PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Arnold Schwarzmynager (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Dominick Cruz (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The crowd giving both fighters a great reception on their way into the arena. That's good to see.

Schwarzmynager
vs
Cruz

190 cm
22
145 lbs
3 - 4 - 0

170 cm
25
146 lbs
3 - 3 - 0

Good takedowns
Basic striking
Experienced

BJJ Blue Belt
Lethal high kicks
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Arnold Schwarzmynager!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Dominick Cruz!
The judges for this bout are Gwen Towbar, Alan Glass and Stewart Dunkirk.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Schwarzmynager moves away from the strike by Cruz.
Cruz throws a front kick that sends Schwarzmynager stumbling back into the cage.
Cruz misses with a head kick.
Schwarzmynager has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Cruz.
Cruz stuffs the takedown.
Cruz swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Cruz defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Schwarzmynager.
Cruz throws a head kick but Schwarzmynager moves out of range.
A slapping leg kick lands for Cruz.
Cruz lands a nice shot to the body.
Schwarzmynager changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Cruz tries to avoid it but Schwarzmynager manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Cruz to the ground. Cruz escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Arnold Schwarzmynager. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Schwarzmynager closes the distance and clinches up with Cruz, looking for a takedown. Schwarzmynager pushes Cruz against the cage but Cruz circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Schwarzmynager shoots in for a double leg but Cruz sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
A combination from Schwarzmynager does no damage.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Schwarzmynager fails with the takedown.
Schwarzmynager is breathing heavily.
A chopping leg kick lands by Cruz.
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Cruz. Schwarzmynager shrugs it off though.
Cruz throws a head kick that misses.
Schwarzmynager is trying hard to land a takedown here. Cruz sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Schwarzmynager sees a low kick coming and goes to check it, but it's actually a body kick and it thuds into his unprotected ribs.
Cruz ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Schwarzmynager moves away.
Cruz thuds his right hand into Schwarzmynager's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Schwarzmynager shoots in for a takedown but Cruz shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Cruz lands a front kick.

Cruz lands a big head kick that sends Schwarzmynager tumbling to the mat! Cruz takes a step backwards and waves Schwarzmynager back to his feet - he wants the finish!

Schwarzmynager is rocked!
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Cruz misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Oh Schwarzmynager is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Cruz lands a leg kick that knocks Schwarzmynager off balance momentarily.
Cruz lands a front kick.
Cruz pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Schwarzmynager seems to have got his legs back now.
Dominick Cruz is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Schwarzmynager tries for a takedown but Cruz sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Cruz thows a body kick. Schwarzmynager tries to catch it but that hurt him.
Schwarzmynager has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.
Cruz goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Schwarzmynager will be looking to protect his midsection after taking some solid kicks to the body.
Cruz fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Schwarzmynager.
Cruz stuffs the takedown.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Schwarzmynager shoots in but no luck this time.
Cruz scores with a push kick.
Cruz misses with a two punch combination.

Schwarzmynager shoots in and bounces Cruz off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
Cruz pulls Schwarzmynager in to control the position.
Schwarzmynager wants to control from the top but Cruz keeps moving.
Schwarzmynager controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Schwarzmynager seems to have a rather negative gameplan on the ground. He seems keen to just score the takedown and hold down Cruz for as long as he can get away with.
Schwarzmynager really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up, due to lack of activity on the part of Arnold Schwarzmynager.
Cruz throws a sloppy head kick and Schwarzmynager moves out of range easily.
Schwarzmynager shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Cruz defends it nicely.
Cruz lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Cruz throws a body kick that misses.
Schwarzmynager shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Cruz pinned against the cage. Cruz gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Cruz throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Schwarzmynager closes this distance looking for a takedown but Cruz circles away.
Schwarzmynager will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Cruz throws a good cross that connects.
Cruz connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Schwarzmynager on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Cruz. Cruz obviously looking to wear him down.
Schwarzmynager is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Cruz scoring well with a low kick there.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Schwarzmynager misses with a series of wild punches.

Schwarzmynager scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Cruz is looking to reverse the position.

Schwarzmynager goes for an armbar here - this could be all over! But no, Cruz has escaped beautifully and is now on top in side control! Oh, that's unlucky for Schwarzmynager but great work by Cruz.
Schwarzmynager is looking to regain half guard here but Cruz keeps moving and retains side control.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Dominick Cruz 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.

