PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Titus Kahoohalphala (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Mauricio Rua (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Kahoohalphala comes to the cage accompanied by Diablo Swing Orchestra - Ragdoll Physics. The crowd seem to be enjoying Rua's choice of entrance music: Roy Jones - Can't be touched . Mauricio Rua has the power to score a knockout today if he connects clean with Titus Kahoohalphala's chin.

Kahoohalphala
vs
Rua

195 cm
25
215 lbs
11 - 7 - 0

185 cm
27
205 lbs
19 - 11 - 0

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Cardio machine

ADCC Champion
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

Syndicate Nutrition

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 11 - 7 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Titus Kahoohalphala!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 19 - 11 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Mauricio Rua!
The judges for this bout are Damien Edna, Hugh Johnson and Summer Carpenter.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Kahoohalphala drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.
Kahoohalphala makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Kahoohalphala postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Kahoohalphala trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Rua wants to control but instead he gets his guard passed and Kahoohalphala is now in half guard.
Rua is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Kahoohalphala looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Rua with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Rua is staying active underneath Kahoohalphala, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Rua is trying to maintain the position but Kahoohalphala is very close to passing his half guard.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Rua gets back to full guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Kahoohalphala working some strikes from top position.
Kahoohalphala pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Rua is keeping the position for now.
Kahoohalphala is working Rua over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Rua is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Rua preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.

Rua is looking for a triangle but Kahoohalphala pushes his legs off easily.
Rua preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Rua utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.

Rua working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Kahoohalphala doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Kahoohalphala manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Kahoohalphala passes into half guard.
Rua is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Kahoohalphala scores with a couple of nice shots.
Kahoohalphala looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Rua is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Rua has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Kahoohalphala is working away from the top position though.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kahoohalphala not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.

Rua makes some distance and scrambles quickly back to his feet. Nice work!
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!
Kahoohalphala tries to bum rush Rua with a series of wild strikes but Rua uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Rua takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Kahoohalphala shoots for a double leg takedown but Rua sprawls well. He's pushed Kahoohalphala's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Kahoohalphala lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.

Rua dives in and scores a takedown into Kahoohalphala's guard.

Kahoohalphala looking for a guillotine here but Rua defends easily.

Kahoohalphala is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Rua defends well.
Rua stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Kahoohalphala swivels though and keeps the full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rua trying to pass the guard. He's being very persistent here but Kahoohalphala manages to land a sweep and now he's on top!
Kahoohalphala missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Kahoohalphala has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Kahoohalphala landing with the ground and pound.
Kahoohalphala is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
Rua looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Kahoohalphala content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Kahoohalphala postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Rua 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.
Rua lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Kahoohalphala!

Rua swings around for an armbar but it's a sloppy attempt and Kahoohalphala is now in Rua's guard. A big mistake from Rua there, giving up the dominant position!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rua trying to keep a closed guard but Kahoohalphala is proving a slippery customer.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Kahoohalphala chips away with some ground and pound.
Rua keeping moving, preventing Kahoohalphala from controlling successfully.
Kahoohalphala content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Kahoohalphala distracts Rua with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Kahoohalphala takes a decent strike to the side of the head.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Rua seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
Kahoohalphala landing with the ground and pound.
Kahoohalphala wants to control from the top but Rua keeps moving.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Titus Kahoohalphala dominated that round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

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

Kahoohalphala decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
Nice strikes from Kahoohalphala there.
Kahoohalphala drops an elbow to the side of Rua's head.
Rua works his way to full guard. Good work.
Titus Kahoohalphala overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Rua bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Kahoohalphala's guard.

Rua got a little sloppy there for a moment and Kahoohalphala has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Rua has managed to get both his arms back between Kahoohalphala's legs - danger averted.
Rua wants to control from the top but Kahoohalphala keeps moving.
Rua won't allow Kahoohalphala to sweep him here.

Kahoohalphala working for a triangle but Rua defends it easily.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Rua trying to control the position from guard on top but Kahoohalphala is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rua lands a couple of digs.
Rua wants to control from the top but Kahoohalphala keeps moving.

Rua drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and Kahoohalphala dives on top into guard.
Kahoohalphala makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Kahoohalphala is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Kahoohalphala wants to pass the guard but Rua is keeping the position.

