PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between John Matrix (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Joao Ribeiro Da Silva (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Ribeiro Da Silva has chosen Soulfly - Pain as his entrance music. Joao Ribeiro Da Silva will no doubt be trying to keep this one on the feet, where he has a distinct advantage.

Matrix
vs
Ribeiro Da Silva

180 cm
33
195 lbs
15 - 8 - 1

185 cm
26
190 lbs
12 - 4 - 0

Good wrestling
Solid boxing
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
World class MT
Granite chin

KAISER

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 15 - 8 - 1, fighting out of Amsterdam, John Matrix!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 12 - 4 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Joao Ribeiro Da Silva!
The judges for this bout are Aafke Stam, Daniel Blasius and Nard Betker.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Ribeiro Da Silva scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Matrix doesn't seem bothered though.
Matrix listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Ribeiro Da Silva tries a head kick but it misses.
Matrix ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Ribeiro Da Silva moves away.
Matrix misses with an uppercut.
Nice body kick from Ribeiro Da Silva.
Ribeiro Da Silva misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Ribeiro Da Silva throws a sloppy head kick and Matrix moves out of range easily.
A left lands for Matrix.
Ribeiro Da Silva lands a leg kick that knocks Matrix off balance momentarily.
Ribeiro Da Silva takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
A clash of legs there as Matrix blocks the low kick.
Ribeiro Da Silva showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Matrix.
Ribeiro Da Silva throws a body kick that misses.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Matrix blocks a low kick nicely.
A nice inside leg kick there by Matrix. That's going to slow Ribeiro Da Silva down.
Matrix throws the kick towards the body but Ribeiro Da Silva avoids it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Jab from Matrix.
No luck for Matrix with that takedown attempt.
A head kick misses from Ribeiro Da Silva.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Matrix.
Ribeiro Da Silva is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Matrix punishes Ribeiro Da Silva's body with a nice straight punch.
Matrix throws out a loose jab but Ribeiro Da Silva uses good head movement to avoid it.
Ribeiro Da Silva is looking to land body kicks.
A looping hook to the body misses from Matrix. Ribeiro Da Silva does a little dance to reset his feet.
Matrix moves out of range of the body kick from Ribeiro Da Silva.
Ribeiro Da Silva tries a head kick but it misses.
A telegraphed right hand from Matrix misses the target.
Ribeiro Da Silva lands with a shot to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ribeiro Da Silva slips a straight right by Matrix.
Ribeiro Da Silva misses with an attempted mid kick.
Ribeiro Da Silva takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Ribeiro Da Silva goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Ribeiro Da Silva throws a wild body kick that Matrix sees coming a mile off.
Ribeiro Da Silva throws a big shot that misses.
Matrix looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Matrix misses with a kick to the body.
Matrix throws a leg kick that misses.
Ribeiro Da Silva throws a head kick that Matrix semi-blocks.
Ribeiro Da Silva tries to work over Matrix's front leg with a kick but Matrix checks it.
Matrix swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Ribeiro Da Silva checks a low kick from Matrix.
Matrix throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Ribeiro Da Silva sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Matrix misses with a low kick.
Ribeiro Da Silva cracks the inside of Matrix's front leg.
Good exchange - Ribeiro Da Silva coming out on top.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ribeiro Da Silva walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Matrix checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Matrix scores with a one two! Ribeiro Da Silva had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.
Ribeiro Da Silva throws a head kick that misses.
Joao Ribeiro Da Silva is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Ribeiro Da Silva throws a head kick but Matrix moves out of range.
Matrix blocks a head kick by Ribeiro Da Silva.
Ribeiro Da Silva moves out of range as Matrix strikes.
Matrix tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Matrix throws a hook but Ribeiro Da Silva avoids it easily.
Matrix lands with an uppercut that bounces Ribeiro Da Silva off the cage and back into range.
Matrix throws a leg kick
and Ribeiro Da Silva counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Ribeiro Da Silva scores with a leg kick.
Matrix misses with an uppercut. Ribeiro Da Silva saw that one coming.
Matrix looks to land a body kick but Ribeiro Da Silva moved away.
Ribeiro Da Silva throws a shot to the body.
Ribeiro Da Silva looks for the body kick but Matrix saw that one coming.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Matrix blocks the body kick.
Matrix bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Ribeiro Da Silva's head.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Ribeiro Da Silva chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Matrix checks a leg kick.
Matrix bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Ribeiro Da Silva's head backwards.
Ribeiro Da Silva defending well as Matrix loads up on a big left hand.
Ribeiro Da Silva is looking to land body kicks.
Matrix is really peppering his opponent's head with punches.
A slow jab from Ribeiro Da Silva misses its intended target.
Matrix walks into a jab.
Ribeiro Da Silva does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
Matrix throws a looping overhand right but Ribeiro Da Silva ducks down to avoid it.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Matrix throws a head kick that misses.
Matrix lands a body shot.
Ribeiro Da Silva lets loose with a powerful body kick. Matrix will feel that in the morning.
Matrix fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Joao Ribeiro Da Silva dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Matrix wants to land a leg kick but Ribeiro Da Silva is out of range.
Matrix staying out of range there.
Matrix misses with a wild body shot.
Matrix catches Ribeiro Da Silva with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Ribeiro Da Silva pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Ribeiro Da Silva checks a leg kick.
Ribeiro Da Silva lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.

