PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Rickson Machado (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Marcelinho Garcia (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Buckle up people - heeeeeeeeeere we go!

Machado
vs
Garcia

182 cm
21
275 lbs
6 - 0 - 0

184 cm
21
260 lbs
6 - 1 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Solid boxing
Very strong

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter striker
Powerful

Syndicate Drugs
Blaze Ronin Reborn

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 6 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Rickson Machado!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Marcelinho Garcia!
The judges for this bout are Felipe Paraventi, Edson Gomes and Alexandre Firmino.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Machado tries to clinch up but Garcia circles away and keeps his distance.
The fight stays on the outside here - Machado looks like he's thinking about clinching though.

Machado closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Machado with a knee to the head.
Machado lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Garcia tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Machado just stands there and leans against the cage.
Machado slows down the pace here.
Garcia jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Machado walks away with a smile on his face. Garcia gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Machado gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Machado swings for the body but Garcia moves out of range.
Machado tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Garcia paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Garcia swats away the attempt to clinch by Machado.
Garcia avoids the body shot from Machado.
Machado tries to clinch but Garcia moves out of range.

Garcia fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Machado sprawls well initially but Garcia persists and gets the takedown into half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Machado works his way to full guard. Good work.
Machado looking to control.
Garcia trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Machado pulls Garcia in close to prevent any damage.
Machado keeping moving, preventing Garcia from controlling successfully.
Garcia trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Machado seems keen to control Garcia's posture.
Machado keeping full guard, as Garcia tries to pass.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Machado fails in his attempt to clinch.

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.

Machado pushes Garcia up against the cage in a clinch.
Garcia goes for a takedown attempt but Machado pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Rickson Machado has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Marcelinho Garcia.
Garcia fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Garcia shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Machado as he jumps to the side.
Garcia keeps the fight on the outside.
Machado throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Garcia.
Machado misses with a few strikes there.
Machado scores with a one two! Garcia had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.

It looks like Marcelinho Garcia has been cut.
Machado tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Machado tries to close the distance and clinch but Garcia swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Machado is looking to take this fight into the clinch.

Garcia drives through with a takedown into guard.
Garcia pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Machado is keeping the position for now.

Garcia has gone for a leg lock! Machado slips out almost immediately though and dives into Garcia's guard.
Machado tries to stand but Garcia is controlling from the bottom.
Machado wants to pass the guard but Garcia is keeping the position.

Garcia has his foot on Machado's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Machado works his way back into a safe position though.
Machado pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Garcia is keeping the position for now.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Garcia keeping moving, preventing Machado from controlling successfully.
Machado content to stall in guard here.

Garcia is active off his back here, looking for submissions.

Garcia is looking for a triangle but Machado pushes his legs off easily.
Machado stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Garcia swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Machado trying to control but Garcia is working from the bottom.

Garcia is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Rickson Machado dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Marcelinho Garcia's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Machado connects with a nice looking jab.
Machado fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Garcia looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Machado is looking to clinch but Garcia is avoiding it.
Machado paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Machado tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Garcia paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Garcia has a takedown stuffed.
Machado slaps away a takedown attempt from Garcia, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Garcia is breathing heavily.
Garcia keeps the fight on the outside.
Machado wants to clinch up but Garcia keeps it at a distance.
Machado throws a hook but Garcia blocks it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Machado is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Rickson Machado is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Garcia circles away from the clinch attempt.
Machado tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Garcia paws at him with a jab and circles away.

Machado has closed the distance and engaged Garcia in a clinch.
Garcia changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Machado fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Rickson Machado has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Marcelinho Garcia.
Machado wants to clinch.
Rickson Machado is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Garcia slips under a jab from Machado.
Machado misses with an uppercut.
Machado fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Rickson Machado seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Machado is looking to clinch but Garcia is avoiding it.
Garcia shoots in and drives through. Machado sprawls well.
Garcia shoots in looking for a takedown. Machado tries to sprawl out of it but Garcia keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Machado manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Machado is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Garcia shoots in but Machado avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Machado tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Garcia paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Machado misses with a wild body shot.
Machado lands with a hook. Garcia tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Machado tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Garcia fails to land the takedown.
Machado tries to close the distance and clinch but Garcia swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.

Machado moves into the clinch successfully.
Garcia jumps guard but Machado stands there with Garcia around his waist. Garcia gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Machado misses with a knee to the head.
Machado lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Machado will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Garcia up against the cage.
Nice elbow from Machado.
Garcia tries to score a body lock takedown but Machado shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Garcia goes for a takedown attempt but Machado pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Machado misses with the combination.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Garcia shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Oh and he's advanced to full mount straight away.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Machado can't escape the position.

