PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Minotauro Nogueira (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ronald Vega (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Nogueira comes to the ring accompanied by The Rolling Stones - Gimme Shelter. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Nogueira
vs
Vega

192 cm
26
270 lbs
9 - 3 - 0

185 cm
26
285 lbs
10 - 10 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Basic striking
Very strong

BJJ Purple Belt
Good kicks
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 9 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Minotauro Nogueira!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 10 - 10 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Ronald Vega!
The judges for this bout are Daniel Franklin, Chris Downing and Robert Twigg.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A lazy left from Vega finds it's target.

Vega gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Nogueira tries for a takedown. No joy.
Nogueira drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Vega gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Nogueira is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Vega pulls him back up using the underhooks.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Minotauro Nogueira. That's going to take a lot out of him.
A knee to the head by Vega.
Nogueira tries to stall but Vega uses the opportunity to gain a better position.

Vega has hold of one of Nogueira's legs. Nogueira is fighting the takedown attempt but Vega gets the trip and lands the takedown into guard.
Vega throws and elbow that misses. Nogueira uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Vega's guard. Nice move by Nogueira!
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Vega looking to hit a scissor sweep but Nogueira is one step ahead there.
Nogueira trying to control the position from guard on top but Vega is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.
Nogueira works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Vega is looking to improve his position.

Nogueira is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Vega doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Nogueira.
Vega is looking to improve his position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nogueira is trying to control. Vega wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Vega is looking for a sweep. Nogueira is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.

Nogueira is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Vega sees it coming and defends easily.

Nogueira is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Vega defends it well.
Nogueira tries to pass to full mount but Vega defends it.

Nogueira is looking for a kimura here.
Vega slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Vega looking to hit a scissor sweep but Nogueira is one step ahead there.
Nogueira trying to control but Vega is working from the bottom.

Nogueira drops back looking for a leg! Vega is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Vega manages to kick Nogueira off! Nogueira jumps back into Vega's guard.
Nogueira stopping the sweep attempt from Vega.
Nogueira trying to control the position from guard on top but Vega is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Vega throws a head kick that Nogueira semi-blocks.

It looks like Minotauro Nogueira has been cut.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Nogueira is trying hard to land a takedown here. Vega sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Nogueira shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Vega pinned against the cage. Vega gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Nogueira defending well as Vega loads up on a big left hand.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ronald Vega dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Minotauro Nogueira's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Vega misses with a kick to the body.
Vega keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Nogueira dives in and grabs Vega's left leg, looking for a takedown. Vega pushes down on Nogueira's head and hops out.
Minotauro Nogueira seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Nogueira slips under a jab.

Vega darts in and clinches Nogueira up against the ropes.
Vega throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Nogueira blocks it with crossed arms.
Vega looking to throw knees to the head but Nogueira is blocking nicely.
Nogueira wants a takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Minotauro Nogueira. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Nogueira tries to pull guard but Vega won't allow it.
Vega connects with a nasty looking knee right to Nogueira's face.
Vega tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Vega misses with a knee to the head.
Nogueira has Vega pressed up against the ropes and is working for takedown. Vega manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.

Vega gets double underhooks and manages to take the fight to the ground.
Nogueira controls Vega momentarily but Vega frees himself.
Nogueira 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.
Nogueira utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.

Nogueira has his foot on Vega's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Vega works his way back into a safe position though.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Vega postures up in Nogueira's guard and throws a big left but Nogueira blocks it.
Vega must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Vega loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Nogueira controls Vega momentarily but Vega frees himself.
Nogueira wants to sweep here but Vega controlling him for the moment.
Nogueira not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.

Nogueira has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Vega can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Vega looking to pass the guard.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Vega connects with a solid leg kick.
Nogueira fails miserably with a takedown attempt.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Vega swings for the body but Nogueira moves out of range.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Vega with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Nogueira jumps guard but Vega stands there with Nogueira around his waist. Nogueira gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Vega tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Nogueira tries for a takedown but Vega manages to get underhooks.
Nogueira tries for a takedown. No joy.
Nogueira is working for a takedown up against the ropes. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Vega misses with a knee to the head.
Nogueira drops down looking for an ankle pick but Vega pulls his leg out and moves away.
Vega works over Nogueira's head and body with a nice combination.
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!
Nogueira fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Vega avoids it really well and circles away.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Vega closes the distance and pushes Nogueira back into the ropes.
Nogueira goes for a takedown attempt but Vega pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Nogueira shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Vega pinned against the cage. Vega gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ronald Vega showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Minotauro Nogueira's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Nogueira has a takedown stuffed.

