PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Papa Domingo (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and raizo the mantis (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both these fighters are unbeaten, so somebody's 0 has got to go!raizo the mantis will no doubt be trying to keep this one on the feet, where he has a distinct advantage.

Domingo
vs
the mantis

175 cm
22
178 lbs
5 - 0 - 0

188 cm
19
183 lbs
5 - 0 - 0

Good takedowns
Basic striking
KO power

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter striker
Solid chin

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 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Papa Domingo!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, raizo the mantis!
The judges for this bout are Gregory Folan, Alec Ball and William Peck.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Domingo looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into mount! Oh, that's bad for the mantis!
the mantis squirming around on the bottom, looking to escape.
the mantis working to try and regain half guard.

Domingo looking to secure an arm triangle but the mantis defends it well.
the mantis really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Domingo. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
the mantis is squirming around, avoiding Domingo's attempts to control the action.
Domingo controlling his opponent.
the mantis working to try and regain half guard.
You get the feeling that the mantis really doesn't like being in this position too much.

That's one minute gone in the round.
the mantis keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.

Domingo looks like he's working for a submission but he's not found anything just yet.
the mantis really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
Domingo takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
the mantis wants to hold on but Domingo pushes him away.
the mantis is desperately trying to improve his position but Domingo has a good base and remains in mount.

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.
Domingo manages to capitalize on a mistake by the mantis to take his back!
the mantis trying to control the position but Domingo manages to sink in the hooks.
Domingo is hanging on to the mantis's back as he tries to escape.
the mantis holding both Domingo 's hands and preventing any damage.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
the mantis is in a world of trouble here. He's outmatched on the ground here and he'd better get Domingo off his back sharpish unless he wants to be submitted.
Domingo has the hooks in. the mantis is trying to push off one leg but he has to do so cautiously to avoid being submitted.
the mantis is keeping busy.
the mantis avoids the strikes from Domingo.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
the mantis trying to control the action but Domingo just sinks the hooks in.
So, who will make the next big move? In this position it could be crucial.
Domingo keeps control of the position as the mantis tries to break free.
the mantis trying to control the hands but Domingo breaks the grip.
the mantis tries to escape the position - he's now mounted. Is that better or worse? Hard to tell!
Domingo wants to control the pace but the mantis is squirming around nicely.
Domingo avoids the attempt from the mantis to control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
the mantis is working to get back to half guard.
Domingo content just to control the position here.
Domingo avoids the attempt from the mantis to control.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Papa Domingo dominated that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Domingo misses with an uppercut.
Domingo throws out a loose jab but the mantis uses good head movement to avoid it.
the mantis is looking to clinch.
the mantis misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
the mantis leaves Domingo with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Domingo fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Domingo fails with a takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Papa Domingo. That's going to take a lot out of him.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Domingo shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says the mantis as he avoids it easily.

the mantis clinches up against the cage.

the mantis manages to break the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A shot to de liver by the mantis. Beautiful body shot.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
the mantis with a hook.
A jab lands there for the mantis.
the mantis lands a really nice looking cross but Domingo seems unphased.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
the mantis dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Domingo shoots in for a takedown but the mantis shows good takedown defense.

Domingo gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
the mantis lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
the mantis in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
the mantis wants to stand but Domingo is controlling his posture from full guard.
the mantis throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
the mantis postures up and lands a big shot to Domingo's brow.
the mantis missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
the mantis wants to control from the top but Domingo keeps moving.
the mantis controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
the mantis pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Domingo is keeping the position for now.

the mantis stands and steps away. Domingo gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Domingo with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling the mantis to score with a decent uppercut.
Domingo fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Domingo shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and the mantis cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
the mantis moves out of range of the strikes.
Papa Domingo seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

the mantis drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.

Domingo is working an open guard so the mantis takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.
the mantis fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Domingo takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
the mantis jabs away that one connects to the head of his opponent.
Domingo closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
the mantis has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.

the mantis drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
the mantis stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Domingo swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Domingo tries to land a sweep but no joy.
the mantis is pushing down on Domingo's leg trying to pass to half guard. Domingo is fighting to maintain full guard but the mantis has managed to sneak the leg through.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

the mantis stands, ready to strike. The ref makes him back up and allows Domingo to get to his feet.
Domingo fails with the takedown
and the mantis counters with a flying knee. Nice.
the mantis is using his reach advantage to land shots from outside his opponent's range.
the mantis lands a glancing blow to the side of Domingo's head.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
the mantis closes the distance and lands a one-two.
Domingo with a lazy takedown attempt

and the mantis counters with a nice single leg takedown and he's in Domingo's guard now.
the mantis wants to control from the top but Domingo keeps moving.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

raizo the mantis showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Domingo shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
enabling the mantis to counter with a crisp jab.
Domingo misses with a takedown attempt
and the mantis counters with a right hand to the body.
Domingo throws a head kick but the mantis moves out of range.
the mantis fakes the leg kick and cracks Domingo in the body.

the mantis closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - the mantis lands in his opponent's guard.
the mantis pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Domingo is keeping the position for now.
the mantis throwing strikes from guard but Domingo blocks nicely.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
the mantis advances position into side control!
Domingo might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.

