PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Edgar Figaro (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Zeburdiah Zappatista (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Figaro
vs
Zappatista

180 cm
25
185 lbs
7 - 2 - 0

188 cm
20
198 lbs
7 - 3 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Solid boxing
Good chin

Powerful takedowns
Good kicks
Powerful

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 7 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Edgar Figaro!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Zeburdiah Zappatista!
The judges for this bout are Leandro Rodrigues, Edson Gomes and Mauricio Rocha.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Figaro moves in looking to clinch but Zappatista pushes him off.
Zappatista keeps Figaro at a distance using the push kick.
Figaro takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Zappatista throws a wild body kick that Figaro sees coming a mile off.
Figaro is looking to clinch.
A big right from Figaro misses.
Zappatista misses with a kick to the body.
Figaro lands a jab to the nose.
Zappatista uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Figaro.
No luck for Figaro with that takedown attempt.
Zappatista bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
Figaro on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Zappatista. Zappatista obviously looking to wear him down.
Zappatista fails with the takedown.
Zappatista with a lazy takedown attempt
and Figaro cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Zappatista feints and then cracks Figaro's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Figaro down.

Figaro lands a left and a right that send Zappatista crashing to the mat, dazed. Figaro thinks about following him to the mat but decides to wave him back up to his feet!

Zappatista is rocked!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.

Zappatista throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Figaro was covering up waiting for the punch and Zappatista finishes the takedown easily into guard.
Zappatista is still in real trouble! Can Figaro finish him?
Figaro 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 one minute gone in the round.

Figaro is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Zappatista is just riding it out for now. Figaro eventually gives up the hold.
Zappatista seems to have recovered his senses.
Zappatista tries to get to full guard but Figaro has control of the leg.

Figaro is working for a kimura but Zappatista is defending it quite comfortably.
Figaro misses with a head shot. Zappatista uses the momentum to regain guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.

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 creates some space and throws a big elbow, but Figaro sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike.
Zappatista tries to advance position but instead Figaro slips a leg back in to half guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Figaro is looking for a sweep. Zappatista is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Zappatista lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Figaro wants to get back to his feet.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Figaro avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Zappatista.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zappatista prevents Figaro from standing back up.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Figaro tries to clinch but Zappatista is having none of it.

Figaro scores with a takedown into Zappatista's guard.
Figaro tries to free his leg and advance position but Zappatista is retaining full guard.
Zappatista controls Figaro momentarily but Figaro frees himself.
Zappatista wants to sweep but no luck.
Zappatista manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
Figaro is looking to get to half guard.

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

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Figaro tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Zappatista throws an elbow but Figaro slips to the side and avoids it well.
Figaro on the wrong end of some ground and pound.
Figaro avoids any damage from the ground and pound of Zappatista.
Zappatista working the ground and pound but Figaro is defending the strikes.
Figaro manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Zappatista working Figaro over with strikes.

Zappatista is looking for a kimura. It's pretty deep but Figaro still has the half guard so he's probably OK. Oh, Figaro has exploded into a beautiful escape there and after a quick scramble, he's ended up in side control on top! Nice work!
Figaro tries to move to mount but Zappatista blocks the move with his legs.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Edgar Figaro dominated that round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Zappatista keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Zeburdiah Zappatista seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Zappatista shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Figaro is trying to defend but Zappatista finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
Figaro regains full guard, whilst avoiding punches from Zappatista.
Figaro avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Zappatista throwing strikes but missing.
Figaro trying to keep a closed guard but Zappatista is proving a slippery customer.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Figaro throwing strikes here but Zappatista is writhing around nicely and avoiding any serious damage.
Figaro avoids the attempt from Zappatista to control.
Zappatista is wriggling around trying to escape.

Figaro jumps to side control looking for an arm triangle but Zappatista manages to avoid the submission attempt.

