PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Umba Matumba (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Paul Toepfer (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Umba Matumba has a significant reach advantage - let's see if he can make it count.

Matumba
vs
Toepfer

173 cm
21
140 lbs
7 - 2 - 0

160 cm
21
135 lbs
8 - 1 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Counter fighter
Good gas tank

THRIFTY THREADS

The Big Kabosh

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the bantamweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 7 - 2 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Umba Matumba!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Paul Toepfer!
The judges for this bout are Ivan Kurochkin, Vladimir Khabensky and Viktor Lagutenko.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Matumba misses with a looping left.
Toepfer shoots in for a takedown but Matumba shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Toepfer ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Matumba moves away.
Toepfer gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily

and Matumba counters with a nice double leg into side control. Toepfer won't be happy with that.

Matumba decides to stand up, so the ref orders Toepfer to his feet.

Toepfer throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Matumba was covering up waiting for the punch and Toepfer finishes the takedown easily into guard.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Toepfer avoids a guillotine attempt easily.

Matumba has butterfly guard. He's looking to stand up here. He pushes Toepfer off him and springs to his feet nicely. The crowd applauds.

Matumba gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Matumba keeping full guard, as Toepfer tries to pass.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Matumba wants to sweep but no luck.

Matumba is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Toepfer trying to control but Matumba is working from the bottom.
Matumba is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Toepfer is pushing down on Matumba's leg trying to pass to half guard. Matumba is fighting to maintain full guard but Toepfer has managed to sneak the leg through.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Matumba is not content to let Toepfer control the position.
Matumba is trying to stand.

Toepfer is looking for a kimura but Matumba is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Toepfer to get the leverage.
Toepfer is trying to control the action in half guard but Matumba is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.

Toepfer seems to be working for a kimura but Matumba defends the submission attempt.
Matumba is trying to stand up here but Toepfer is controlling him well.

Matumba is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Toepfer pulls his head out easily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Toepfer prevents Matumba from improving his position.
Toepfer wants to lay and pray for a moment but Matumba keeps working.

Matumba looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Matumba is staying active underneath Toepfer, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Toepfer seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Matumba manages to create a bit of space in order to work his way back to his feet. Toepfer keeps hold of his opponent and drives him back against the cage.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Toepfer is trying to pull guard but Matumba turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Umba Matumba has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Paul Toepfer.
Matumba can't break the clinch.
Toepfer will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Matumba up against the cage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Toepfer is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.

Matumba pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.

Toepfer closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Matumba did well to prevent Toepfer getting side control.
In the pre-fight buildup videos we saw Toepfer working his ground and pound in the gym. He isn't landing a great percentage of his ground strikes so far though.
Toepfer is looking to pass the guard... He's managed it - he's now in full mount!
Matumba is squirming around, avoiding Toepfer's attempts to control the action.
Toepfer with a couple of short strikes.
Matumba really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
Toepfer trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Matumba tries to get back to half guard but can't.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Toepfer scoring with some good ground and pound from mount here. Will he manage to finish Matumba?
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Matumba can't escape the position.
Toepfer landing strikes from the mount and Matumba is in trouble!
BOOM! Toepfer connects with a massive shot to the dome!
Matumba regains half guard.

Matumba looking for submissions off his back.
Matumba pushes Toepfer off looking to stand but Toepfer dives back in and keeps control.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Matumba manages to escape and get back to his feet!
Matumba looks to score with a jab to the body but Toepfer is just out of range.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Matumba throws a right and a left that Toepfer avoids nicely.
Toepfer scores with a hook to the body. Matumba takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Toepfer avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Matumba slaps away a takedown attempt from Toepfer, before circling back to the center of the mat.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Paul Toepfer will probably get the nod.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Matumba works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Matumba misses with a hook.
Toepfer shoots in but no luck this time.
Matumba tries to bum rush Toepfer with a series of wild strikes but Toepfer uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Toepfer misses with a takedown

and Matumba counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
Matumba seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Toepfer does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
It looks like Matumba is going to stand back up.
Toepfer is looking to improve his position.
We've been hearing good reports from Matumba's training camp. Apparently he has been rolling around with some good quality BJJ practitioners and has been sharpening his skills. Let's see if that has an impact on the fight today.

Matumba is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Toepfer is just riding it out for now. Matumba eventually gives up the hold.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Toepfer is trying to maintain the position but Matumba is very close to passing his half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Matumba decides to return to a standing position.
Umba Matumba is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Toepfer on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Toepfer shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Matumba but Matumba pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Umba Matumba has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Paul Toepfer.
Matumba throws out a powerful jab.

Toepfer looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into side control! Oh, that's bad for Matumba!
Toepfer working the ground and pound from side control.
Matumba is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Toepfer off and has taken his back!
Will Matumba go for the finish here or will he try and keep control of the position?