Rua working for a triangle but Kahoohalphala defends it easily.
Kahoohalphala stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Rua swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Rua 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.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kahoohalphala lands a couple of digs.
Rua manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Kahoohalphala manages to get himself to full guard.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Rua looking to pass the guard.
Kahoohalphala looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Rua is looking to work some ground and pound but Kahoohalphala has wrist control.
Rua tries to free his leg and advance position but Kahoohalphala is retaining full guard.
Kahoohalphala wants to sweep but no luck.
Kahoohalphala is working hard here to advance position.

Rua is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.

Kahoohalphala has his foot on Rua's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Rua works his way back into a safe position though.

Rua is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! Kahoohalphala is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! Kahoohalphala has escaped and now he's on top!
Kahoohalphala trying to control but Rua is working from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Rua escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Kahoohalphala gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Kahoohalphala throws a big elbow that misses.

Rua had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Kahoohalphala defends it easily.
Kahoohalphala stopping the sweep attempt from Rua.
Rua is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Kahoohalphala's corner. There ya go! There ya go!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rua keeping moving, preventing Kahoohalphala from controlling successfully.
Kahoohalphala lands a couple of digs.
Kahoohalphala content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Kahoohalphala is in close to Rua's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Rua pulls Kahoohalphala in close to prevent any damage.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Kahoohalphala working some strikes from top position.
Rua controls Kahoohalphala momentarily but Kahoohalphala frees himself.
Rua avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.

Rua throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Rua preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.

Kahoohalphala avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Rua wants to sweep but no luck.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Titus Kahoohalphala dominated that second round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! And we move into the final round!

Kahoohalphala looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
Rua blocking the ground and pound attempt from Kahoohalphala.
Rua gets back to full guard.
Kahoohalphala throwing strikes from guard but Rua blocks nicely.
Kahoohalphala landing some decent shots from guard.
Kahoohalphala wants to control from the top but Rua keeps moving.
Kahoohalphala tries to free his leg and advance position but Rua is retaining full guard.
Kahoohalphala trying to control but Rua is working from the bottom.
Rua wants to control but Kahoohalphala passes easily into half guard.
Rua manages to get to full guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kahoohalphala throws a big elbow that misses.
Kahoohalphala trying to control but Rua is working from the bottom.
Kahoohalphala postures up.
Kahoohalphala stopping the sweep attempt from Rua.
Kahoohalphala slips nicely into half guard.
Kahoohalphala working the head and body with strikes.
Rua is refusing to be controlled, as Kahoohalphala sits in half guard.
Rua has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Kahoohalphala is working away from the top position though.
Rua is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Kahoohalphala scores with a couple of nice shots.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kahoohalphala drops an elbow to the side of Rua's head.
Rua is trying to control but can't.
Kahoohalphala lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Kahoohalphala is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Kahoohalphala missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Rua is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Kahoohalphala scores with a couple of nice shots.
Rua is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Kahoohalphala wants to take a breather but Rua is having none of it.
Rua is looking to improve his position.
Rua works his way to full guard. Good work.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kahoohalphala postures up.
Kahoohalphala postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.

Rua is rocked!
Kahoohalphala tries to free his leg and advance position but Rua is retaining full guard.
Kahoohalphala postures up in Rua's guard and throws a big left but Rua blocks it.
Rua is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Kahoohalphala is working Rua over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Kahoohalphala is in close to Rua's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Kahoohalphala controls from within his opponent's guard.
Rua looking to hit a scissor sweep but Kahoohalphala is one step ahead there.
Kahoohalphala makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.

Rua looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kahoohalphala prevents Rua from getting back to his feet.
Rua takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Kahoohalphala pushing down on Rua's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Rua trying to control but Kahoohalphala postures up.
Kahoohalphala lands with a punch from half guard.
Rua trying to control from the bottom.
Kahoohalphala passes to side control.
Kahoohalphala lands an elbow.
Kahoohalphala landing with strikes to the head and body from side control.
Mauricio Rua has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Rua is still in real trouble! Can Kahoohalphala finish him?
Kahoohalphala cracks Rua with an elbow. That is naaassty.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Rua manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.
Rua taking some punishment here, with Kahoohalphala in his half guard.
The fighters are battling for position here. Rua manages to regain full guard. Nice work.

Rua looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.

And that's the end of the fight!
Titus Kahoohalphala showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Kahoohalphala has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... 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 Damien Edna scores the fight 30:27
Judge Hugh Johnson scores the fight 30:27
Judge Summer Carpenter scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Titus Kahoohalphala!
Our winner, Titus Kahoohalphala, made sure he spent some time buttering up the crowd during his post fight interview, which will no doubt bring him a few more fans.