Matrix scores with a takedown into Ribeiro Da Silva's guard.
Matrix won't allow Ribeiro Da Silva to get back to his feet.
Matrix preventing the sweep.
Matrix pushes down on Ribeiro Da Silva's leg and manages to get into half guard.
The fighters are battling for position here. Ribeiro Da Silva manages to regain full guard. Nice work.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ribeiro Da Silva is trying to keep Matrix in close.
Matrix chips away with some ground and pound.
Matrix is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Matrix stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Ribeiro Da Silva swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Ribeiro Da Silva keeping moving, preventing Matrix from controlling successfully.
Matrix is working Ribeiro Da Silva over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Matrix preventing the sweep.
Matrix not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Ribeiro Da Silva is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
Ribeiro Da Silva with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.
Matrix is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Ribeiro Da Silva not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Matrix is looking to control Ribeiro Da Silva's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Matrix avoid being mounted?
Matrix wants to get back to full guard but Ribeiro Da Silva has mounted him!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ribeiro Da Silva trying to control but Matrix is having none of it.
Ribeiro Da Silva punching from mount but Matrix doing a good job of avoiding damage.
Matrix holding onto his opponent's waist for dear life, as Ribeiro Da Silva tries to land some strikes to get him to release his grip.
Matrix tries to reverse the position but Ribeiro Da Silva maintains control.
Matrix tries to hold on but Ribeiro Da Silva postures up.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Matrix can't escape the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ribeiro Da Silva trying to control but Matrix is having none of it.
Matrix swinging wildly from the bottom but he's not landing.
Ribeiro Da Silva looking to ground and pound but Matrix is blocking nicely.
Matrix wants to control but Ribeiro Da Silva is having none of it.
Matrix is in a horrible position here, under a barrage of strikes, he's managing to avoid any damage.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Matrix wants to hold on but Ribeiro Da Silva pushes him away.
Matrix can't escape the position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that John Matrix will probably get the nod.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

