PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Aziznik Menschonebjon (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Tony Balada (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Menschonebjon comes into the arena with kavkaz eta sila blaring out of the sound system. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Menschonebjon
vs
Balada

180 cm
25
180 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

180 cm
18
179 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Brawler
Big heart

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Heavy handed

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Aziznik Menschonebjon!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Tony Balada!
The judges for this bout are Alexandre Firmino, Edson Gomes and Leandro Rodrigues.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Balada stuffs the takedown.
Menschonebjon misses with a takedown attempt - Balada sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
No luck for Menschonebjon with that takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Aziznik Menschonebjon. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Menschonebjon shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Menschonebjon fails with the takedown.
Menschonebjon will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Balada stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Balada wants it to stay on the feet.
No luck for Menschonebjon with that takedown attempt.
Menschonebjon is breathing heavily.
Menschonebjon shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Balada pinned against the cage. Balada gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Menschonebjon shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Aziznik Menschonebjon seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Balada slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Balada connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Balada lands a glancing blow to the side of Menschonebjon's head.
Balada tries to close the distance and clinch up but Menschonebjon swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Menschonebjon shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Balada as he avoids it easily.
Menschonebjon dives in and grabs Balada's left leg, looking for a takedown. Balada pushes down on Menschonebjon's head and hops out.
Balada scores with a jab to the jaw.
Menschonebjon has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Balada finds it's way round the side to connect with Menschonebjon's head.
Balada throws a one two combo.
Balada fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Menschonebjon shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Menschonebjon is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Balada cracks Menschonebjon with a right hand to the side of the head.
The fighters circle momentarily. Balada darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Balada lands a head shot.
Menschonebjon shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Balada sprawls well. Balada wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Menschonebjon gets slowly back to his feet.
Balada lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Balada cracks Menschonebjon with a right hand to the side of the head.
Balada connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
The fight stays on the outside here - Balada looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Balada cracks Menschonebjon with a good jab.
Balada tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Menschonebjon paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Balada stuffs the takedown attempt from Menschonebjon. Menschonebjon gets slowly back to his feet.
Balada might want to mix his strikes up a bit more. He's just going for head shots at the moment and that can become a bit predictable.
Balada connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
A jab from Balada does it's job there.
Menschonebjon is trying hard to land a takedown here. Balada sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Menschonebjon shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Balada is landing a lot of head punches in this opening round! Menschonebjon had better start moving his head a bit unless he wants his face to turn into pâté.
Menschonebjon shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Balada as he avoids it easily.
No luck for Menschonebjon with that takedown attempt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Menschonebjon takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Balada keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Balada bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Menschonebjon's head backwards.
Tony Balada is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Balada slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Menschonebjon shoots for a double leg takedown but Balada sprawls well. He's pushed Menschonebjon's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Balada lands a jab to the nose.
Menschonebjon looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Menschonebjon shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Balada but Balada pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Balada scores with a nice right hand.
Balada sizes up Menschonebjon with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Menschonebjon looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Balada lands a glancing blow to the side of Menschonebjon's head.
Balada lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Balada slaps away a takedown attempt from Menschonebjon, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Decent striking displayed by Balada there.
Balada tests Menschonebjon's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Balada with a hook.
A jab lands there for Balada.
Menschonebjon takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Nice shot by Balada.
Balada connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Menschonebjon shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Balada as he avoids it easily.
Menschonebjon with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Balada to score with a decent uppercut.
Balada lands with a straight right. Menschonebjon didn't see that one coming.
Menschonebjon moves forwards but Balada connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Menschonebjon shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Balada as he jumps to the side.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Tony Balada dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Balada wants to clinch up but Menschonebjon keeps it at a distance.

