PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Joko Diaz (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ray Machine (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Machine has chosen Stupid KId as his entrance music, which hasn't gone down very well with the crowd. Ray Machine is the more experienced fighter, so let's see if that makes a difference tonight.

Diaz
vs
Machine

164 cm
26
144 lbs
5 - 0 - 0

165 cm
25
147 lbs
13 - 8 - 1

Good takedowns
Counter striker
Granite chin

ADCC Champion
Decent boxing
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the bantamweight 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 London, Joko Diaz!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 13 - 8 - 1, fighting out of London, Ray Machine!
The judges for this bout are Sam Margolis, James Glass and Steven Brown.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Machine looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Machine does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.

Machine bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.
Diaz gets one leg under and gets the fight to half guard.
Diaz is looking to escape.
Diaz tries to get to full guard but Machine has control of the leg.
Machine trying to control the pace.
Diaz slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Diaz preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Diaz controls Machine momentarily but Machine frees himself.
Diaz keeping moving, preventing Machine from controlling successfully.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Diaz looking for subs off his back but Machine has passed one foot through into half guard.
Machine with the ground and pound but Diaz uses the opportunity to regain guard.
Machine slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
Diaz manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!
Machine is looking to control Diaz's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Machine avoid being mounted?

Diaz is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Machine is just riding it out for now. Diaz eventually gives up the hold.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Diaz seems to be looking for submissions.
Machine moves into full guard.
Machine keeping full guard, as Diaz tries to pass.
Diaz looking to sit in guard and control but Machine gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Diaz trying to punch from his back but it's not doing any damage.
Machine trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Machine postures up and lands a big shot to Diaz's brow.

Diaz working for a triangle but Machine defends it easily.
Diaz wants to sweep here but Machine controlling him for the moment.

Diaz is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Machine trying to control but Diaz is working from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Machine pushes down on Diaz's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Diaz slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Diaz tries to strike from the bottom.
Diaz wants to control the position but Machine says "no thanks buddy" and passes to half guard.

Machine is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.

Machine is working for a submission of some sort.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.

Machine is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Diaz doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Machine.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ray Machine dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Machine throws an overhand right that lands on Diaz's shoulder, as Diaz tries to avoid the shot.

Machine closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Diaz quickly recovers to half guard.

Diaz looking for submissions off his back.
Diaz trying to control from the bottom.

Machine is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Diaz has managed to free his arm - good work.
Machine is just content to waste time from the top position. Diaz takes advantage of the situation and regains full guard.
Machine passes Diaz's right leg, so he's now in half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Machine is looking to pass the guard... He's managed it - he's now in full mount!
Diaz regains half guard.
Machine is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
Diaz is looking for a sweep. Machine is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

Machine is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.

Machine is looking for a kimura here.
Diaz is pressing down on Machine's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Ray Machine has got the better of the ground game so far.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Diaz keeping moving, preventing Machine from controlling successfully.

Diaz had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Machine defends it easily.
Diaz keeping moving, preventing Machine from controlling successfully.

Diaz has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Machine can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Diaz tries to land a sweep but no joy.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Diaz is working hard here to advance position.
Diaz keeping moving, preventing Machine from controlling successfully.
Diaz trying to strike from the bottom but really, it's not the best position to be doing that from!
Machine trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Diaz 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.
Machine wants to control from the top but Diaz keeps moving.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.

Diaz working for submissions but it's allowed Machine to get to half guard.
Machine is keen to just control but Diaz is a slippery customer.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Diaz is looking to improve his position.
Machine is working hard to pass the guard. He's done it - he's now in full mount! Trouble for Diaz!
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Diaz tries to control the position but Machine now has his back.
Diaz tries to escape the position.
Well, with Machine on his back, surely it's only a matter of time before Diaz is tapping out... Can he escape the position?
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

Diaz showing good submission defense here.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Machine is persistently looking for the submission but Diaz is defending it well.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Will Machine go for the finish here or will he try and keep control of the position?
Machine is trying to stick to Diaz's back but Diaz is turning into Machine. He's managed to reverse the position - now he's in Machine's guard. Polite applause from the crowd in appreciation of some nice Jiu Jitsu by Diaz.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ray Machine showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Back to the action!

Diaz takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Diaz shoots in but no luck this time.
A big right from Diaz misses.
Machine cracks Diaz with an open hand slap.

Machine shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Oh and he's advanced to full mount straight away.
Machine punching from mount but Diaz doing a good job of avoiding damage.
Diaz is looking to get to half guard.

Machine is working on an americana here. Ooh, that looks pretty nasty! Nope, Diaz has managed to escape the submission attempt.
Diaz tries to reverse the position but Machine maintains control.

