PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Jose Rodriguez (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and John Dela 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.

Rodriguez
vs
Dela Cruz

189 cm
18
180 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

183 cm
25
177 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Good chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

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 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Jose Rodriguez!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, John Dela Cruz!
The judges for this bout are Matti Vanhoillinen, Roosa Järviläinen and Arvi Lind.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Dela Cruz misses with a hook to the body
and Rodriguez counters with a body kick.
Dela Cruz jabs Rodriguez to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Rodriguez takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Rodriguez takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Dela Cruz getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
An inside leg kick from Dela Cruz misses.
Dela Cruz misses with a two punch combination.
Dela Cruz lands with a shot to the body.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Dela Cruz swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Rodriguez.
Dela Cruz wants to slow Rodriguez down by chopping away at his legs.
Rodriguez shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Dela Cruz but Dela Cruz pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Rodriguez misses with a body punch
and Dela Cruz counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.

Dela Cruz gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Nice body punch from Dela Cruz.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Dela Cruz is working Rodriguez over against the cage.
Rodriguez is trying to force a seperation but Dela Cruz has the dominant position.
Dela Cruz lands with a short shot to the head.
Dela Cruz is working Rodriguez over against the cage.
Dela Cruz works on Rodriguez's body with a couple of short punches.
Rodriguez missing with knees to the body.
A short body shot lands from Dela Cruz as the two fighters clinch.
Rodriguez is breathing heavily.
A body shot lands from Dela Cruz.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
Dela Cruz digs a right hand underneath Rodriguez's ribcage. Rodriguez let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Dela Cruz lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Rodriguez backwards.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Dela Cruz has Rodriguez pressed against the cage, preventing Rodriguez from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Dela Cruz avoiding damage as Rodriguez throws knees to the body.
Dela Cruz lands a hook that snaps the head of Rodriguez backwards.
Still in the clinch, Dela Cruz scores with a nice short uppercut.
Dela Cruz works on Rodriguez's body with a couple of short punches.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
A short body shot lands from Dela Cruz as the two fighters clinch.
Rodriguez is trying to force a seperation but Dela Cruz has the dominant position.
A right hand to the body from Dela Cruz.
Rodriguez tries to circle away but Dela Cruz has him pinned against the cage.
Dela Cruz stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.
Dela Cruz prevents Rodriguez from breaking the clinch.
Good body shot from Dela Cruz.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A hook to the body from Dela Cruz.
Dela Cruz lands a shot to the body.
Rodriguez takes a shot to the head.
Nice body punch from Dela Cruz - that landed with a thud.
A right handed body shot lands from Dela Cruz.
Dela Cruz has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Dela Cruz lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Dela Cruz digs a right hand underneath Rodriguez's ribcage. Rodriguez let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Dela Cruz lands an uppercut.
A shot in the inside from Dela Cruz.
A hook to the body from Dela Cruz.
Rodriguez looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Dela Cruz works on Rodriguez's body with a couple of short punches.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Dela Cruz working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
A right hand to the body from Dela Cruz.
A short body shot lands from Dela Cruz as the two fighters clinch.
Dela Cruz keeps control of Rodriguez as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Dela Cruz wants to break the clinch but can't.
A body shot lands from Dela Cruz.
Dela Cruz throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
A nice right hand lands inside from Dela Cruz.
Dela Cruz taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Dela Cruz lands an uppercut.
Dela Cruz digs a right hand into Rodriguez's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Rodriguez's gas tank.
A right hand to the body from Dela Cruz.
Dela Cruz lands with a short head shot on the inside.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

John Dela Cruz dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Dela Cruz tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Dela Cruz just misses with a punch to the body.
Dela Cruz connects with a body shot.
Some wild striking there from Dela Cruz.
Dela Cruz lands a jab.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Rodriguez lands where it shouldn't have, right in the... well, you know what he did? He kicked him in the penis. He's injured, injured bad. The referee sends both fighters to their corners and Dela Cruz has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Dela Cruz and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Rodriguez wants to slow Dela Cruz down by chopping away at his legs.
Dela Cruz lands a slapping body shot.
Dela Cruz is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Rodriguez rather than just go for the knockout.
Rodriguez takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Dela Cruz connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Rodriguez momentarily.

Rodriguez is rocked!
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Dela Cruz throws a low kick but Rodriguez avoids it.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Dela Cruz throws a right hand that Rodriguez ducks under and follows up with a left that Rodriguez also avoids with ease.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Dela Cruz throws out a loose jab but Rodriguez uses good head movement to avoid it.
Dela Cruz throws a hook but Rodriguez blocks it.
Rodriguez shoots for a takedown but Dela Cruz saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Dela Cruz swings away with a body shot that misses
and Rodriguez counters with a flying knee. Nice.
Dela Cruz throws a combination that misses
and Rodriguez counters with a head kick. That will keep Dela Cruz thinking before he tries any more sloppy attacks!
Rodriguez throws a wild body kick that Dela Cruz sees coming a mile off.
John Dela Cruz seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Dela Cruz throws a series of punches but Rodriguez avoids them all with ease.
Dela Cruz misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Rodriguez blocks a head kick by Dela Cruz.
Dela Cruz scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Rodriguez staying out of range there.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Rodriguez clinches.
A hook to the body from Dela Cruz.
Dela Cruz presses Rodriguez against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.

