PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Cu IV (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Sanji Sanpun (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Sanpun has chosen Snacktime - Barenaked Ladies as his entrance music. The fight MMA fans around the world have waited their entire lives for!

IV
vs
Sanpun

178 cm
27
151 lbs
8 - 6 - 0

178 cm
26
157 lbs
5 - 3 - 0

Good wrestling
Solid boxing
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Dangerous knees
Granite 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 8 - 6 - 0, fighting out of New York, Cu IV!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Sanji Sanpun!
The judges for this bout are Columbo Gatti, Eddie Farnsworth and John Roberts.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

IV has managed to clinch.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, IV just misses with a elbow thrown towards Sanpun's brow.
Sanpun is working IV over against the cage.
IV misses with a punch to the body.
Sanpun unloads a knee to the mid-section.
IV is looking to break free of the clinch but Sanpun has double underhooks.
Sanpun lands an elbow just above IV 's eye.

It looks like Cu IV has been cut.

Sanpun works for the underhooks and manages to get a trip takedown into guard.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.
IV keeping moving, preventing Sanpun from controlling successfully.
IV seems to have improved his submission grappling technique since last time we saw him. Let's see if he can pull off a submission.
IV preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Sanpun tries to free his leg and advance position but IV is retaining full guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.

Sanpun drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Sanpun jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Sanpun looking to pass the guard.
Sanpun won't allow IV to get back to his feet.
Sanpun tries to free his leg and advance position but IV is retaining full guard.

IV has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Sanpun can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
IV wants to sweep here but Sanpun controlling him for the moment.

That's one minute gone in the round.
IV is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.

IV is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Sanpun is in close to IV's body, working some short punches and elbows.
IV is trying to control the position but Sanpun postures up.
Sanpun pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. IV is keeping the position for now.
IV is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Sanpun wants to control from the top but IV keeps moving.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Sanpun pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. IV is keeping the position for now.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
IV keeping moving, preventing Sanpun from controlling successfully.
IV wants to sweep but no luck.

IV has butterfly guard. He's looking to stand up here. He pushes Sanpun off him and springs to his feet nicely. The crowd applauds.
Sanpun thuds a left hand into IV's body.
IV swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Sanpun counters with a leg kick that reverborates around the arena.

IV clinches up against the cage.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Sanpun looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Sanpun avoiding damage as IV throws knees to the body.
Sanpun trying to land knees to the body.
A short right from IV.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
IV tries to land knees in the clinch but Sanpun avoids the damage to the body.
Sanpun blocks the elbow strike.
Sanpun drops down looking for an ankle pick but IV pulls his leg out and moves away.
IV fails with an attempt to clinch.
Sanpun scores with a head kick. IV tried to block it but didn't get his arm up in time.
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Sanpun. IV shrugs it off though.
IV tries to clinch there but Sanpun circles away.
IV wants to clinch.

Sanpun looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
Sanpun looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
IV looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
IV working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Sanpun.
IV keeping moving, preventing Sanpun from controlling successfully.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Sanpun accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Sanpun throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as IV works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Sanpun trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Sanpun's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
IV wants to stand up but Sanpun is controlling him.

IV has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Sanpun can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
IV tries to land a sweep but no joy.
IV is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Sanpun is controlling him.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Sanji Sanpun dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Cu IV's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

IV takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Sanpun scores with a kick to the midsection.
Cu IV is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Sanpun looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Thud! ouch! good body kick from Sanpun - that will leave a mark!

IV drives through and clinches with Sanpun against the cage.
Sanpun dodges an elbow strike from IV.
Sanpun is looking for a takedown up against the cage. IV gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
IV stalling in the clinch but Sanpun improves position.
IV misses with a knee to the head.
Sanpun scores with a shoulder strike.
IV is trying to maintain a safe position but Sanpun gets an underhook and turns IV into the cage.
Sanpun lands an elbow just above IV 's eye.
Sanpun pushes IV back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, IV just misses with a elbow thrown towards Sanpun's brow.
Sanpun struggles to land a body shot inside as IV controls his hands.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Sanpun throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but IV blocks it with crossed arms.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Sanpun has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by IV after a bit of a struggle.

That's one minute gone in the round.
IV tries for a takedown. No joy.
Sanpun lands a left hand that snaps the head of IV backwards.
A short right from IV on the inside.
Sanpun digs a right hand into IV's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on IV's gas tank.

