PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Shane Valcone (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Aristides Cipriano (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Cipriano is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: Chico Science e Nação Zumbi - Manguetown. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Valcone
vs
Cipriano

174 cm
21
175 lbs
5 - 2 - 0

188 cm
25
170 lbs
7 - 1 - 0

Dangerous GnP
Counter striker
Experienced

BJJ Brown Belt
Counter striker
Knockout power

Control Nutrition

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the welterweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Shane Valcone!
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, Aristides Cipriano!
The judges for this bout are Felipe Paraventi, Edson Gomes and Emerson Jorge.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Valcone fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Cipriano stuffs the takedown.

Valcone shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Cipriano napping and manages to drive through into side control!
Valcone throwing strikes but missing, from side control.
Cipriano tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Valcone wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Valcone working the head with strikes.
Cipriano tries to improve position but can't.
Valcone looking to punish the body of his opponent here but Cipriano is avoiding damage well.
Cipriano is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.
Cipriano taking some punishment here, with Valcone in his half guard.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Valcone connects with a nice short shot to Cipriano's temple.
Cipriano is trying to get back to full guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Cipriano actively working from the bottom here.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Valcone not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Valcone takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Cipriano is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!

Cipriano is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Valcone pulls his head out easily.
Valcone lands strikes from half guard.
Cipriano is looking for a sweep. Valcone is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Valcone is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cipriano is looking to improve his position.
Cipriano is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Valcone scores with a couple of nice shots.

Cipriano looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Valcone working over Cipriano with some ground and pound. Cipriano looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Cipriano is trying to get back to full guard.
Valcone lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Valcone trying to control from half guard but Cipriano is working away.
Nice strikes from Valcone there.
Cipriano wants to improve his position but Valcone is controlling well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cipriano is in trouble now - Valcone has advanced to mount!
Valcone with a couple of short strikes.
Valcone with good strikes from the mount here!
Valcone lands an elbow that was bordering on illegal but the referee lets it go with a warning.
Valcone in mount throwing good strikes here, bouncing his opponent's head off the canvas.

Cipriano is rocked!
Valcone looking to control and managing it successfully.
Cipriano is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
Valcone with good strikes from the mount here!
Cipriano manages to regain half guard. Good work.
Cipriano taking some punishment here, with Valcone in his half guard.
Valcone winds up and cracks Cipriano with a swinging punch to the side of the head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Valcone looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Valcone working Cipriano over with strikes.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Cipriano looking for submissions off his back.
Valcone lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Cipriano actively working from the bottom here.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Valcone connects with a nice short shot to Cipriano's temple.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Valcone lands a nice short elbow.
Cipriano manages to get to full guard.

Cipriano working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Valcone doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Valcone manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Cipriano looks gassed!
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Valcone wants to control from the top but Cipriano keeps moving.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Shane Valcone dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Cipriano throws a lazy right hand but Valcone sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Valcone shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Cipriano but Cipriano pushes him off and we're back to square one.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Valcone tried to score with a low kick but Cipriano checks it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cipriano shoots and misses

and Valcone counters with a single leg into guard. Cipriano didn't expect that.
Valcone in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.

Valcone got a little sloppy there for a moment and Cipriano has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Valcone has managed to get both his arms back between Cipriano's legs - danger averted.
Valcone missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.

Cipriano is looking for a triangle but Valcone pushes his legs off easily.
Valcone stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Cipriano swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Cipriano manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Valcone manages to get himself to full guard.
Cipriano preventing the sweep.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Cipriano is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! Valcone is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! Valcone has escaped and now he's on top!
Cipriano is breathing heavily.
Cipriano preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Valcone lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.

Cipriano looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Valcone wants to control from the top but Cipriano keeps moving.
Valcone postures up and lands a big shot to Cipriano's brow.
Valcone with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Valcone is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Valcone working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Cipriano's head.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Valcone missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.

Cipriano is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Valcone is aware though and is defending well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Valcone is working Cipriano over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Cipriano has momentary wrist control but Valcone slips an elbow through the middle.
Valcone with a flurry of punches that miss.
Valcone stands up over Cipriano, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Valcone distracts Cipriano with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Shane Valcone overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

Cipriano is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Valcone defends well.

Cipriano looking for subs off his back but Valcone has passed one foot through into half guard.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Valcone lands a nice short elbow.
Cipriano is not content to let Valcone control the position.
Valcone lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Cipriano is looking to improve his position.

Cipriano looking for submissions off his back.
Cipriano on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Cipriano is looking to improve his position.

Cipriano actively working from the bottom here.
Valcone trying to control from half guard but Cipriano is working away.

Cipriano looking for submissions off his back.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Shane Valcone dominated that second round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Valcone fails with the takedown
and Cipriano counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Valcone shoots in for a takedown but Cipriano shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Valcone shoots and misses

and Cipriano counters with a shoot takedown. Valcone fights it but they end up in guard.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Shane Valcone. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Cipriano stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Valcone swivels though and keeps the full guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Valcone controls Cipriano momentarily but Cipriano frees himself.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

Valcone working for a triangle but Cipriano defends it easily.
Valcone wants to sweep here but Cipriano controlling him for the moment.
Cipriano passes Valcone's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Cipriano has freed up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Cipriano pushing the pace here, looking to move to his opponents back and work for a finish.