Cruz throws a nice looking combination but Schwarzmynager bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Schwarzmynager shoots in for a double leg but Cruz sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Cruz looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Cruz misses with a body shot.
Schwarzmynager shoots for a double leg takedown but Cruz sprawls well. He's pushed Schwarzmynager's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Cruz pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Cruz stuffs the takedown attempt from Schwarzmynager. Schwarzmynager gets slowly back to his feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Arnold Schwarzmynager. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Cruz takes a swing at Schwarzmynager's ribcage but misses.
Schwarzmynager throws a series of punches but Cruz moves out of range.
A slapping body kick lands there for Cruz.
Arnold Schwarzmynager seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Schwarzmynager pushes forward with a 1-2 combination that forces Cruz back to the cage. Schwarzmynager follows up with a solid lead hook to the liver.
Arnold Schwarzmynager is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Schwarzmynager tries for a takedown but Cruz sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Cruz lands a nice leg kick that just misses Schwarzmynager's sensitive parts.
Cruz tries to bum rush Schwarzmynager with a series of wild strikes but Schwarzmynager uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Cruz goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Cruz scores with a leg kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Schwarzmynager shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Cruz but Cruz pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Cruz thuds a left hand into Schwarzmynager's body.
Schwarzmynager misses with a double jab.
Schwarzmynager moves forwards but Cruz connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Cruz feints and then cracks Schwarzmynager's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Schwarzmynager down.
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Cruz. Schwarzmynager shrugs it off though.
Cruz lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
A head kick misses from Cruz.
Cruz scores with a nice strike.
Cruz tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Schwarzmynager was well out of range. Poor timing from Cruz.

Schwarzmynager drives through with a takedown into Cruz's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Cruz wants to sweep but no luck.
Cruz is trying to control the position but Schwarzmynager postures up.
Schwarzmynager trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Schwarzmynager trying to control the position from guard on top but Cruz is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Schwarzmynager drops back looking for a leg! Cruz is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Cruz manages to kick Schwarzmynager off! Schwarzmynager jumps back into Cruz's guard.
Schwarzmynager pushes down on Cruz's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Schwarzmynager is looking for the mount but instead finds himself back in full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Schwarzmynager tries to free his leg and advance position but Cruz is retaining full guard.
Schwarzmynager is working hard here to advance position.
Schwarzmynager wants to control from the top but Cruz keeps moving.
Schwarzmynager forces his way into half guard.
Schwarzmynager trying to mount his opponent but Cruz defends it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Schwarzmynager thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Schwarzmynager is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Schwarzmynager is just content to waste time from the top position. Cruz takes advantage of the situation and regains full guard.
Schwarzmynager in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Schwarzmynager trying to control but Cruz is working from the bottom.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Dominick Cruz will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Cruz throws a head kick that misses.
Cruz throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Cruz moves into range and lands a nice body kick.
Cruz defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Schwarzmynager.
Cruz fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Cruz chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Cruz pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Schwarzmynager shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Cruz defends it nicely.
Cruz missing with a left hand there. Schwarzmynager was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Schwarzmynager shoots in for a double leg but Cruz sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Arnold Schwarzmynager. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Schwarzmynager wants to clinch.
Dominick Cruz seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Schwarzmynager shoots in for a takedown but Cruz shows good takedown defense.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Schwarzmynager takes one on the button.
Schwarzmynager shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Cruz as he jumps to the side.
Nice takedown defense from Cruz. No joy for Schwarzmynager on that attempt.
Cruz lands with a kick to the temple. Schwarzmynager shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
A slapping leg kick lands for Cruz.
Cruz misses with a head kick.
Schwarzmynager shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Cruz as he jumps to the side.
Cruz misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
A looping hook to the body misses from Cruz. Schwarzmynager does a little dance to reset his feet.
Schwarzmynager looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Cruz is fending him off so far but Schwarzmynager persists. Nope, Cruz circles away and we're back to standing.
Cruz delivers a nice body kick.
Schwarzmynager shoots and misses
and Cruz counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Cruz moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Cruz scores with a slapping inside leg kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cruz shuffles to his left behind two crisp jabs. Schwarzmynager eats them both and turns towards Cruz to reposition himself and eats a stinging right hand-left hook combo.
Schwarzmynager shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Cruz pinned against the cage. Cruz gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Schwarzmynager tries for a takedown but Cruz sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Cruz throws a front kick that sends Schwarzmynager stumbling back into the cage.
Cruz throws a half hearted mid kick.
Cruz throws a series of punches but Schwarzmynager avoids them all with ease.
Cruz pivots, looking for a leg kick but Schwarzmynager is out of range and Cruz settles back down.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Schwarzmynager is defended easily by Cruz.
Cruz lands a nice leg kick that just misses Schwarzmynager's sensitive parts.
Cruz thows a body shot but no joy.
Cruz lands a nice hook to Schwarzmynager's body. Schwarzmynager takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Cruz tries to land a front kick but Schwarzmynager steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Schwarzmynager shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in full mount! That's better than Schwarzmynager was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
Schwarzmynager pushing the pace here, looking to move to his opponents back and work for a finish.
Cruz is squirming around, avoiding Schwarzmynager's attempts to control the action.

Schwarzmynager is working to isolate an arm here. It's a telegraphed submission attempt but he's gone for it anyway - and he's got it! Schwarzmynager extends the arm and Cruz is forced to tap!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:54 of round 3, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Arnold Schwarzmynager!