PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Eli Massey (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Waldemir Warzecha (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Eli Massey has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Massey
vs
Warzecha

184 cm
25
194 lbs
5 - 4 - 0

184 cm
24
197 lbs
5 - 2 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Excellent MT
Good gas tank

Affordable Quality + Reliable Laundry

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 5 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Eli Massey!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Waldemir Warzecha!
The judges for this bout are Daniel Franklin, Frank Dennis and George Francis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Massey thows a left - swing and a miss!
Warzecha just misses with a punch to the body.
Warzecha has been working on his striking defense in training and it's paying off as Massey is landing a low percentage of strikes.
Massey swats away the attempt to clinch by Warzecha.
Warzecha wants to clinch up but Massey keeps it at a distance.
Massey uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Warzecha has time to react.
Warzecha shoots in for a takedown but Massey shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Warzecha displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Massey throws out the jab.
Massey scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.

It looks like Waldemir Warzecha has been cut.
Warzecha lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.

It looks like Eli Massey has been cut.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Warzecha shoots and misses

and Massey counters with a big uppercut that knocks Warzecha off his feet! Massey dives into side control looking to finish!

Warzecha is rocked!
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.
Massey throws an elbow but Warzecha slips to the side and avoids it well.
Warzecha is still in real trouble! Can Massey finish him?
Massey wants to take a breather but Warzecha manages to regain guard - a lesson learnt for Massey.
Warzecha looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Warzecha seems to have recovered his senses.
Warzecha working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Massey.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Warzecha 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.
Warzecha pulls Massey in to control the position.
Massey pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Warzecha is keeping the position for now.
Massey with a nice head shot there.
Warzecha utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Massey trying to control but Warzecha is working from the bottom.
Warzecha not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Massey postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Warzecha trying to control the position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Warzecha striking off his back but it's not causing Massey any problems.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Massey throws a strike but Warzecha rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
Massey is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Massey is trying to keep Warzecha in close.
Warzecha wants to pass the guard but Massey is keeping the position.

Massey pushes Warzecha off for just long enough to get back to his feet. Very athletic spring there.
Massey smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Massey throws a leg kick but Warzecha sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Massey fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Warzecha looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Warzecha 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.
Warzecha doesn't manage to clinch there - Massey circles away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Warzecha shoots in looking for a takedown. Massey tries to sprawl out of it but Warzecha keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Massey manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Eli Massey has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Waldemir Warzecha.
Massey connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Massey scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Massey fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Warzecha manages to avoid it.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Warzecha.
Massey lands a jab to the nose.
Warzecha fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Massey avoids it really well and circles away.
Warzecha fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Massey takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Massey looks to land a right hand but Warzecha moved out of range.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Massey dips to his left and cracks Warzecha with an uppercut!

That has opened up Waldemir Warzecha's cut even more.
Warzecha shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Massey as he jumps to the side.

Massey throws a big overhand right that connects, sending Warzecha tumbling to the canvas!
Massey throws an elbow that misses. Warzecha uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Massey's guard. Nice move by Warzecha!
Massey wants to stand and escape but Warzecha is having none of it.
Warzecha looking to pass the guard.
Warzecha won't allow Massey to get back to his feet.

Massey is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Massey avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Massey keeping full guard, as Warzecha tries to pass.
Warzecha trying to control the position from guard on top but Massey is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Massey is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Warzecha is controlling him.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Eli Massey dominated that round.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Warzecha is looking to clinch but Massey is avoiding it.
Warzecha misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
A punch combination from Massey misses.
Massey throws a hook to the side of Warzecha's head but Warzecha sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Massey circles away from the clinch attempt.
Warzecha shoots in for a takedown but Massey shows good takedown defense.
Warzecha is trying desperately to land a takedown but Massey is having absolutely none of it. This is turning into a bit of a nightmare for Warzecha.
Warzecha fails in his attempt to clinch.
Massey throws a big shot that misses.
Massey takes a swing at Warzecha's ribcage but misses.
A jab from Massey finds it's way through Warzecha's defenses.
Waldemir Warzecha seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Warzecha moves into the clinch.
I was talking to Massey's coach per-fight and he was telling me that they'd been working on the clinch in the runup to this fight.

