PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Ernesto Cruz (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Vadim Nazarov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Nazarov has chosen "Fade to Black" by Metallica as his entrance music, which hasn't gone down very well with the crowd. Vadim Nazarov has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Cruz
vs
Nazarov

185 cm
22
195 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

187 cm
21
195 lbs
6 - 2 - 2

Good wrestling
Excellent MT
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Decent boxing
Granite chin

Hellraiser FightGear

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Ernesto Cruz!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 2 - 2, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Vadim Nazarov!
The judges for this bout are Chris Saunders, Josh West and Micheangelo Fripello.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Cruz tries for a takedown but Nazarov circles away easily

and Nazarov counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Nazarov.

Cruz has his foot on Nazarov's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Nazarov works his way back into a safe position though.
Cruz keeping moving, preventing Nazarov from controlling successfully.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Cruz is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Nazarov defends well.
Cruz trying to punch from his back but it's not doing any damage.
Nazarov working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Nazarov trying to control but Cruz is working from the bottom.
Cruz trying to keep a closed guard but Nazarov is proving a slippery customer.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Cruz throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.

Cruz escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Nazarov gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Nazarov trying to control but Cruz is working from the bottom.
Cruz can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Nazarov controls the pace.

Cruz is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Cruz looking for a sweep. Not yet Cruz, not yet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nazarov postures up.

Cruz is looking for a triangle but Nazarov pushes his legs off easily.

Cruz is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Cruz with a couple of shots from the bottom there - nothing Nazarov can't handle though.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Cruz had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Nazarov defends it easily.

Cruz working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Nazarov doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Oh but Cruz is tightening it up a little... Nazarov has to be careful here... He's got his foot tucked under now, this looks tight! Nazarov reacted too slowly and this one could be over in a matter of seconds! YES! Nazarov taps out! Nice BJJ there by Cruz!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:57 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle Choke). Ernesto Cruz!