PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Hjalmar Soderberg (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Alejandro Zapata (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Zapata has chosen Tres Delinquentes as his entrance music, which hasn't gone down very well with the crowd. Man, I cannot wait for this one!

Soderberg
vs
Zapata

189 cm
28
225 lbs
11 - 3 - 0

191 cm
28
218 lbs
17 - 12 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Lethal high kicks
Cardio machine

ADCC Champion
Good low kicks
Good gas tank

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 - 3 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Hjalmar Soderberg!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 17 - 12 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Alejandro Zapata!
The judges for this bout are Tatsuya Matsuyama, Hirohito Nitta and Taro Takaoka.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Soderberg lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Zapata lands a body shot.

Zapata drives through with a takedown into Soderberg's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.
Zapata is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Soderberg has Zapata pulled in close to control his posture.
Zapata cracks Soderberg with a solid left hand.
Zapata trying to control the position from guard on top but Soderberg is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Soderberg is trying to control the position but Zapata postures up.
Soderberg can't keep his opponent in guard - Zapata advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Soderberg is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Zapata's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Zapata's back!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zapata rolls and manages to get back to half guard. Nicely done.
Soderberg is taking a breather. Zapata says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.
Zapata gets back to full guard.
Soderberg passes Zapata's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Zapata wants to control but Soderberg is keeping busy.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Soderberg not doing much here.
Soderberg tries to pass the half guard into mount. Zapata knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zapata trying to get back to full guard but Soderberg takes advantage of the position and moves to full mount!
Zapata tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Zapata is hanging on here. He's in a desperate position.
Soderberg looking to control but Zapata is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Zapata is working to get back to half guard.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Soderberg controlling from the full mount.
Soderberg landing strikes, looking to finish!
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Zapata is looking to get to half guard.
Soderberg looking to finish Zapata with some ground and pound. This is bad for Zapata!

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Zapata sneaks a leg back under and regains half guard and is working straight away to try and get back to guard. He hasn't managed just yet though.
Soderberg is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.
Soderberg wants to pass to mount but Zapata is defending the position.
Zapata tries to roll over but Soderberg keeps him under control.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.

Zapata actively working from the bottom here.
Soderberg seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Zapata wants to get back to full guard.
Zapata moves into full guard.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Soderberg is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
Soderberg trying to control but Zapata is working from the bottom.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.

We're going to have a standup here because Hjalmar Soderberg wasn't active enough for the referee's liking.
Soderberg thows a body shot but no joy.
Soderberg looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Zapata is fending him off so far but Soderberg persists. Nope, Zapata circles away and we're back to standing.
Soderberg lands a right hook to the body.
Soderberg throws a leg kick but Zapata checks it.
Zapata connects with a looping right hand.
Soderberg misses with an attempted mid kick.
Zapata looks to clinch

and Soderberg counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Soderberg.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Zapata working a defensive guard but Soderberg passes into half guard.
Zapata trying to hold on to Soderberg's head to control him but Soderberg postures up.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Hjalmar Soderberg dominated that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Zapata lands a leg kick that knocks Soderberg off balance momentarily.

Soderberg gets tackled into the cage by Zapata. Zapata maintains the clinch.

Soderberg lands a takedown into guard.

Zapata working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Soderberg doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Soderberg manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Soderberg tries to free his leg and advance position but Zapata is retaining full guard.
Soderberg sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Soderberg pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Zapata is keeping the position for now.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Soderberg won't allow Zapata to sweep him here.
Soderberg trying to control but Zapata is working from the bottom.

Hjalmar Soderberg has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.

Zapata closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.

Soderberg manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.
Zapata trying to control but Soderberg is working from the bottom.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Soderberg wants to sweep here but Zapata controlling him for the moment.
Soderberg controls Zapata momentarily but Zapata frees himself.
Zapata sitting in guard here, content to control.
Zapata trying to control the position from guard on top but Soderberg is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

OK we're going to have a standup here. Alejandro Zapata hasn't been effective enough on the ground and the referee wants a restart.
A left lands for Zapata.
A lazy left from Zapata finds it's target.
A slapping leg kick lands for Zapata.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zapata misses the jab.
Soderberg circles away from the clinch attempt.
Soderberg throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Soderberg shoots in for a double leg but Zapata sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Zapata throws a big shot that misses.
Soderberg cracks the inside of Zapata's front leg.
Zapata misses with a body kick.
Zapata thows a left - swing and a miss!
Soderberg misses with a low kick.
Alejandro Zapata seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Soderberg will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Soderberg moves out of range of the body kick.
Soderberg throws a leg kick but Zapata moved away.
Soderberg displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Zapata throws out the jab.
Soderberg throws a front kick aimed at Zapata's knee but Zapata avoids it well.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Zapata smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Zapata lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Soderberg leaves Zapata with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Good standup being displayed there by Zapata as he connects with a hook.
Soderberg moves away from the strike by Zapata.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Zapata swings for the body but Soderberg moves out of range.
Zapata lands a nice shot to the body.
Alejandro Zapata seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Zapata takes a swing at Soderberg's ribcage but misses.
Zapata throws a series of punches but Soderberg moves out of range.
Zapata thows a body shot but no joy.
Zapata loads up on a big right hand but Soderberg slips the punch.