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

That's two minutes gone in the round.

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

Cipriano has an active guard here but Valcone has managed to pass into half guard.
Valcone working the head and body with strikes.

Cipriano looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Valcone landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Nice strikes from Valcone there.

Cipriano looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Cipriano is staying active underneath Valcone, who seems content to just control the action from this position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ground and pound from Valcone.
Valcone is nestled in close to Cipriano, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.

Cipriano looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Valcone takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Cipriano wants to get back to full guard.
Valcone landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Cipriano gets back to full guard.
Valcone trying to control but Cipriano is working from the bottom.

Cipriano working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Valcone doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Valcone manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Valcone is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Valcone might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Valcone is working Cipriano over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Valcone passes Cipriano's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Valcone seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.
Cipriano wants to get back to full guard.
Valcone scores with a couple of good hammerfists.

Cipriano looking for submissions from an awkward position here.

Cipriano looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Valcone landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but Shane Valcone did the better work so I'd imagine he'll take it.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Valcone shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.
Valcone seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Cipriano does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Valcone working Cipriano over with strikes.
Cipriano is looking for a sweep. Valcone is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

Cipriano actively working from the bottom here.
Valcone trying to control the pace.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Valcone takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Nice strikes from Valcone there.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Valcone lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.

Cipriano actively working from the bottom here.
Valcone working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.
Cipriano is trying to get back to full guard.
Well, if Valcone 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.
Valcone lands with a punch from half guard.
Cipriano wants to get back to full guard.
Valcone looks to score some points with some ground and pound.

Cipriano actively working from the bottom here.
Valcone working Cipriano over with strikes.

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.
Valcone winds up and cracks Cipriano with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Cipriano is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Valcone scores with a couple of nice shots.
Valcone winds up and cracks Cipriano with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Valcone connects with a nice short shot to Cipriano's temple.

Cipriano actively working from the bottom here.
Valcone slips a nice elbow through Cipriano's hands, connecting with Cipriano's forehead.
Valcone scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Valcone drops an elbow to the side of Cipriano's head.
Valcone takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Cipriano makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Cipriano.

Cipriano escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Valcone gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Valcone won't allow Cipriano to sweep him here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Valcone postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Valcone working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Cipriano's head.
Cipriano preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.

Cipriano working for submissions but it's allowed Valcone to get to half guard.
Valcone wants to take a breather but Cipriano is having none of it.
Valcone moves into full mount! Cipriano won't be happy about that!
Cipriano slips a leg in and gets back to half guard.

Cipriano looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Cipriano is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Valcone scores with a couple of nice shots.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Cipriano looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.

Cipriano is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Valcone pulls his head out easily.
Valcone drops an elbow to the side of Cipriano's head.

Cipriano looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Valcone lands strikes from half guard.
Valcone seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Cipriano does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Cipriano avoids a punch combination nicely.
Valcone has his takedown stuffed

and Cipriano counters by clinching up.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Shane Valcone had his way with Aristides Cipriano in that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Cipriano shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Oh and he's advanced to full mount straight away.

Cipriano swings around for an armbar but it's a sloppy attempt and Valcone is now in Cipriano's guard. A big mistake from Cipriano there, giving up the dominant position!

Cipriano is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Valcone is aware though and is defending well.
Valcone wants to control from the top but Cipriano keeps moving.
Valcone is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Valcone lands a couple of digs.

Cipriano is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Valcone defends well.
Cipriano is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Valcone trying to control but Cipriano is working from the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Valcone landing some decent shots from guard.

Cipriano has his foot on Valcone's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Valcone works his way back into a safe position though.
Valcone lands a couple of decent looking shots.

Cipriano is looking for a triangle but Valcone pushes his legs off easily.
Valcone scoring with punches to the head and body.
Valcone lands a couple of elbows.

Cipriano is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Valcone defends well.

Cipriano looks to be working for a triangle here. Oh, it looks like he might have it! Valcone has picked Cipriano up and slammed him! Cipriano can't keep hold of the triangle and Valcone manages to pass to side control!
Valcone scoring with punches and elbows.
Valcone landing with strikes to the head and body from side control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cipriano is looking for a sweep.
Valcone wants to lay and pray for a moment but Cipriano keeps working.
Valcone scoring with punches and elbows.
Cipriano is looking for a sweep.
Cipriano takes a nasty elbow to the side of the head.
Valcone scoring with punches and elbows.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Valcone throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Valcone pushing out the jab but it's not landing.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Valcone throws a series of punches but Cipriano moves out of range.
Valcone swinging wilding here.
Valcone throws a leg kick that is checked

and Cipriano counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.

Valcone has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Cipriano can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Cipriano trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Aristides Cipriano has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

Cipriano 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.
Valcone wants to control but instead he gets his guard passed and Cipriano is now in half guard.

Cipriano is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Valcone defends it well.
Cipriano thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Valcone is looking for a sweep. Cipriano is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Shane Valcone is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Valcone falls off balance throwing a combination

and Cipriano counters with a nice double leg into side control. Valcone won't be happy with that.

And that's the end of the fight!
Aristides Cipriano comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Valcone 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 Felipe Paraventi scores the fight 49:47
Judge Edson Gomes scores the fight 49:46
Judge Emerson Jorge scores the fight 49:47

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Shane Valcone!
Shane Valcone is the new welterweight champion!