Menschonebjon shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Balada manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
Balada wants to stand but Menschonebjon is controlling the position.
Balada keeping moving, preventing Menschonebjon from controlling successfully.
Menschonebjon won't allow Balada to get back to his feet.
Balada being controlled here, momentarily.
Menschonebjon trying to control the position from guard on top but Balada is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Balada is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Balada really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Menschonebjon. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Balada can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Menschonebjon controls the pace.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Menschonebjon fails with the takedown.
Balada smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Menschonebjon shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Balada sprawls well. Balada wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Menschonebjon gets slowly back to his feet.
Menschonebjon fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Balada avoids it really well and circles away.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Aziznik Menschonebjon. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Balada uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Menschonebjon has time to react.
Menschonebjon closes this distance looking for a takedown but Balada circles away.
Balada scores with a decent looking hook.
Menschonebjon takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Menschonebjon shoots in but no luck this time.
Balada lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Balada with a hook.
Balada lands with a shot to the body.
Balada tries to clinch but Menschonebjon is having none of it.
Balada lands a jab-cross combination.
Balada tests Menschonebjon's chin there with a solid looking shot.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Menschonebjon fails with a takedown attempt.
Menschonebjon on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Balada smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Menschonebjon takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Menschonebjon is trying hard to land a takedown here. Balada sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Balada lands with a nice body punch.
Menschonebjon takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Balada tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Balada works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Menschonebjon shoots in but Balada avoids the takedown attempt easily.

Balada moves into range and clinches up with Menschonebjon.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Balada misses with a body punch.
Balada misses with a short punch on the inside.
Menschonebjon prevents a body shot from Balada.
Balada doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Menschonebjon drops down looking for an ankle pick but Balada pulls his leg out and moves away.
Balada keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Balada is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Menschonebjon avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Balada bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Menschonebjon's head backwards.
Balada jabs Menschonebjon right on the nose. Menschonebjon blinks but takes it well.
Menschonebjon looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Menschonebjon misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Tony Balada showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!

Balada scores with a jab to the jaw.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Menschonebjon.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Menschonebjon.
No luck for Menschonebjon with that takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Aziznik Menschonebjon. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Balada stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Balada wants it to stay on the feet.
Good shot there by Balada.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Balada jabs away that one connects to the head of his opponent.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Balada lands a nice shot that snaps Menschonebjon's head back.
Good standup being displayed there by Balada as he connects with a hook.
Menschonebjon moves forwards but Balada connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Balada cracks Menschonebjon with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Menschonebjon takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.

Balada gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Balada gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Menschonebjon.
Balada tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Menschonebjon's elbow.
Balada lands an uppercut.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Balada misses with a hook from the clinch.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Menschonebjon is trying to drag Balada to the mat but Balada just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Balada misses with a punch on the inside.
Balada misses with a short punch on the inside.
Balada struggles to land a body shot inside as Menschonebjon controls his hands.
Balada misses with a short punch on the inside.

Menschonebjon turns his hips and lands a very nice judo throw into side control!
Balada wants to get back to his feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Menschonebjon thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Balada is trying to stand back up. He's worked his way up against the cage but Menschonebjon has just dragged him back down to the mat.
Menschonebjon wants to lay and pray for a moment but Balada keeps working.
Balada is trying to buck Menschonebjon off.
Balada is using up a lot of energy trying to get back to his feet. Perhaps he should improve his position first.
The referee asks Menschonebjon politely if he wouldn't mind getting on with it and actually doing something. Menschonebjon prefers to stall for the moment though.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Menschonebjon is trying to get an arm triangle but Balada is defending well.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Balada throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Menschonebjon stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Menschonebjon walks into a left hand.
Balada is looking to clinch but Menschonebjon is avoiding it.
Menschonebjon takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Good exchange - Balada coming out on top.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Menschonebjon.

Menschonebjon looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Balada pushes Menschonebjon away and creates a bit of space to escape. He's almost out here... but no, Menschonebjon gets a good hold of his legs and remains firmly in side control.
Tony Balada is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Menschonebjon wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Balada, who protects the arm well.
Balada wants to escape from the position here - easier said than done!
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

And that's the end of the fight!
Aziznik Menschonebjon showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Balada 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Alexandre Firmino scores the fight 28:29
Judge Edson Gomes scores the fight 28:29
Judge Leandro Rodrigues scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Tony Balada!