PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Zeburdiah Zappatista (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Edgar Figaro (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Well, I have no idea who's going to take this one!

Zappatista
vs
Figaro

188 cm
20
198 lbs
6 - 3 - 0

180 cm
24
185 lbs
7 - 1 - 0

Powerful takedowns
Counter striker
Very strong

BJJ Brown Belt
Counter striker
Solid chin

Rusty Cage Fightwear

Win Nutritional

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the middleweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 6 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Zeburdiah Zappatista!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Edgar Figaro!
The judges for this bout are Matheus Silva, Seu Braga and Emerson Jorge.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Zappatista ducks right into an uppercut from Figaro.
Zappatista fails with the takedown.
Zappatista slips under a jab from Figaro.
Zappatista keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Nice body kick from Zappatista.
Zappatista shoots in looking for a takedown. Figaro tries to sprawl out of it but Zappatista keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Figaro manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.

Figaro throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Zappatista was covering up waiting for the punch and Figaro finishes the takedown easily into guard.
Zappatista wants to sweep but no luck.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Figaro is trying to improve his position.
Zappatista working the ground and pound.
Zappatista tries to move into full mount but can't pass Figaro's legs.
Figaro gets one leg under and gets the fight to half guard.
Figaro keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Figaro tries to get to full guard but Zappatista has control of the leg.
Figaro trying to hold on to Zappatista's head to control him but Zappatista postures up.
Nice strikes from Zappatista there.
Zappatista thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Figaro's head.
Figaro manages to get to full guard.
Zappatista trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Figaro looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Zappatista throws and elbow that misses. Figaro uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Zappatista's guard. Nice move by Figaro!
Zappatista has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.

Figaro has gone for a leg lock! Zappatista slips out almost immediately though and dives into Figaro's guard.

Zappatista 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.

Zappatista drops back looking for a leg! Figaro is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Figaro manages to kick Zappatista off! Zappatista jumps back into Figaro's guard.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Figaro pulls Zappatista in close to his closed guard and prevents Zappatista from doing any damage or advancing position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zappatista trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Zappatista working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Figaro is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Zappatista trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

Figaro is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Zappatista defends well.
Figaro avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Zappatista lands a couple of elbows.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Zappatista accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.

Figaro has his foot on Zappatista's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Zappatista works his way back into a safe position though.
Zappatista postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Figaro is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Zappatista in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Zappatista throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.

Zappatista has gone for a leg lock! Figaro slips out almost immediately though and dives into Zappatista's guard.
Figaro wants to control from the top but Zappatista keeps moving.

Figaro has gone for a leg lock! Zappatista slips out almost immediately though and dives into Figaro's guard.
Zappatista postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Zappatista won't allow Figaro to sweep him here.
Figaro is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Zappatista trying to control the position from guard on top but Figaro is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Zeburdiah Zappatista will probably get the nod.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Zappatista misses with a kick to the body.

Figaro closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Zappatista to the mat! Zappatista manages to get full guard.
Zappatista wants to sweep but no luck.
Figaro pushing down on Zappatista's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Figaro looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Figaro prevents Zappatista from improving his position.

Figaro is looking for a kimura here.
Figaro missing with the ground and pound from half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Zappatista looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Zappatista is refusing to be controlled, as Figaro sits in half guard.
Figaro is pressing down on Zappatista's thigh, looking to free his foot. Zappatista is holding on for now.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Figaro is keen to just control but Zappatista is a slippery customer.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Zappatista thumps Figaro with a low kick.

Zappatista changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Figaro looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Zappatista working away.

Zappatista working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Zappatista lands some shots froms side control.
Zappatista tries to land with some ground and pound but misses.
Zappatista cracks Figaro with a big elbow.
Zappatista working away.
Figaro tries to buck Zappatista off but Zappatista is having none of it.
Zappatista connects with a decent looking elbow from side control that caused Figaro some visible discomfort.
Zappatista in side control, throwing shots but Figaro defends.
Figaro is looking for a sweep.
Sloppy strikes there by Zappatista.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Figaro moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Figaro gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Zappatista to score an easy takedown into full guard.

Figaro has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Zappatista can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Zappatista with a flurry of punches that miss.
Figaro is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Zappatista in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Zappatista preventing the sweep.
Zappatista throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Figaro works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Figaro working a defensive guard here.
Zeburdiah Zappatista overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Figaro lands an upkick as Zappatista stands over him.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Figaro crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Zappatista - the referee stops the clock and Figaro gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Zappatista. Figaro manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.
Zappatista misses with a body kick.
Figaro with a poor takedown

and Zappatista counters with a takedown into full mount! That could mean trouble for Figaro!
Figaro bucks up and manages to get a nice reversal! He's in guard on the top - nicely done!
Zappatista manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Zappatista with shots to the head and body - Figaro looks very uncomfortable down there.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Figaro is wriggling around trying to escape.
Figaro is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Zeburdiah Zappatista dominated that second round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Figaro moves into the clinch.

Zappatista ties up his opponent against the cage and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. Zappatista no doubt will be looking to work submissions from his guard.
Figaro is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.

Figaro drops back, looking for a kneebar! Zappatista looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Zappatista looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Zappatista!
Zappatista lands a knee to the body and follows it up with some ground and pound to the head. That will wear Figaro down.
Zappatista moves into full mount!
Figaro slips a leg in and gets back to half guard.
Figaro is trying to get back to full guard.
Figaro takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Well, if Zappatista is going to just lie there, perhaps we should talk about what we're having for dinner tonight… I'm having a ham and pineapple pizza… Yum. Can't wait.
Figaro moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Figaro keeping moving, preventing Zappatista from controlling successfully.
Figaro looking to control.
Zappatista connects with a couple of short punches.
Figaro looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Figaro is trying to control the position but Zappatista postures up.
Zappatista trying to control the position from guard on top but Figaro is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Zappatista preventing the sweep.
Figaro lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Zappatista!
Zappatista working to try and regain half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.