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Toepfer tries to escape the position - he's now mounted. Is that better or worse? Hard to tell!
This has been an exciting period of action!
Matumba with some aggressive grappling here, looking for the finish.
Matumba wants to control the pace but Toepfer is squirming around nicely.
Matumba will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Toepfer gets back to half guard.
Matumba wants to stand but Toepfer has hold of a leg and an arm, so he's trapped for now.
Toepfer is trying is best to control the position here.
Matumba wants to stand up but Toepfer has a hold of him and won't allow it.
Toepfer has his hands clasped together around Matumba's back. He's all about the action.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Toepfer regains full guard. Nicely done.
Toepfer wants to sweep but no luck.

Toepfer is working an open guard so Matumba takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.
Matumba misses with a few strikes there.
Toepfer shoots in for a takedown but Matumba shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Toepfer throws a body punch but Matumba moves out of range.
Matumba throws a right and a left that both miss.
Toepfer looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.

Toepfer closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Toepfer lands in his opponent's guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Matumba has his foot on Toepfer's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Toepfer works his way back into a safe position though.
Toepfer prevents Matumba from getting back to his feet.
Toepfer scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Matumba wants to stand and escape but Toepfer is having none of it.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Matumba working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Toepfer.
Toepfer trying to control but Matumba is working from the bottom.
Toepfer pushing down on Matumba's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Matumba keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Matumba tries to roll over but Toepfer keeps him under control.
Toepfer trying to control from half guard but Matumba is working away.

Matumba manages to create a bit of space in order to work his way back to his feet. Toepfer keeps hold of his opponent and drives him back against the cage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Toepfer takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Matumba keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Matumba looks to land a combination but Toepfer avoids it well.
Matumba misses with a looping left.
Nice sprawl there from Matumba as Toepfer shoots in.
Matumba will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Matumba throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Toepfer looks for a takedown but Matumba sprawls well.
Umba Matumba has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Paul Toepfer.
Toepfer tries to score a power double leg takedown but Matumba sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Toepfer somewhat.
Toepfer looks for a takedown but Matumba sprawls well.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Matumba misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Matumba throws a right and a left that Toepfer avoids nicely.
Matumba with a jab.
Matumba throws a series of punches but Toepfer moves out of range.
Toepfer will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Matumba throws a right and a left that Toepfer avoids nicely.

Toepfer feints and as Matumba raises his hands in defense, Toepfer changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
Matumba can't keep his opponent in guard - Toepfer advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Toepfer wants to lay and pray for a moment but Matumba keeps working.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Matumba is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.

Toepfer is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Matumba doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Toepfer.
Toepfer takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Toepfer thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Matumba's head.
Paul Toepfer has got the better of the ground game so far.
Matumba moves into full guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Toepfer trying to control the position from guard on top but Matumba is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Toepfer stands up over Matumba, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Toepfer postures up and lands a big shot to Matumba's brow.

Matumba is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Toepfer defends well.
Toepfer trying to control but Matumba is working from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Matumba looking for a guillotine here but Toepfer defends easily.
Toepfer passes easily into side control. Nice work.
Matumba is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Matumba is pushing Toepfer's head away, looking to escape. Toepfer manages to hold on to the position though.
Toepfer works to advance to full mount. Matumba defends for a few seconds but eventually he succumbs.
Toepfer landing strikes from the mount.
Matumba is wriggling around trying to escape.
Toepfer working Matumba over with strikes here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Matumba is squirming around, avoiding Toepfer's attempts to control the action.
Matumba really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
Matumba 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.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Toepfer is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Matumba doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Toepfer.
Toepfer has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Toepfer missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Matumba tries to kick Toepfer off but Toepfer keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Matumba is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Toepfer pulls his head out easily.
Matumba wants to improve his position but Toepfer is controlling well.
Toepfer is looking to pass the guard... He's managed it - he's now in full mount!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Paul Toepfer really dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Matumba misses with a series of wild punches.
Matumba misses with a jab, cross combination.
A combination from Matumba does no damage.
Umba Matumba is winning the standup battle so far.
Toepfer shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Toepfer on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Matumba fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Nice sprawl there from Matumba as Toepfer shoots in.
Matumba looks to land a combination but Toepfer avoids it well.
Toepfer dodges the punch combination from Matumba.
Umba Matumba seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Matumba rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Toepfer moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Matumba throws a looping overhand right but Toepfer ducks down to avoid it.
Toepfer closes this distance looking for a takedown but Matumba circles away.
Umba Matumba has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Paul Toepfer.
Matumba throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.

