawa counters with a nice double leg into side control. Vale Queiroz won't be happy with that.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
The referee asks Nakagawa politely if he wouldn't mind getting on with it and actually doing something. Nakagawa prefers to stall for the moment though.
Vale Queiroz is putting a lot of effort into getting back to his feet here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Shinnosuke Nakagawa overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Vale Queiroz regains half guard, as Nakagawa was trying to land strikes.

Nakagawa is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Vale Queiroz has managed to free his arm - good work.
Nakagawa not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Vale Queiroz kicks off Nakagawa and gets to his feet.
Vale Queiroz connects with an inside leg kick.
A clash of legs there as Nakagawa blocks the low kick.
Nakagawa drops down looking for a counter takedown but Vale Queiroz sprawls and moves away.
Nakagawa shoots in but Vale Queiroz avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Vale Queiroz throws out a powerful jab.
A swing and a miss from Nakagawa.
Erasmo Vale Queiroz is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Nakagawa tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Vale Queiroz defends well and Nakagawa ends up having to push Vale Queiroz into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Vale Queiroz lands a body punch.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Vale Queiroz scores with an uppercut up the middle.
A short left from Vale Queiroz.
Vale Queiroz lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Nakagawa misses with a short punch on the inside.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Nakagawa is looking to break free of the clinch but Vale Queiroz has double underhooks.
Vale Queiroz doesn't land with the attempted body shot.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Vale Queiroz struggles to land a body shot inside as Nakagawa controls his hands.
Nakagawa is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Vale Queiroz can't find room to land a body shot as Nakagawa controls the action.
Vale Queiroz doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Vale Queiroz softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Vale Queiroz misses with some punches.
A nice right hand lands inside from Vale Queiroz.

Nakagawa breaks from the clinch.
Nakagawa slips a jab and a cross from Vale Queiroz.
Vale Queiroz throws a leg kick that is checked

and Nakagawa counters with a single leg into guard. Vale Queiroz didn't expect that.
Nakagawa not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Nakagawa wants to pass the guard but Vale Queiroz is keeping the position.
Vale Queiroz has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Vale Queiroz avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Erasmo Vale Queiroz showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Vale Queiroz fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Nakagawa manages to avoid it.
A swing and a miss from Vale Queiroz.
Nakagawa drops down looking for a counter takedown but Vale Queiroz sprawls and moves away.
Vale Queiroz misses with the combination.
Vale Queiroz lands a right hook to the body.
Nakagawa keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Vale Queiroz.

Vale Queiroz takes the fight into the clinch.
Vale Queiroz doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Nakagawa digs a right hand underneath Vale Queiroz's ribcage. Vale Queiroz let out a lung full of air as it connected.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Vale Queiroz lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Nakagawa or not.
Vale Queiroz scores with a nice hook to the head.

Nakagawa escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Vale Queiroz tries to clinch there but Nakagawa circles away.
Nakagawa uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Vale Queiroz.
A decent looking cross lands there for Nakagawa.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Vale Queiroz has closed the distance and engaged Nakagawa in a clinch.
Nakagawa drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Vale Queiroz lands with a light punch inside.
Nakagawa misses with some punches.
Vale Queiroz digs a right hand into Nakagawa's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Nakagawa's gas tank.
Vale Queiroz lands a body punch in the clinch.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
A right handed body shot lands from Vale Queiroz.
Vale Queiroz prevents a takedown attempt there.
Vale Queiroz works on Nakagawa's body with a couple of short punches.
Vale Queiroz misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Nakagawa has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Vale Queiroz after a bit of a struggle.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Shinnosuke Nakagawa. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Vale Queiroz lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Vale Queiroz lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Vale Queiroz scores with a nice hook to the head.
Vale Queiroz lands a hook that snaps the head of Nakagawa backwards.
Vale Queiroz lands a left hand.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
A nice right hand lands inside from Vale Queiroz.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Vale Queiroz lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Nice body punch from Vale Queiroz.
Vale Queiroz presses Nakagawa against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Vale Queiroz tries to work over Nakagawa's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Vale Queiroz is leaning against Nakagawa and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Vale Queiroz.
Vale Queiroz goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Vale Queiroz throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Nakagawas head.
Vale Queiroz lands a nice uppercut.
Erasmo Vale Queiroz seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Vale Queiroz goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Still in the clinch, Vale Queiroz scores with a nice short uppercut.
Vale Queiroz lands with a left to the head.

Nakagawa is rocked!
Vale Queiroz lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Oh Nakagawa is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
A hook to the body from Vale Queiroz.
Nakagawa seems to have got his legs back now.
Vale Queiroz lands an uppercut.
Vale Queiroz lands with a short shot to the head.
Vale Queiroz lands a shot to the body.
Vale Queiroz struggles to land a body shot inside as Nakagawa controls his hands.
Vale Queiroz misses with a body punch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Vale Queiroz lands a hook that snaps the head of Nakagawa backwards.
A short right from Vale Queiroz.
Vale Queiroz misses with a hook to the ribs.
Vale Queiroz lands a right hand that snaps the head of Nakagawa backwards.
Vale Queiroz working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Vale Queiroz lands a hook to the side of the head.
Vale Queiroz lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Good body shot from Vale Queiroz.
Vale Queiroz is leaning against Nakagawa and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Vale Queiroz digs a right hand into Nakagawa's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Nakagawa's gas tank.
Vale Queiroz lands a body punch.
Vale Queiroz lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Good body shot from Vale Queiroz.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Vale Queiroz misses with a hook to the ribs.
Vale Queiroz can't find room to land a body shot as Nakagawa controls the action.
A short right from Vale Queiroz on the inside.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Nakagawa.
Vale Queiroz lands a body shot in the clinch.
Vale Queiroz can't find room to land a body shot as Nakagawa controls the action.
Vale Queiroz working some nice short punches in the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Vale Queiroz stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Vale Queiroz lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Nakagawa.
Vale Queiroz lands a body punch.
Vale Queiroz lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Vale Queiroz lands an uppercut.
A left hand lands to the body for Vale Queiroz.
Vale Queiroz misses with a body punch.
Vale Queiroz makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Vale Queiroz tries a body shot but Nakagawa blocks it.
Vale Queiroz lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.

Vale Queiroz drops Nakagawa onto one knee with a big uppercut from the clinch! Nakagawa is propped up by the cage and works his way back to his feet!
Vale Queiroz working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Vale Queiroz throws a big uppercut that drops Nakagawa! More strikes from Vale Queiroz and the referee jumps in to stop the fight! Nakagawa lies dazed against the cage as Vale Queiroz celebrates with his cornermen!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:46 of round 3, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Erasmo Vale Queiroz!
Erasmo Vale Queiroz is the new light heavyweight champion!
During a confident post fight interview, Erasmo Vale Queiroz thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.