PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Shaka Zulu (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Paul Cider (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Paul Cider is the more experienced fighter, so let's see if that makes a difference tonight.

Zulu
vs
Cider

185 cm
22
165 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

170 cm
22
155 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Improved boxing
Big right hand

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Shaka Zulu!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Paul Cider!
The judges for this bout are Lou da Vinci, John Roberts and Bruno Lombardi.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Cider avoids the body shot from Zulu.
Zulu doesn't manage to clinch there - Cider circles away.
Cider showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Zulu.
Paul Cider seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Cider drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Cider is stalling in the full guard.
Zulu will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Zulu working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Cider.
Cider is stalling in the full guard.
Cider looking to pass the guard.
Zulu utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cider is stalling in the full guard.
Cider has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Zulu is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Zulu avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Cider slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.
Zulu knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Cider on the ground.
Cider passes easily into side control. Nice work.

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.

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

Cider wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Zulu, who protects the arm well.
Cider looks gassed!

Cider decides to stand up, so the ref orders Zulu to his feet.
Zulu digs a good hook to Cider's body.
Zulu moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Shaka Zulu is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zulu lunges at Cider with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Cider's hand.
Zulu tries to bum rush Cider with a series of wild strikes but Cider uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Cider tries to clinch there but Zulu circles away.
Zulu throws a one two combo.
Zulu lands a two punch combo.
Zulu tries to clinch

and Cider counters with a nice single leg takedown and he's in Zulu's guard now.
Zulu wants to stand but Cider is controlling the position.
Cider trying to control the position from guard on top but Zulu is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Cider wants to stand but Zulu has a closed guard, so he can't escape.
Cider is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Cider postures up in Zulu's guard and throws a big left but Zulu blocks it.
Cider is pushing down on Zulu's leg trying to pass to half guard. Zulu is fighting to maintain full guard but Cider has managed to sneak the leg through.
Cider not doing much here.

Cider postures up and decides to stand up, from the half guard. The ref calls for Zulu to stand up.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Cider misses with a low kick.

Cider has Zulu up against the cage in a clinch.
Cider blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Paul Cider dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Some wild striking there from Zulu.

Cider gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Cider tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Cider goes for a takedown in the clinch but Zulu prevents it.
Cider tries for a takedown. No joy.
Shaka Zulu has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Paul Cider.
Cider drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Zulu gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Zulu gets underhooks to prevent Cider's takedown attempt.
Cider has Zulu pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Zulu manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Cider changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Zulu fights it off and pushes away nicely.
A combination from Zulu does no damage.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Zulu!
Zulu misses with a two punch combination.
Cider is breathing heavily.
Cider looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Zulu connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Cider momentarily.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Zulu!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zulu clinches but Cider breaks the clinch

and Cider counters with a takedown into side control.
Cider is working Zulu over with some ground and pound from side control.
Cider tries to get to his feet but he's trapped momentarily.
Cider misses with a strike but at least he's keeping busy, looking to cause some damage - that will still help him when it comes to the judges scorecards.

Cider has an Americana. Zulu didn't react quickly enough there and he's in big trouble now! He tries to squirm out but is forced to tap! Cider is delighted and gyrates infront of the ring girls. They seem to like the attention - it'll be interesting to see if Cider hooks up with any of them at the after show party.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:44 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Americana). Paul Cider!