IV has moved round to his opponent's back and is looking for a suplex! Oh snap! He's tossed Sanpun clear over his head and slammed him to the mat!
IV punishes Sanpun with strikes from the back mount.
Sanpun manages to reverse the position and now he's in IV's guard. Nice work there by Sanpun.
Sanpun throws a strike but IV rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
Sanpun wants to sweep but no luck.
IV postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Sanpun pulls IV in to control the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
IV stands up over Sanpun, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells IV's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Sanpun working a defensive guard here.
Sanpun is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
IV trying to control from the bottom.
Sanpun wants to lay and pray for a moment but IV keeps working.
IV moves into full guard.
IV keeping full guard, as Sanpun tries to pass.
IV 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.
Sanpun working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sanpun looking to sit in guard and control but IV gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

Sanpun looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Sanpun is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
IV manages to get to full guard.
IV is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Sanpun passes into half guard.
IV blocking the ground and pound attempt from Sanpun.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
IV pushes Sanpun off looking to stand but Sanpun dives back in and keeps control.
IV is refusing to be controlled, as Sanpun sits in half guard.
IV blocking the ground and pound attempt from Sanpun.
Sanji Sanpun has got the better of the ground game so far.
Sanpun stops IV from getting back to his feet.
IV is looking to improve his position.
Sanpun not doing much here.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

IV makes his way to full guard, as Sanpun worked for a kimura.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Sanpun trying to control but IV is working from the bottom.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Sanji Sanpun will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Cu IV's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

IV throws a head kick that looked like it stung.
Sanpun scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Sanpun plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
IV shoots in and drives through. Sanpun sprawls well.
Sanpun scores with a nice head shot.
IV is looking to take this fight into the clinch.

IV pushes Sanpun up against the cage in a clinch.
Sanpun creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through IV's defenses.
IV blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Sanpun's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Sanpun lands an uppercut.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Sanpun throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Sanpun tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Sanpun lands an elbow just above IV 's eye.
IV unloads a knee to the mid-section. Sanpun lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.

That's one minute gone in the round.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, IV just misses with a elbow thrown towards Sanpun's brow.

Sanpun pulls guard.
IV won't allow Sanpun to sweep him here.
Sanpun working a defensive guard but IV passes into half guard.
Sanpun is trying to maintain the position but IV is very close to passing his half guard.
IV sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Sanpun defending well though.
Sanpun is in trouble now - IV has advanced to mount!

IV has hold of Sanpun's left arm, perhaps looking for a submission. The two fighters tussle over control of the isolated limb and Sanpun manages to get his arm back to his side and away from danger.
IV unloading with bombs!
IV scores with a couple of good head shots there.
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, IV cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers!
Sanpun tries to lock up and control but IV gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Sanpun 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.
IV takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Sanpun trying to control but IV postures up.
IV lands strikes from half guard.

IV looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
Sanpun works his way to full guard. Good work.
IV trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
IV landing with the ground and pound.
Sanpun wants to sweep but no luck.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
IV landing with the ground and pound.
Sanpun has momentary wrist control but IV slips an elbow through the middle.
IV chips away with some ground and pound.
Sanpun manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
IV is wriggling around trying to escape.
Sanpun lands an elbow that was bordering on illegal but the referee lets it go with a warning.

IV bucks Sanpun off and manages to get back to his feet!
Sanpun staying out of range there.
Jab from Sanpun.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
IV looks for a takedown but Sanpun sprawls well.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Sanpun looks to score with a jab to the body but IV is just out of range.
IV tries to clinch but Sanpun moves out of range.
A thudding body kick lands there by Sanpun!
Cu IV has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
IV moves to clinch but Sanpun breaks away
and Sanpun makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Sanji Sanpun is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
The fight stays on the outside here - IV looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
IV on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
IV is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Sanji Sanpun seems to be getting the better of the standup.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Sanpun ducks under a wild hook from IV.
Sanpun lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Sanpun.
IV throws a hook but Sanpun avoids it easily.

And that's the end of the fight!
Cu IV showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Sanpun has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Columbo Gatti scores the fight 28:29
Judge Eddie Farnsworth scores the fight 28:29
Judge John Roberts scores the fight 28:29

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