Massey breaks the clinch.
Warzecha fails with the takedown

and Massey counters with a left and a right that hurts Warzecha! He wobbles and falls to the floor - he's in big trouble! Massey jumps into full mount!
Eli Massey has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Waldemir Warzecha.
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!
Warzecha is looking to get to half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Warzecha gets back to half guard.
Massey prevents Warzecha from improving his position.
Massey working the head and body with strikes.
Massey throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Warzecha wants to control but Massey is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Massey is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Warzecha can do to turn this around?
Massey throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Warzecha avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Massey.
Massey 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.
Warzecha trying to control but Massey postures up.
Massey thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Warzecha's head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Massey seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Warzecha does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Warzecha trying to control from the bottom.
Eli Massey overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

Massey wants to work for an arm triangle but Warzecha is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Massey lands with a punch from half guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Massey thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Massey thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Warzecha's head.
Warzecha trying to control here.

Massey is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Warzecha doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Massey.
Massey not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Warzecha is not content to let Massey control the position.
Massey throws a big elbow that misses, also allowing Warzecha to regain full guard.
Massey trying to control but Warzecha is working from the bottom.
Warzecha looking to control.
Warzecha working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Massey.
Massey missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Massey is looking to work some ground and pound but Warzecha has wrist control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Massey postures up.
Massey works over Warzecha with some ground and pound from guard.
Massey tries to free his leg and advance position but Warzecha is retaining full guard.
Massey makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Massey postures up in Warzecha's guard and throws a big left but Warzecha blocks it.
Warzecha is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Warzecha seems to be working for a kimura but Massey defends the submission attempt.
Warzecha wants to take a breather but Massey is having none of it.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Massey keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.

Warzecha is looking for a kimura but Massey is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Warzecha to get the leverage.
Massey moves into full guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Eli Massey dominated that second round.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.

Warzecha is trying hard to land a takedown here. Massey sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Warzecha fails to land with a series of punches.
Warzecha dives in for a single leg takedown but Massey sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Warzecha looking for a takedown.
Eli Massey has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Waldemir Warzecha.
Massey wants to get back to striking at distance but Warzecha won't allow it.
Warzecha drops down looking for an ankle pick but Massey pulls his leg out and moves away.
Massey throws a right and a left that both miss.
Warzecha misses with a takedown attempt
and Massey counters with a straight right hand.
Massey falls off balance throwing a combination

and Warzecha counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Massey tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Warzecha tries to free his leg and advance position but Massey is retaining full guard.
Warzecha content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Warzecha won't allow Massey to sweep him here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Warzecha missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.

Massey has scooted to the edge of the canvas and used the cage to get back to his feet. Warzecha has stuck on his opponent and is forcing him back against the cage.

Massey breaks from the clinch.
Massey scores with a jab.
Good standup being displayed there by Massey as he connects with a hook.
Warzecha staying out of range there.
Massey looks to land a left hand but Warzecha moved out of range nicely.
Warzecha tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Massey keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Warzecha wants to clinch but Massey slips to the side
and Massey makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Massey swinging wildly here.

Massey gets caught napping as Warzecha dives in and scores a takedown. Massey manages to retain guard.
Warzecha takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Massey keeping full guard, as Warzecha tries to pass.

Massey is looking for a triangle but Warzecha pushes his legs off easily.
Waldemir Warzecha has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Eli Massey is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Warzecha trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Warzecha is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Warzecha working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Massey is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Massey has control of Warzecha's left arm, preventing Warzecha from doing any damage.

Massey kicks Warzecha off and gets to his feet.
Warzecha darts in looking for a takedown but Massey gets double underhooks and turns Warzecha into the cage.
Massey prevents a takedown attempt there.
Warzecha goes for a body shot but it's blocked.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Warzecha has Massey pressed up against the cage. He's trying to work for a single leg takedown. Warzecha pulls back from the cage and twists to the side, sending Massey tumbling to the mat - Warzecha dives into Massey's guard.
Massey tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Massey wants to stand but Warzecha is controlling the position.
Massey is looking to stand back up... there's a bit of a scramble and Warzecha dives into side control.
Massey struggling a bit here.
Warzecha lands a knee to the body and a forearm to the face.
Warzecha throwing strikes but Massey manages to buck up and roll into a nice reversal - now he's on top in side control!
Massey controlling the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Massey seems to have a rather negative gameplan on the ground. He seems keen to just score the takedown and hold down Warzecha for as long as he can get away with.
Massey's ground tactics aren't going to win him many fans. Let's hope he's got fireworks for us if he gets back to his feet because he's not doing much on the ground.
Massey passes to full mount! That's big trouble for Warzecha!
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Massey content just to control the position here.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Eli Massey.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Massey, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 Daniel Franklin scores the fight 30:27
Judge Frank Dennis scores the fight 30:27
Judge George Francis scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Eli Massey!
After winning the bout, Eli Massey thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.