That's one minute gone in the round.

the mantis is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Domingo knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Domingo can't do much from the bottom here.
the mantis throwing ground and pound but whilst doing so, he forgets to control position and Domingo works his way back to half guard. Good composure under pressure.
the mantis thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Domingo's head.

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.
Domingo is trying to get back to full guard.
Domingo has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. the mantis is working away from the top position though.
Domingo avoiding damage under a succession of punches from the mantis.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Domingo tries a low kick but the mantis avoids it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Domingo with a lazy takedown attempt
and the mantis counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Papa Domingo. That's going to take a lot out of him.

the mantis scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
the mantis misses with the ground and pound.
the mantis creates some space and throws a big elbow, but Domingo sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike.

the mantis is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Domingo has escaped the position, nice work there.
the mantis is looking to take a break and control but Domingo is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

the mantis working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Domingo regains half guard, as the mantis was trying to land strikes.
the mantis thows a big elbow that misses, also allowing Domingo to regain full guard.
Domingo is adopting a defensive guard.
Domingo lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for the mantis!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

raizo the mantis really 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.

the mantis gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Domingo won't allow the mantis to get back to his feet.
the mantis tries to land a sweep but no joy.
the mantis is looking to stand up but Domingo isn't so interested in that idea.
Domingo stopping the sweep attempt from the mantis.
the mantis looking to control.

That's one minute gone in the round.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
the mantis looking for a sweep. Not yet the mantis, not yet.
Domingo won't allow the mantis to get back to his feet.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
the mantis scores with a nice right hand.
the mantis tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Domingo paws at him with a jab and circles away.

Domingo shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Domingo showed some decent athleticism there.
the mantis is looking to improve his position.
the mantis is looking to get full guard. It looks like he might be successful but at the last minute Domingo jumps into side control!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
the mantis tries to buck Domingo off but Domingo is having none of it.
Domingo staying calm.
the mantis tries to buck Domingo off but Domingo is having none of it.
raizo the mantis has got the better of the ground game so far.
the mantis is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
the mantis pushes Domingo away and creates a bit of space to escape. He's almost out here... but no, Domingo gets a good hold of his legs and remains firmly in side control.
You can see the frustration on the mantis's face as Domingo controls the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
the mantis tries to buck Domingo off but Domingo is having none of it.
Domingo working the ground and pound from side control.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
the mantis moves in looking to clinch but Domingo pushes him off.
the mantis misses with a body shot.
Domingo tries for a takedown but the mantis circles away easily
and the mantis counters with a right hand to the body.

the mantis closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Domingo avoiding damage under a succession of punches from the mantis.
the mantis throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
the mantis not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
the mantis throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Domingo trying to control from the bottom.
the mantis seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Domingo does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Domingo is trying to stand.

the mantis is trying to work for a kimura but Domingo is defending well.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Domingo on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
raizo the mantis seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Domingo shoots and misses
and the mantis counters with a nice body shot.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Domingo gets cracked with a nice right hand there by the mantis.

the mantis closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
A shot in the inside from the mantis.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close fourth round but I would say that Papa Domingo will probably get the nod.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! This is the final round!

Domingo will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Domingo tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Domingo fails with the takedown
and the mantis counters with a thumping low kick.
Domingo with a poor takedown
and the mantis finishes the little exchange by landing a big kick to the body.
the mantis fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.

the mantis moves into range and clinches up with Domingo.

the mantis pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Domingo takes a body kick right on the floating rib. Ouchie.
A thudding body kick lands there by the mantis!
Domingo throws a right hand that the mantis ducks under and follows up with a left that the mantis also avoids with ease.

the mantis fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Domingo, pushing him back against the cage.

the mantis breaks from the clinch.
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.

That's one minute gone in the round.
the mantis throws a half hearted mid kick.

the mantis has taken the fight to the clinch.
Nice body punch from the mantis - that landed with a thud.
The referee calls for the mantis to work.

the mantis manages to break the clinch.
Domingo walks into a left hand.
the mantis's corner calls for a 1,2 combination and the mantis duly obliges.

the mantis closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.

the mantis stands up.
Domingo with a poor takedown

and the mantis counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by the mantis.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Papa Domingo. That's going to take a lot out of him.

the mantis's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Domingo walks into a straight right hand from the mantis.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Domingo doesn't succeed with the takedown

and the mantis counters by clinching up.

the mantis's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Domingo tries to clinch up

and the mantis counters with a nice double leg into side control. Domingo won't be happy with that.
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!

the mantis is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Domingo knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.

the mantis tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Domingo sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.

the mantis is working for a submission of some sort.

the mantis is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
the mantis is trying to control the action in half guard but Domingo is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
the mantis missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
the mantis stalling away here and it's allowed Domingo to slip out his trapped foot and regain full guard.

the mantis has gone for a leg lock! Domingo slips out almost immediately though and dives into the mantis's guard.
Domingo forces his way into half guard.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
the mantis tries to roll over but Domingo keeps him under control.

And that's the end of the fight!
raizo the mantis comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well the mantis has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 Gregory Folan scores the fight 46:48
Judge Alec Ball scores the fight 46:48
Judge William Peck scores the fight 45:49

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