Machine has hold of Diaz's left arm, perhaps looking for a submission. The two fighters tussle over control of the isolated limb and Diaz manages to get his arm back to his side and away from danger.
Diaz is trying to reverse the position but instead Machine has taken his back - oops!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Machine throwing wild punches that miss their target.
Machine is trying to stick to Diaz's back but Diaz is turning into Machine. He's managed to reverse the position - now he's in Machine's guard. Polite applause from the crowd in appreciation of some nice Jiu Jitsu by Diaz.
Machine striking off his back but it's not causing Diaz any problems.
Machine looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Machine pulls Diaz in close to his closed guard and prevents Diaz from doing any damage or advancing position.
Let's hope that Machine has the urge to step up the pace any second now because for the last 15 or 20 seconds he's just been holding on tight.
Diaz tries to free his leg and advance position but Machine is retaining full guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Diaz wants to control from the top but Machine keeps moving.
Diaz postures up.

The ref stands the fighters back up, due to lack of action by Ray Machine.
Diaz takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Diaz gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Machine rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Diaz moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Machine wants to clinch.
Diaz tries to score a power double leg takedown but Machine sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Diaz somewhat.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Machine scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Diaz doesn't seem bothered though.
Machine works over Diaz's head and body with a nice combination.
Diaz takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Diaz shoots in looking for a takedown but Machine manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Diaz's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Joko Diaz. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Machine stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Machine wants it to stay on the feet.
Machine just misses with a punch to the body.
Machine is looking to score with low kicks.
Machine tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Diaz paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Machine swings for the body but Diaz moves out of range.

Diaz scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Diaz is keen to just control but Machine is a slippery customer.
Diaz trying to advance position but Machine counters by regaining guard.
Diaz not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Diaz throwing strikes from guard but Machine blocks nicely.
Diaz wants to control from the top but Machine keeps moving.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Machine has Diaz pulled in close to control his posture.
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 referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
Diaz throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Machine works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ray Machine really dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Diaz shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Machine pinned against the cage. Machine gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Ray Machine seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Machine throws a combination. Diaz tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
Machine stuns Diaz with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Machine scores with a body shot.
Machine lands a lovely overhand right.
Diaz gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Diaz misses with a body kick.
Diaz avoids a kick to the body.

Diaz shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Oh and he's advanced to full mount straight away.
Machine tries to lock up and control but Diaz gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Diaz wants to control the pace but Machine is squirming around nicely.
Machine is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
Diaz with shots to the head and body - Machine looks very uncomfortable down there.
Diaz landing punches.

Diaz moves into side control, trying to work for a kimura. That looks painful! Will he finish!!?? No, Machine has worked his arm free - good work by Machine!
I wouldn't like to be where Machine is right now.
Machine gets one leg under and gets the fight to half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Machine is trying to get back to full guard.
Machine manages to get to full guard.

Machine has his foot on Diaz's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Diaz works his way back into a safe position though.
Machine is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Diaz sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Machine's guard.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Machine is defending against the submission attempts here by Diaz.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Machine is not content to let Diaz control the position.
Diaz is just content to waste time from the top position. Machine takes advantage of the situation and regains full guard.
Machine wants to sweep here but Diaz controlling him for the moment.
Machine is trying to keep Diaz in close.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Diaz landing some decent shots from guard.
Diaz stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Machine swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Machine seems keen to control Diaz's posture.
Diaz stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Machine swivels though and keeps the full guard.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Machine looking to control.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close fourth round but Ray Machine will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! And we move into the final round!

Machine lands with a hook. Diaz tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Diaz ducks under a wild hook from Machine.
Diaz circles away from the clinch attempt.
Machine thuds a left hand into Diaz's body.
Machine throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Diaz looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Machine is fending him off so far but Diaz persists. Nope, Machine circles away and we're back to standing.
Diaz has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Machine finds it's way round the side to connect with Diaz's head.
Machine catches Diaz with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Machine throws a chopping leg kick but Diaz manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Diaz.
Diaz changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Machine tries to avoid it but Diaz manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Machine to the ground. Machine escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Joko Diaz. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Machine gets the takedown into side control.
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.

Machine is trying to get an arm triangle but Diaz is defending well.
Machine wants to control but Diaz is keeping him busy.

Machine wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Diaz, who protects the arm well.
Diaz is trying to get back to half guard.
Diaz manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.
Diaz is refusing to be controlled, as Machine sits in half guard.

Machine is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Joko Diaz has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Ray Machine is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Machine is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Diaz doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Machine.
Machine is looking to take a break and control but Diaz is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

Machine is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Diaz trying to control but Machine postures up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Machine prevents Diaz from standing back up.
Diaz is trying to get back to full guard.
Machine controlling the action here.
Diaz is looking for a sweep. Machine is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Machine wants to control but Diaz is keeping him busy.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.
Diaz wants to improve his position but Machine is controlling well.
Diaz trying to control from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.

Machine closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Machine moves nicely into side control.
Diaz regains half guard.
Machine slows the pace down in half guard.
Diaz wants to improve his position but Machine is controlling well.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Machine trying to pass the guard but Diaz defending well.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Diaz wants to control but Machine passes into side.

And that's the end of the fight!
Ray Machine comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Machine 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 Sam Margolis scores the fight 46:49
Judge James Glass scores the fight 45:50
Judge Steven Brown scores the fight 46:49

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Ray Machine! Ray Machine retains his bantamweight title!