Figaro goes for an armbar! This could be all over! Wait, no, Zappatista rolls with the submission and now he's on top in Figaro's guard! Nice work there by Zappatista!
Zappatista throwing strikes from guard but Figaro blocks nicely.

Zappatista is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! Figaro is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! Figaro has escaped and now he's on top!

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.
Zappatista manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
Figaro sneaks a leg back under and regains half guard and is working straight away to try and get back to guard. He hasn't managed just yet though.
Zappatista has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Figaro moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Zappatista is pushing down on Figaro's leg trying to pass to half guard. Figaro is fighting to maintain full guard but Zappatista has managed to sneak the leg through.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Zappatista thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Figaro's head.
Zappatista missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zappatista sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Figaro defending well though.
Figaro trying to control but Zappatista postures up.
Figaro is trying to stand.
Edgar Figaro overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Figaro tries to roll over but Zappatista keeps him under control.
Figaro is pressing down on Zappatista's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Zappatista trying to control but Figaro is working from the bottom.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Zappatista uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Figaro.

Zappatista closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Zappatista lands in his opponent's guard.

Zappatista drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and Figaro dives on top into guard.
Zappatista is breathing heavily.
Figaro looking to pass the guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Zappatista tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Figaro passes into half guard.
Zappatista is refusing to be controlled, as Figaro sits in half guard.

Figaro is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.

Zappatista makes his way to full guard, as Figaro worked for a kimura.
Figaro throws and elbow that misses. Zappatista uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Figaro's guard. Nice move by Zappatista!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Zeburdiah Zappatista will probably get the nod - 10:9.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Zappatista blocks a head kick by Figaro.
Zappatista pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Zappatista tries a low kick but Figaro avoids it.
Zappatista scores with a spinning back kick!
Zappatista throws a head kick that misses.
Zappatista misses with an attempted mid kick.
Figaro shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Zappatista defends it nicely.

Figaro shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Zappatista is trying to defend but Figaro finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
Zappatista blocking the ground and pound attempt from Figaro.
Zappatista slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Zappatista is trying to keep Figaro in close.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Figaro looking to pass the guard.
Zappatista 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.

Figaro drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and Zappatista dives on top into guard.
Zappatista throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Figaro works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Zappatista trying to control the position from guard on top but Figaro is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Figaro wants to sweep but no luck.
Zappatista throwing strikes from guard but Figaro blocks nicely.

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 drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and Figaro dives on top into guard.
Zappatista takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Figaro trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

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 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.
Zappatista trying to control but Figaro is working from the bottom.
Figaro 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.
Zappatista scores with a decent looking elbow strike.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Figaro keeping moving, preventing Zappatista from controlling successfully.
Zappatista throwing strikes from guard but Figaro blocks nicely.

Figaro had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Zappatista defends it easily.
Zappatista throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Zappatista throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Figaro works some decent striking defense from the bottom.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Zappatista throws the kick towards the body but Figaro avoids it.
Zappatista throws a nice head kick!
Figaro tries to clinch but Zappatista is having none of it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Zappatista throws a sloppy head kick and Figaro moves out of range easily.
Zappatista scores with a leg kick.
Zappatista throws a body kick that misses.
Figaro takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Zappatista fakes the leg kick and cracks Figaro in the body.
Zappatista goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Zappatista shoots in and drives through. Figaro sprawls well.
Zappatista throws a quick inside leg kick.
Figaro throws an overhand right that lands on Zappatista's shoulder, as Zappatista tries to avoid the shot.
Zappatista defending well as Figaro loads up on a big left hand.
Zappatista misses with a takedown attempt - Figaro sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Figaro misses with a straight right.

Zappatista feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.
Figaro keeping moving, preventing Zappatista from controlling successfully.
Figaro is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Zeburdiah Zappatista really dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Zappatista with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Figaro wants to clinch up but Zappatista keeps it at a distance.
Zappatista tries for a takedown but Figaro circles away easily

and Figaro decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Zappatista's guard.
Figaro wants to control from the top but Zappatista keeps moving.
Figaro trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.