The fighters circling - Ribeiro Da Silva throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Ribeiro Da Silva ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Matrix is looking to chop away at Ribeiro Da Silva's legs.
A thudding body kick lands there by Ribeiro Da Silva!
Matrix throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Ribeiro Da Silva throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
Donk. Matrix catches Ribeiro Da Silva right on the button with a cross.
Ribeiro Da Silva avoids the body shot from Matrix.
Ribeiro Da Silva checks the leg kick nicely there.
Matrix keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Matrix goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Matrix blocks a head kick by Ribeiro Da Silva.
Matrix walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Ribeiro Da Silva checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Ribeiro Da Silva. Matrix shrugs it off though.
Matrix scores with a jab.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ribeiro Da Silva throws an overhand right that lands on Matrix's shoulder, as Matrix tries to avoid the shot.
The fighters circling - Matrix throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Crunch! Ribeiro Da Silva slams his shin into Matrix's torso.
Ribeiro Da Silva ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Matrix misses with a hook. Ribeiro Da Silva ducked under it nicely.
Nice sprawl there from Ribeiro Da Silva as Matrix shoots in.
Ribeiro Da Silva throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Ribeiro Da Silva throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.
Ribeiro Da Silva is looking to slow Matrix down with leg kicks.
Matrix throws a looping overhand right but Ribeiro Da Silva ducks down to avoid it.
Matrix swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Ribeiro Da Silva throws a head kick that misses.
Ribeiro Da Silva fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Matrix has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Matrix will be looking to protect his midsection after taking some solid kicks to the body.
Ribeiro Da Silva scores with a jab.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Matrix checks a leg kick nicely.
Joao Ribeiro Da Silva seems to be getting the better of the standup.
A good leg kick by Ribeiro Da Silva.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Matrix tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Ribeiro Da Silva defends well and Matrix ends up having to push Ribeiro Da Silva into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.

Matrix pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Matrix uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Ribeiro Da Silva.
Good work by Matrix as he checks the leg kick.
Matrix thows a leg kick but Ribeiro Da Silva checks it
and Ribeiro Da Silva counters with a slapping leg kick.
Ribeiro Da Silva with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Matrix avoids a kick to the body.
Matrix is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Matrix turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Ribeiro Da Silva takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Ribeiro Da Silva lands with a thumping leg kick.
Matrix checks the leg kick.
Matrix ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Ribeiro Da Silva moves away.
Matrix shoots for a double leg takedown but Ribeiro Da Silva sprawls well. He's pushed Matrix's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for John Matrix. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ribeiro Da Silva misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Ribeiro Da Silva throws a lazy right hand but Matrix sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Ribeiro Da Silva lands where it shouldn't have, right in the... well, you know what he did? He kicked him in the penis. He's injured, injured bad. The referee sends both fighters to their corners and Matrix has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Matrix and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
A telegraphed right hand from Ribeiro Da Silva misses the target.
Ribeiro Da Silva throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Ribeiro Da Silva slips a jab and a cross from Matrix.
Ribeiro Da Silva connects with an inside leg kick.
Ribeiro Da Silva looks to land a left hand but Matrix moved out of range nicely.
Matrix keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Matrix blocks a head kick by Ribeiro Da Silva.
Matrix slips a jab from Ribeiro Da Silva.
That kick from Ribeiro Da Silva tenderised Matrix's leg. Matrix is trying to keep his angry face on.
Ribeiro Da Silva looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Ribeiro Da Silva misses with an attempted mid kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Matrix walks forward, straight into a front kick from Ribeiro Da Silva.
Matrix avoids the head kick by Ribeiro Da Silva.
Ribeiro Da Silva takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Ribeiro Da Silva is looking to slow Matrix down with leg kicks.
Matrix ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Ribeiro Da Silva moves away.
Matrix misses with a hook.
Matrix throws a sloppy head kick and Ribeiro Da Silva moves out of range easily.
Ribeiro Da Silva throws a low kick, looking for Matrix's leg but Matrix calmly moves out of range.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Matrix moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Ribeiro Da Silva dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Matrix. That did some damage!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Matrix walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Matrix with a nice cross.
Ribeiro Da Silva cracks Matrix with a right hand to the side of the head.
Matrix takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.

And that's the end of the fight!
Joao Ribeiro Da Silva comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Ribeiro Da Silva 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 Aafke Stam scores the fight 28:29
Judge Daniel Blasius scores the fight 28:29
Judge Nard Betker scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Joao Ribeiro Da Silva!
An out of breath Joao Ribeiro Da Silva thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.
John Matrix spoke after the fight, saying 'I think it is time for me to retire and focus on something else. I have had enough of this mma bullshit!'.