Garcia goes for an armbar but Machado turns quickly into his guard - lovely anticipation from Machado.
Machado controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.

Garcia is looking for a triangle but Machado pushes his legs off easily.

Garcia looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Machado is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Rickson Machado dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Marcelinho Garcia's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Garcia looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Machado is fending him off so far but Garcia persists. Nope, Machado circles away and we're back to standing.
Machado tries to clinch but Garcia moves out of range.
Garcia blocks a head kick by Machado.
Garcia blocks a jab.
Machado keeps the fight on the outside.
Machado tries to close the distance and clinch but Garcia swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Horrible takedown by Garcia or perhaps it was just good defense by Machado which made him look bad.

Machado has closed the distance and engaged Garcia in a clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Machado throws a knee to the head but misses.
Garcia is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Machado gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Rickson Machado has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Marcelinho Garcia.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
Machado looks to throw an elbow but misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Machado unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Garcia takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Garcia tries to score a body lock takedown but Machado shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Machado working Garcia over with knees to the body.
Machado lands a good knee to the midsection. Garcia won't want to take too many of those.
Garcia takes a knee to the side of the body.
Machado utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Machado with a knee to the head.
Garcia drops down looking for an ankle pick but Machado pulls his leg out and moves away.
The fighters circle momentarily. Machado darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Machado tries to clinch but Garcia moves out of range.
Machado is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Machado.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Machado wants to clinch but Garcia slips to the side

and Garcia counters with a single leg into guard. Machado didn't expect that.
Machado wants to sweep but no luck.
Machado is pulling down on Garcia's head. It's preventing any offense from Garcia, at least for the moment.
Garcia forces his way into half guard.

Garcia is looking for a kimura. It's pretty deep but Machado still has the half guard so he's probably OK. Oh, Machado has exploded into a beautiful escape there and after a quick scramble, he's ended up in side control on top! Nice work!
Garcia is looking to slip a leg under and get half guard but Machado is one step ahead and moves to full mount!

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Machado has hold of Garcia's left arm, perhaps looking for a submission. The two fighters tussle over control of the isolated limb and Garcia manages to get his arm back to his side and away from danger.
Garcia is looking to improve his position but Machado isn't that keen on the idea.
Garcia bucks up and manages to get a nice reversal! He's in guard on the top - nicely done!
Machado keeping moving, preventing Garcia from controlling successfully.
Machado is trying to control the position but Garcia postures up.
Machado looking to hit a scissor sweep but Garcia is one step ahead there.
Garcia tries to free his leg and advance position but Machado is retaining full guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Garcia trying to pass the guard. He's being very persistent here but Machado manages to land a sweep and now he's on top!
Machado works a leg free and moves into half guard.

Garcia looking for submissions off his back.
Machado is pressing down on Garcia's thigh, looking to free his foot. Garcia is holding on for now.
Machado wants to control but Garcia is keeping him busy.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.

Garcia actively working from the bottom here.
Machado stalling.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Rickson Machado clearly takes that round.
The cut man is working on Marcelinho Garcia's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

A punch combination from Machado misses.
Machado closes the distance looking to clinch

and Garcia counters with a nice double leg into side control. Machado won't be happy with that.
Garcia tries to advance to mount but Machado instead regains half guard.
Garcia performing his best blanket impression for a moment.
Machado trying to control here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Garcia wants to pass the guard but Machado is defending well.
Garcia trying to control the action but Machado is working from the bottom.

Garcia is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Machado is just riding it out for now. Garcia eventually gives up the hold.
Marcelinho Garcia has got the better of the ground game so far.
Garcia is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Machado is in trouble now - Garcia has advanced to mount!

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.

Machado bucks up and throws Garcia to the side - he's got back to his feet. Great escape!
Machado misses with the combination.
Machado is looking to clinch.
Machado ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Garcia moves away.

Machado closes the distance and pushes Garcia back into the cage.
Machado landing knees to the body.
Garcia jumps guard but Machado stands there with Garcia around his waist. Garcia gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Garcia takes an elbow to the forehead.
Stalling in the clinch from Machado.
Garcia can't get the takedown.
Garcia fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Rickson Machado has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Marcelinho Garcia.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Machado lands an elbow just above Garcia 's eye.
Garcia has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Machado avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Machado lands a damaging elbow.
Garcia tries for a takedown. No joy.
Machado with a knee to the head.