Figaro postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Zappatista is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Figaro, into his guard.
Zappatista throwing strikes but missing.
Figaro lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Zappatista!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Figaro trying to control but he's not successful this time.

Figaro goes for an armbar but Zappatista turns quickly into his guard - lovely anticipation from Zappatista.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Figaro trying to control the position.
Zappatista wants to pass the guard but Figaro is keeping the position.
Figaro utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Zappatista seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Zappatista's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Figaro is trying to keep Zappatista in close.
Zappatista wants to control from the top but Figaro keeps moving.

Figaro is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Figaro controls Zappatista momentarily but Zappatista frees himself.
Zappatista loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zappatista wants to control from the top but Figaro keeps moving.
Zappatista lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Figaro is trying to control the position from the bottom.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Zappatista feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Figaro's calf.
Zappatista lands with a slapping head kick.
Zappatista scores with a head kick.
Zappatista misses with a body kick.
Zappatista misses with a takedown attempt

and Figaro counters with a takedown into full mount! That could mean trouble for Zappatista!
Figaro tries to control but Zappatista wriggling away.

Figaro swings around for an armbar but it's a sloppy attempt and Zappatista is now in Figaro's guard. A big mistake from Figaro there, giving up the dominant position!
Figaro pulls Zappatista in close to prevent any damage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Figaro is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Figaro has momentary wrist control but Zappatista slips an elbow through the middle.

Zappatista drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Zappatista jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Zappatista lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Figaro preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Figaro utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Zappatista is looking to advance position but Figaro has hit a scissor sweep - now he's on top in mount!

Figaro is in full mount, looking to secure a guillotine but Zappatista is surviving well by controlling Figaro's body position as best he can.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Edgar Figaro had his way with Zeburdiah Zappatista in that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

Zappatista fails with a takedown attempt.
Nice sprawl there from Figaro as Zappatista shoots in.
Figaro connects with a single shot there.
Zappatista throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Zappatista throws a body kick that misses.
Zappatista slips a jab from Figaro.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Zappatista throws the kick towards the body but Figaro avoids it.
Zappatista plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
Zappatista is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Figaro fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Figaro fails in his attempt to clinch.
Zappatista misses with a kick to the body.
Zappatista gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily

and Figaro counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Edgar Figaro has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Zeburdiah Zappatista.

That's one minute gone in the round.

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!
Figaro avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Figaro is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Zappatista trying to control but Figaro is working from the bottom.
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 wants to sweep but no luck.

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.
Zappatista avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Figaro trying to move into half guard but instead Zappatista has managed to sweep!
Figaro avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.

Figaro is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Zappatista trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Zappatista's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Zappatista thows a big elbow that misses.
Figaro manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
Figaro throwing sloppy strikes, which aren't doing any damage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

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!
Figaro tries to move to mount but Zappatista blocks the move with his legs.
Zappatista sneaks back into half guard.
Figaro missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Figaro is thwarting Zappatista's attempts to control the position.
Figaro trying to control from Zappatista's half guard. Zappatista has other ideas though and has regained full guard.
Zappatista looking to control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Figaro has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Zappatista is proving hard to escape from.

Figaro got a little sloppy there for a moment and Zappatista has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Figaro has managed to get both his arms back between Zappatista's legs - danger averted.
Zappatista can't keep his opponent in guard - Figaro advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Zappatista won't allow Figaro to pass to mount.
Figaro looks to land a strike but Zappatista avoids it nicely and regains full 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 wants to control from the top but Figaro keeps moving.

And that's the end of the fight!
Edgar Figaro showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Figaro 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Leandro Rodrigues scores the fight 48:47
Judge Edson Gomes scores the fight 48:47
Judge Mauricio Rocha scores the fight 49:46

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Edgar Figaro!
Edgar Figaro is the new middleweight champion!