Figaro jumps to the side looking to secure the arm triangle…. Ooooh, that looks tight… Zappatista is gargling but he's managed to escape! Nice work there by Zappatista and Figaro has given up the dominant position trying to land that submission.

Figaro wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Zappatista, who protects the arm well.

Figaro wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Zappatista, who protects the arm well.
Zappatista manages to work his way to half guard, despite Figaro's best efforts.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zappatista gets full guard.
Figaro with a flurry of punches that miss.
Figaro looking to pass the guard.

Figaro is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! Zappatista is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! Zappatista has escaped and now he's on top!
Zappatista won't allow Figaro to sweep him here.
Zappatista scoring with some ground and pound.
Zappatista content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Zappatista sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Zappatista in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Zappatista pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Figaro is keeping the position for now.
Figaro is trying to hold Zappatista in close to prevent damage but Zappatista has managed to pass into half guard.

Figaro actively working from the bottom here.
Zappatista is looking to take a break and control but Figaro is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Figaro tries to get to full guard but Zappatista has control of the leg.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Zappatista fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Figaro manages to avoid it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Zeburdiah Zappatista clearly takes that round.
That's time! Zappatista's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Figaro keeps the fight on the outside.
Zappatista checks a leg kick nicely.
Figaro leaves Zappatista with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
A telegraphed right hand from Figaro misses the target.
A slapping leg kick lands for Zappatista.
Some wild striking there from Figaro.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Zappatista gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily

and Figaro counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Figaro looking to pass the guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Figaro advances position into side control!

Figaro is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Zappatista has escaped the position, nice work there.

Figaro is trying to get an arm triangle but Zappatista is defending well.
Zappatista manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!
Zappatista not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Zappatista lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Figaro keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Figaro desperately trying to maintain half guard.
Figaro makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Figaro.

Zappatista got a little sloppy there for a moment and Figaro has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Zappatista has managed to get both his arms back between Figaro's legs - danger averted.
Figaro utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Figaro is trying to keep Zappatista in close.
Zappatista postures up and lands a big shot to Figaro's brow.
Zappatista working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Figaro's head.
Figaro avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zappatista wants to control from the top but Figaro keeps moving.
Figaro throws a couple of shots from the bottom but they don't land.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Zappatista misses with a body shot.
Zappatista tries to close the distance and clinch up but Figaro swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Zappatista misses with a takedown attempt - Figaro sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Zeburdiah Zappatista. That's going to take a lot out of him.

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

Figaro thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Zappatista is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Zappatista is trying to work for a kimura. He's got his hands clasped together - this could be trouble! No, Figaro has managed to free his arm - good work.
Zappatista is thwarting Figaro's attempts to control the position.
Zappatista frees up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Figaro tries to reverse the position but Zappatista maintains control.
Figaro tries to lock up and control but Zappatista gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Figaro is looking to improve his position but Zappatista isn't that keen on the idea.
Zappatista dominating with strikes here.

Zappatista jumps to side control looking for an arm triangle but Figaro manages to avoid the submission attempt.
Figaro gets one leg under and gets the fight to half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Edgar Figaro dominated that fourth round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! This is the final round!

Zappatista drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Zappatista misses with a wild combination.
Nice defenses there by Zappatista.

Figaro looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into mount! Oh, that's bad for Zappatista!
Figaro unloads with some shots from mount but Zappatista bucks and avoids them well.
Figaro throws an elbow from mount that misses. Lucky escape for Zappatista because Figaro loaded up on that one.
Figaro avoids the attempt from Zappatista to control.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - an gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.

Figaro moves into side control, trying to work for a kimura. That looks painful! Will he finish!!?? No, Zappatista has worked his arm free - good work by Zappatista!

That's one minute gone in the round.

Figaro tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Figaro has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
Zappatista is trying to control Figaro's posture but Figaro avoids it.
A bit of a lull in the action here.
Zappatista is trying to control Figaro's posture but Figaro avoids it.

Figaro thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.

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.
Zappatista is not content to let Figaro control the position.
Zappatista is trying to get back to half guard.

Figaro swings around for an armbar but Zappatista sees it coming a mile off and turns beautifully into Figaro's guard.

Figaro is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Zappatista landing some decent shots from guard.
Figaro tries to land a sweep but no joy.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zappatista postures up in Figaro's guard and throws a big left but Figaro blocks it.

Figaro looking for a guillotine here but Zappatista defends easily.
Zappatista missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Zappatista trying to control the position from guard on top but Figaro is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Figaro preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Figaro controls Zappatista momentarily but Zappatista frees himself.
Zappatista content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.

Figaro is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Zappatista sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Figaro's guard.
Zeburdiah Zappatista is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Figaro is not content to let Zappatista control the position.
Figaro moves into full guard.
Zappatista won't allow Figaro to sweep him here.

Figaro looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Figaro keeping moving, preventing Zappatista from controlling successfully.
Zappatista thows a big elbow that misses.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Zappatista wants to control from the top but Figaro keeps moving.
Zappatista works a leg free and moves into half guard.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Zeburdiah Zappatista.
I think Zappatista has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Matheus Silva scores the fight 49:47
Judge Seu Braga scores the fight 48:47
Judge Emerson Jorge scores the fight 48:48

In favor of your winner, by majority decision... Zeburdiah Zappatista!
Zeburdiah Zappatista is the new middleweight champion!