That has opened up Marcelinho Garcia's cut even more.
Machado working Garcia over with knees to the body.
Machado landing knees to the head.
A knee to the head by Machado.
Machado working Garcia over with knees to the body.
Garcia takes an elbow to the temple.
Machado lands a nice knee to the body.
Machado lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Machado lands a knee to the body.
Machado connects with a nasty looking knee right to Garcia's face.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Machado.
Machado lands a knee to the body.
Garcia tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Machado just stands there and leans against the cage.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Machado with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Machado prevents the takedown attempt.
Machado tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Garcia is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Machado scores a nice knee to the body.
Garcia takes a knee to the side of the body.
Machado scores a nice knee to the body.
Machado lands a nice knee to the body.
Machado connects with a knee to the head.
Rickson Machado has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Machado stalling the fight.
Machado stops a takedown attempt from Garcia.
Machado crunches a lovely knee into Garcia's ribcage.
Garcia tries to pull guard but Machado won't allow it.
Garcia has Machado pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Machado manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Garcia tries to score a body lock takedown but Machado shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Garcia drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Machado gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Machado putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Garcia in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Machado holding his opponent close, against the cage.
Machado tries a knee to the head but Garcia blocks it.
Machado prevents a takedown attempt there.
A knee to the head by Machado.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Rickson Machado had his way with Marcelinho Garcia in that round.
The cut man is working on Marcelinho Garcia's cut.
That's time! Back to the action! Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Machado gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Machado lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Garcia tries to pull guard but Machado won't allow it.
Machado landing knees to the body.
Machado is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Garcia can do to turn this around?
Knees to the body from Machado.
Machado looking to throw knees to the head but Garcia is blocking nicely.
Machado lands a nice elbow.
Knees in the clinch landing for Machado.
Machado lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Machado lands an elbow inside that Garcia shrugs off.
Garcia tries to score a body lock takedown but Machado shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Knees to the body from Machado.
Machado connects with a nasty looking knee right to Garcia's face.
Garcia takes an elbow to the forehead.
Machado tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Garcia is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Machado gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Rickson Machado has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Marcelinho Garcia.
Knees in the clinch landing for Machado.
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.
Machado lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Machado scores a nice knee to the body.
Machado with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Machado tries to stall but Garcia uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Garcia is working for takedown but Machado is calmly controlling the position for now.
Machado lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Garcia drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Machado gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Machado with a knee to the head.
Machado pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the cage.
Machado taking a breather.
Garcia can't get the takedown.
Garcia wants a takedown.
Machado lands an elbow just above Garcia 's eye.
Garcia can't get the takedown.
Machado working Garcia over with knees to the body.
Machado working Garcia over with knees to the body.
Machado slowing the pace effectively.
Garcia takes a knee to the side of the body.
Machado tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Garcia avoids it.
Garcia drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Machado stalling.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Garcia tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Machado with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Garcia tries for a takedown but Machado manages to get underhooks.
Machado lands a damaging elbow.
Machado lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Machado just leaning against Garcia, taking a breather.
Garcia jumps guard but Machado stands there with Garcia around his waist. Garcia gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Machado misses with a knee to the head.
Garcia wants a takedown.
Garcia tries to score a body lock takedown but Machado shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Machado using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Garcia wants a takedown but no success here.
Machado throws a knee to the head but misses.
Machado creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Garcia's defenses.
Garcia tries to pull guard but Machado won't allow it.
With the fighters up against the cage, Machado throws an elbow but misses.
Rickson Machado is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Machado working Garcia over with knees to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Machado tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Nice elbow from Machado.

Garcia gets a nice trip takedown into half guard.
Garcia wants to free his trapped foot but Machado is holding on for dear life with his legs.

Garcia wants to work for an arm triangle but Machado is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.

Garcia is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Garcia trying to control from half guard but Machado is working away.

Garcia is trying to work for a kimura but Machado is defending well.
Garcia is looking to pass Machado's guard but actually Machado recovers to full guard.
Marcelinho Garcia has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Machado looking to hit a scissor sweep but Garcia is one step ahead there.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Machado is on top in guard.
Machado controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.

Garcia is looking for a triangle but Machado pushes his legs off easily.

And that's the end of the fight!
Rickson Machado showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Machado, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 50:45
Judge Edson Gomes scores the fight 50:45
Judge Alexandre Firmino scores the fight 50:45

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Rickson Machado!
Rickson Machado retains his heavyweight title!