PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Connan Mandlei (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Leandro Ribeiro (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Mandlei
vs
Ribeiro

180 cm
18
150 lbs
0 - 3 - 0

184 cm
18
154 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Cuts easily

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Connan Mandlei!
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, Leandro Ribeiro!
The judges for this bout are Paulo Santos, Matheus Silva and Daniel Cesar.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Mandlei shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Ribeiro as he avoids it easily.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Mandlei jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Ribeiro walks away with a smile on his face. Mandlei gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Ribeiro tries to score a power double leg takedown but Mandlei sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Ribeiro somewhat.
Ribeiro shoots in but Mandlei avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Ribeiro shoots in looking for a takedown but Mandlei manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Ribeiro's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Connan Mandlei has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Leandro Ribeiro.
Mandlei fails with the takedown.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Ribeiro is defended easily by Mandlei.
Mandlei defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Ribeiro.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ribeiro displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Mandlei.
Ribeiro leaves Mandlei with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Ribeiro throws a head kick but Mandlei moves out of range.
Mandlei shoots in for a takedown but Ribeiro shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Mandlei has a takedown stuffed.
Ribeiro shoots in for a double leg but Mandlei sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
No luck for Mandlei with that takedown attempt.

Ribeiro gets a clinch.

Ribeiro manages to break the clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ribeiro fails with a takedown attempt.
Mandlei will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Mandlei closes this distance looking for a takedown but Ribeiro circles away.
Mandlei shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Ribeiro but Ribeiro pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Ribeiro misses with a takedown attempt - Mandlei sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Ribeiro keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Mandlei shoots for a takedown but Ribeiro saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ribeiro throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Mandlei's waist but Mandlei gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Ribeiro off to one side.
Ribeiro looks winded!
Mandlei has a takedown stuffed.
Mandlei shoots in but Ribeiro avoids the takedown attempt easily.

Mandlei tries to keep at a distance but Ribeiro has taken the fight into the clinch.
Ribeiro prevents the takedown attempt.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Ribeiro.
Mandlei has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Ribeiro is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Ribeiro lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Ribeiro drops down looking for an ankle pick but Mandlei pulls his leg out and moves away.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ribeiro looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Ribeiro dives in and grabs Mandlei's left leg, looking for a takedown. Mandlei pushes down on Ribeiro's head and hops out.
Mandlei changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Ribeiro tries to avoid it but Mandlei manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Ribeiro to the ground. Ribeiro escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Mandlei shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Ribeiro as he jumps to the side.
Mandlei is trying hard to land a takedown here. Ribeiro sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Mandlei tries to score a power double leg takedown but Ribeiro sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Mandlei somewhat.
Mandlei throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Ribeiro's waist but Ribeiro gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Mandlei off to one side.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Ribeiro shoots in for a double leg but Mandlei sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Mandlei fails to land the takedown.

Ribeiro has managed to clinch.
Mandlei wants a takedown.
A short left from Ribeiro.
Mandlei tries to land a knee to the head but Ribeiro blocks with his arms.
Mandlei is pressed up against the cage. Ribeiro has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Mandlei down to the mat. Mandlei avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Nice sprawl there from Ribeiro as Mandlei shoots in.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Connan Mandlei. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Ribeiro shoots in but no luck this time.
Mandlei slaps away a takedown attempt from Ribeiro, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Mandlei shoots for a takedown but Ribeiro saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Ribeiro is breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mandlei displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Ribeiro.

Ribeiro has closed the distance and engaged Mandlei in a clinch.
Mandlei tries to score a body lock takedown but Ribeiro shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Knees in the clinch landing for Ribeiro.