Dela Cruz breaks the clinch.
Dela Cruz fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Rodriguez manages to avoid it.
Dela Cruz throws a body kick that misses.
A jab from Dela Cruz finds it's way through Rodriguez's defenses.
John Dela Cruz seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Dela Cruz rushes Rodriguez and presses him up against the cage.
Rodriguez tries to circle away but Dela Cruz has him pinned against the cage.
Rodriguez can't break the clinch.
Dela Cruz lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Rodriguez or not.
Dela Cruz lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Dela Cruz lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Rodriguez.
Nice body punch from Dela Cruz.
Dela Cruz cracks Rodriguez with a nice body shot.
Dela Cruz has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Good body shot from Dela Cruz.
Dela Cruz manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.
Dela Cruz is leaning against Rodriguez and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Dela Cruz has Rodriguez pressed against the cage, preventing Rodriguez from circling away and getting back to striking at range.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rodriguez looking to throw knees to the head but Dela Cruz is blocking nicely.
Rodriguez can't break the clinch.
Dela Cruz scores with a hook to the body.
Dela Cruz lands a right hand that snaps the head of Rodriguez backwards.
Rodriguez wants to get back to striking at distance but Dela Cruz won't allow it.
Dela Cruz has had enough of the clinch but Rodriguez keeps him there for the moment.
John Dela Cruz seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Rodriguez misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Dela Cruz.
Dela Cruz avoiding damage.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Dela Cruz tries to circle away but Rodriguez has him pinned against the cage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

John Dela Cruz showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Back to the action! Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

Dela Cruz swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.

Dela Cruz gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Dela Cruz can't break the clinch.
Rodriguez using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Dela Cruz has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Rodriguez wants to break the clinch but can't.
A hook to the body from Dela Cruz.
Dela Cruz is trying to force a seperation but Rodriguez has the dominant position.
Rodriguez has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Rodriguez tries a knee to the head but Dela Cruz blocks it.
Rodriguez trying to stall but Dela Cruz improves his position.
Rodriguez tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Dela Cruz avoids it.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Rodriguez working hard to break the clinch.
Rodriguez throws an elbow but it misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A bit of stalling here from Dela Cruz.
Rodriguez's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Dela Cruz lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Rodriguez has had enough of the clinch but Dela Cruz keeps him there for the moment.
Dela Cruz digs a right hand underneath Rodriguez's ribcage. Rodriguez let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Dela Cruz has Rodriguez pressed against the cage, preventing Rodriguez from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
A hook to the body from Dela Cruz.
Dela Cruz lands a body shot.
Dela Cruz lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Rodriguez or not.
Dela Cruz will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Rodriguez up against the cage.
Dela Cruz lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Dela Cruz lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Rodriguez backwards.
Dela Cruz lands an uppercut.
Dela Cruz lands a body punch in the clinch.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Dela Cruz lands a nice shot to the body.
A right handed body shot lands from Dela Cruz.
A right hook to the body lands for Dela Cruz.
A hook to the body from Dela Cruz.
Dela Cruz stalling.
A short right from Dela Cruz.
Dela Cruz leaning his opponent against the cage.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Dela Cruz creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Dela Cruz presses Rodriguez against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Dela Cruz softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Dela Cruz is working Rodriguez over against the cage.
Dela Cruz lands a body punch in the clinch.
Dela Cruz pressing his opponent against the cage.
Nice body punch from Dela Cruz.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Dela Cruz.
Dela Cruz lands a left hand that snaps the head of Rodriguez backwards.
Rodriguez misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Dela Cruz.
John Dela Cruz is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Dela Cruz wants to break the clinch but can't.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Dela Cruz scores with a hook to the body.
A shot in the inside from Dela Cruz.
Rodriguez trying to land knees to the body.
A nice right hand lands inside from Dela Cruz.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Dela Cruz lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Dela Cruz lands a body shot.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Still in the clinch, Dela Cruz scores with a nice short uppercut.
Dela Cruz digs a right hand into Rodriguez's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Rodriguez's gas tank.
Jose Rodriguez has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Dela Cruz throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.

And that's the end of the fight!
John Dela Cruz comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Dela Cruz 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Matti Vanhoillinen scores the fight 26:30
Judge Roosa Järviläinen scores the fight 27:30
Judge Arvi Lind scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... John Dela Cruz!