Zapata closes the distance and clinches.
Soderberg throws a head punch that misses.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Zapata tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Soderberg's elbow.
Zapata misses with a body punch.
Soderberg has a couple of punches blocked by Zapata.
Soderberg tries a body shot but Zapata blocks it.
Zapata lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Soderberg.
Soderberg tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Hjalmar Soderberg. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Zapata is looking for a takedown.
Zapata working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
A right hand to the body from Soderberg.
Soderberg swings wildly with an uppercut but Zapata uses good head movement to avoid it.

Zapata has Soderberg pressed up against the cage. He's trying to work for a single leg takedown. Zapata pulls back from the cage and twists to the side, sending Soderberg tumbling to the mat - Zapata dives into Soderberg's guard.
Zapata missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Soderberg looking to hit a scissor sweep but Zapata is one step ahead there.
Zapata throws a big right hand that misses.
Soderberg working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Zapata.
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!
Zapata slips nicely into half guard.

Soderberg looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Zapata controlling the action here.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Zapata working to pass to mount. He's got his hand pressing down on Soderberg's thigh. Soderberg counters though and makes it back to full guard.
Zapata trying to control but Soderberg is working from the bottom.
Soderberg 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.
Zapata throws a big elbow that misses.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Zapata postures up.
Zapata slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.
Let's hope that Zapata 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.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.

Alejandro Zapata has forced the referee to step in and restart the fight on the feet.

Soderberg closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Zapata did well to prevent Soderberg getting side control.
Zapata wants to improve his position but Soderberg is controlling well.
Soderberg content to control rather than advance.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Zapata is staying active underneath Soderberg, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.
Soderberg wants to pass the guard but Zapata is defending well.

The ref stands the fighters back up because Hjalmar Soderberg just wasn't active enough.
Zapata slaps away a takedown attempt from Soderberg, before circling back to the center of the mat.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Zapata lands a jab to Soderberg's midsection.
Soderberg throws a body kick that misses.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Alejandro Zapata showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Soderberg jabs at Zapata's body.
Soderberg is looking to score with low kicks.
Zapata lands a nice shot to the body.
Zapata shoots in looking for a takedown but Soderberg manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Zapata's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Zapata scores with a kick to the body.
Soderberg tries to land a front kick but Zapata steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Zapata takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Zapata swings widly with a right hand

and Soderberg counters with a nice double leg into half guard.

Zapata looking for a kimura from the bottom but Soderberg passes into side control!
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!
Soderberg tries to advance to mount but can't.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zapata tries to improve position but can't.
Zapata is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Soderberg's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.
Soderberg wants to take a breather but Zapata is having none of it.

Zapata is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Soderberg pulls his head out easily.
Zapata moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Zapata looking to hit a scissor sweep but Soderberg is one step ahead there.

Zapata is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Soderberg is aware though and is defending well.

Zapata had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Soderberg defends it easily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Soderberg pushes down on Zapata's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Zapata wants to control but Soderberg is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Still in half guard, Soderberg seems content to control.
Soderberg frees up his trapped foot and advances to mount.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Soderberg wants to control the pace but Zapata is squirming around nicely.
Zapata working to try and regain half guard.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Zapata is squirming around, avoiding Soderberg's attempts to control the action.
Zapata is desperately trying to improve his position but Soderberg has a good base and remains in mount.
Zapata wants to control but Soderberg is having none of it.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Soderberg trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Soderberg lands with some vicious ground and pound - can Zapata hang on?

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Soderberg can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Zapata is looking to escape.
Zapata keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
Soderberg looking to control but Zapata is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.

We're going to have a standup here because Hjalmar Soderberg wasn't active enough for the referee's liking.
Soderberg feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Zapata's calf.
Soderberg wants to land a leg kick but Zapata is out of range.
A big right from Zapata misses.
The fighters circle momentarily. Zapata darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Soderberg takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Soderberg lands a head shot.

Zapata gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Soderberg to score an easy takedown into full guard.
Soderberg is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Zapata working a defensive guard but Soderberg passes into half guard.
Soderberg is figuring out what he wants to do next.
Zapata gets back to full guard.

And that's the end of the fight!
Hjalmar Soderberg showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Soderberg has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Tatsuya Matsuyama scores the fight for Hjalmar Soderberg!
Judge Hirohito Nitta scores the fight for Alejandro Zapata!
Judge Taro Takaoka scores the fight for Hjalmar Soderberg!

Hjalmar Soderberg wins by split decision!
Post fight, Hjalmar Soderberg took to the microphone: 'No more fluky wins for you, dipshit!'.