Toepfer scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
Matumba is not content to let Toepfer control the position.
Matumba tries to get back to his feet but has found himself mounted instead. Damn, that's gotta suck.
Matumba bucks up and manages to get a nice reversal! He's in guard on the top - nicely done!
Matumba wants to stand but Toepfer is controlling his posture from full guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Toepfer is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Matumba has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Toepfer is proving hard to escape from.
Toepfer 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.
Matumba trying to stand up but can't free himself from Toepfer's guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Matumba won't allow Toepfer to sweep him here.
Matumba wants to stand but Toepfer is controlling his posture from full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Matumba wants to stand and escape but instead Toepfer has hit a sweep and he's now on top in guard.
Toepfer trying to control but Matumba is working from the bottom.
Matumba wants to get back to his feet but Toepfer is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Matumba keeping moving, preventing Toepfer from controlling successfully.

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

Matumba has an omoplata and is looking to use it perhaps as a submission or perhaps to transition. Toepfer is in a bit of discomfort here, but he's managed to free himself and has dived into side control! That didn't work out too well for Matumba.
Toepfer wants to control but Matumba is keeping him busy.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Toepfer cracks Matumba with a big right hand but Matumba just smiles back at him and invites him to have another go.
Matumba sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.

Toepfer is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Matumba is just riding it out for now. Toepfer eventually gives up the hold.
Toepfer tries to pass the half guard into mount. Matumba knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Toepfer landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Toepfer is pressing down on Matumba's thigh, looking to free his foot. Matumba is holding on for now.
Matumba wants to improve his position but Toepfer is controlling well.
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!
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Matumba wants to get back to his feet.
Matumba is looking to improve his position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close fourth round but Paul Toepfer will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

A punch combination from Matumba misses.

Toepfer closes the distance and clinches.
Toepfer is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Matumba is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Toepfer tries to pull guard but Matumba forces him back to his feet, against the cage.

Matumba pulls guard successfully.
Matumba is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Toepfer trying to control but Matumba is working from the bottom.
Toepfer is in a good position here but he's just trying to control... And he's not even managing to do that successfully.

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

Matumba is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Toepfer defends well.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - a gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Toepfer got a little sloppy there for a moment and Matumba has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Toepfer has managed to get both his arms back between Matumba's legs - danger averted.

Toepfer avoids a guillotine attempt easily.

Matumba is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Toepfer trying to control the position from guard on top but Matumba is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Toepfer tries to free his leg and advance position but Matumba is retaining full guard.
Toepfer prevents Matumba from getting back to his feet.
Toepfer slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.

Toepfer wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Matumba, who protects the arm well.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Matumba wants to get back to his feet.
Matumba is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Matumba is working hard here to advance position.
Check out the look on Toepfer's face as he threw that strike - that's one determined fighter!
Toepfer tries to cartwheel into mount but he doesn't manage it.
Toepfer working the head with strikes.
Toepfer in side control lands a nice looking series of punches and elbows.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Matumba explodes and escapes back to his feet! Nice escape there!
Toepfer takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Matumba throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Toepfer.
Nice takedown defense from Matumba. No joy for Toepfer on that attempt.
Umba Matumba has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Paul Toepfer.
Matumba misses with a two punch combination.
Matumba closes the distance and lands a one-two.

It looks like Paul Toepfer has been cut.
Matumba misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Toepfer.
Matumba wants to get back to his feet but Toepfer is dominant here and he's now got Matumba's back!
Toepfer connects with a series of strikes and the referee is calling for Matumba to escape the position.
Matumba is trying to stand back up.
Toepfer scores with a nice shot to the head of his opponent. Matumba is looking for a way out.

Toepfer has his opponent's back and is working for the choke.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
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!
Toepfer lands an elbow to the side of the head.

Toepfer looking for the choke but no joy.
Can Matumba hold on?! Toepfer is landing more strikes to his hapless foe.
Matumba is trying to get back to his feet but Toepfer has full control of the position and if anything, Matumba has just worked his way into a worse spot.
The referee is taking a good look at Matumba as he is on the wrong end of some big shots from Toepfer!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Matumba is really stuck here.

Toepfer is looking to finish the fight by rear naked choke. Matumba knows exactly what he's got planned though, so he's defending well. Maybe a few strikes would soften Matumba for a finish.
Umba Matumba has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Matumba looking to stop the rear naked choke attempt by controlling the hands.

And that's the end of the fight!
Paul Toepfer comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Toepfer 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Ivan Kurochkin scores the fight 46:49
Judge Vladimir Khabensky scores the fight 46:49
Judge Viktor Lagutenko scores the fight 46:49

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Paul Toepfer!
Paul Toepfer is the new bantamweight champion!
An out of breath Paul Toepfer thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.