Ribeiro breaks from the clinch.
Mandlei shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Ribeiro as he jumps to the side.
Mandlei shoots for a double leg takedown but Ribeiro sprawls well. He's pushed Mandlei's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Ribeiro tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Mandlei was well out of range. Poor timing from Ribeiro.
Ribeiro shoots in and drives through. Mandlei sprawls well.
Mandlei fails with a takedown attempt from distance.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ribeiro will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Ribeiro leaves Mandlei with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Mandlei shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Mandlei shoots in for a takedown but Ribeiro shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Ribeiro shoots in for a takedown but Mandlei shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Leandro Ribeiro seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Mandlei shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Ribeiro sprawls well. Ribeiro wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Mandlei gets slowly back to his feet.
Mandlei changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Ribeiro tries to avoid it but Mandlei manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Ribeiro to the ground. Ribeiro escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Mandlei shoots in for a takedown but Ribeiro shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mandlei shoots in but Ribeiro avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Nice takedown defense from Mandlei. No joy for Ribeiro on that attempt.
Mandlei shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Ribeiro as he avoids it easily.
Mandlei slaps away a takedown attempt from Ribeiro, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Ribeiro stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Ribeiro wants it to stay on the feet.
Nice sprawl there from Mandlei as Ribeiro shoots in.
Mandlei shoots in for a double leg but Ribeiro sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Connan Mandlei is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Ribeiro closes this distance looking for a takedown but Mandlei circles away.
Mandlei fails miserably with a takedown attempt.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Mandlei tries to keep at a distance but Ribeiro has taken the fight into the clinch.
Ribeiro is trying to push Mandlei away but Mandlei has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Mandlei tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Ribeiro just stands there and leans against the cage.
Mandlei is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Ribeiro to keep the fight standing.

Ribeiro escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Ribeiro shoots in but Mandlei avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Mandlei throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Ribeiro's waist but Ribeiro gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Mandlei off to one side.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Mandlei is defended easily by Ribeiro.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Leandro Ribeiro showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. This is the final round!

Ribeiro changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Mandlei tries to avoid it but Ribeiro manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Mandlei to the ground. Mandlei escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.

Ribeiro moves into the clinch.
Mandlei is looking for a takedown.
Ribeiro has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Mandlei is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.

Ribeiro pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.

Ribeiro has closed the distance and engaged Mandlei in a clinch.

Ribeiro pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Mandlei shoots in for a takedown but Ribeiro shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Ribeiro takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Mandlei shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Ribeiro as he avoids it easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Connan Mandlei. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Mandlei fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ribeiro fails with the takedown.
Mandlei shoots in but Ribeiro avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Ribeiro fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Mandlei avoids it really well and circles away.
Mandlei fails with the takedown.
Ribeiro fails miserably with a takedown attempt.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Mandlei fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Ribeiro avoids it really well and circles away.
Mandlei dives in and grabs Ribeiro's left leg, looking for a takedown. Ribeiro pushes down on Mandlei's head and hops out.

Ribeiro forces Mandlei back against the cage and clinches.

Ribeiro breaks from the clinch.
Ribeiro fails with a takedown attempt.
Nice sprawl there from Ribeiro as Mandlei shoots in.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nice sprawl there from Ribeiro as Mandlei shoots in.
A thudding body kick lands there by Ribeiro!
Mandlei tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Ribeiro swivels and escapes.
Ribeiro lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.

Ribeiro clinches up with Mandlei and pushes him back against the cage.
Mandlei is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Ribeiro gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Ribeiro is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Mandlei letting Ribeiro take a breather here.
Mandlei looking for a takedown.
Ribeiro lands a left hand.

Ribeiro jumps into guard, dragging Mandlei to the mat.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.
Mandlei works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Mandlei is trying to control the action in half guard but Ribeiro is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Ribeiro is looking to escape.
Ribeiro trying to keep hold of his opponent's head but Mandlei manages to pass to mount!

Mandlei working for a submission but Ribeiro is keeping him at bay.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Ribeiro is in all sorts of trouble here.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Mandlei wants to control the pace but Ribeiro is squirming around nicely.
Connan Mandlei has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Leandro Ribeiro is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Mandlei with a couple of short strikes.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Leandro Ribeiro.
I've got Ribeiro winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 Paulo Santos scores the fight 27:30
Judge Matheus Silva scores the fight 27:30
Judge Daniel Cesar scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Leandro Ribeiro!