Vega fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Nogueira sprawls well initially but Vega persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
Nogueira is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Vega looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Nogueira with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.

Nogueira looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Nogueira manages to get to full guard.
Vega lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Vega missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Vega postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Vega cracks Nogueira with a solid left hand.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Vega distracts Nogueira with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.

Nogueira looking for a guillotine here but Vega defends easily.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Vega tries to free his leg and advance position but Nogueira is retaining full guard.

Nogueira had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Vega defends it easily.

Nogueira is looking for a triangle but Vega pushes his legs off easily.
Vega lands a couple of elbows.
Nogueira is trying to control the position but Vega postures up.

Nogueira is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Vega defends well.
Vega with a nice head shot there.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Vega distracts Nogueira with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Vega missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.

Nogueira escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Vega gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.

Nogueira throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Vega cracks Nogueira with a solid left hand.
Nogueira keeping full guard, as Vega tries to pass.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Vega accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Nogueira trying to keep a closed guard but Vega is proving a slippery customer.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Vega trying to pass the guard. He's being very persistent here but Nogueira manages to land a sweep and now he's on top!

Nogueira drops back looking for a leg! Vega is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Vega manages to kick Nogueira off! Nogueira jumps back into Vega's guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ronald Vega really dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Minotauro Nogueira's cut.
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.

Nogueira has his takedown stuffed
and Vega counters with a right hand to the body.

Nogueira gets caught flat footed, as Vega shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Vega with a flurry of punches that miss.
Vega postures up in Nogueira's guard and throws a big left but Nogueira blocks it.
Vega works over Nogueira with some ground and pound from guard.
Vega cracks Nogueira with a solid left hand.
Vega is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Nogueira is trying to keep Vega in close.

Nogueira had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Vega defends it easily.
Nogueira has momentary wrist control but Vega slips an elbow through the middle.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Vega stands up over Nogueira, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Vega makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Vega lands a couple of elbows.
Nogueira lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Vega!

Nogueira has control of Vega's right arm, working for a kimura. It's a bit of a token attempt though and Vega regains control of the situation pretty easily.

Nogueira with some aggressive grappling here. He's looking for submissions here, rather than waiting for the opportunity to counter.
Nogueira prevents Vega from getting the reversal.
Nogueira wants to control the pace but Vega is squirming around nicely.
Vega is working to get back to half guard.

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.
Vega is squirming around, avoiding Nogueira's attempts to control the action.
Vega wants to improve position but instead he's given up his back.
Ronald Vega has got the better of the ground game so far.
Vega can't escape the position.

Nogueira working for a RNC but it's not happening just yet.
You can see the frustration on Vega's face… He knows he is in trouble unless he improves his position sooner rather than later.
Vega is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.

Nogueira is working hard for the rear naked choke here.

Nogueira tightening his grip on Vega, looking for the choke.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Nogueira tries to get the hooks in deep but Vega pushed the leg off.
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 Minotauro Nogueira will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Minotauro Nogueira's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!

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

Nogueira wants to work for an arm triangle but Vega is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Vega is looking to improve his position.

Vega looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.

Nogueira is looking for a kimura but Vega is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Nogueira to get the leverage.
Vega is refusing to be controlled, as Nogueira sits in half guard.
Nogueira prevents Vega from improving his position.
Vega is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?

Nogueira looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
Minotauro Nogueira has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

Nogueira is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Vega defends it well.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Nogueira is working for a kimura but Vega is defending it quite comfortably.
Vega flails away from the bottom but he's not doing any damage.
Nogueira wants to control but Vega is keeping him busy.
Vega tries to get to full guard but Nogueira has control of the leg.
Vega is not content to let Nogueira control the position.
Vega is trying to get back to full guard.

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.

Vega actively working from the bottom here.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Nogueira misses with a takedown
and Vega counters with a flying knee. Nice.

Nogueira shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Vega's guard.
Vega looking to hit a scissor sweep but Nogueira is one step ahead there.
Nogueira postures up in Vega's guard and throws a big left but Vega blocks it.
Nogueira trying to control the position from guard on top but Vega is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Nogueira drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Nogueira jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Nogueira is pushing down on Vega's leg trying to pass to half guard. Vega is fighting to maintain full guard but Nogueira has managed to sneak the leg through.
Vega is looking for a sweep. Nogueira is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Nogueira sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Vega defending well though.

And that's the end of the fight!
Minotauro Nogueira showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Vega has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Daniel Franklin scores the fight 47:48
Judge Chris Downing scores the fight 47:48
Judge Robert Twigg scores the fight 47:48

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Ronald Vega!