PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a super heavyweight MMA rules bout between Greek Gyros (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Gab Batista (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Gyros's entrance music is Greek Gyros. A fine choice. These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Gyros
vs
Batista

225 cm
42
300 lbs
11 - 29 - 1

199 cm
27
264 lbs
8 - 6 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Very strong

BJJ Brown Belt
Excellent boxer
Knockout power

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, in the super heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 11 - 29 - 1, fighting out of Los Angeles, Greek Gyros!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 6 - 0, fighting out of New York, Gab Batista!
The judges for this bout are Jack Bonds, Don Winkell and .

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Batista lands a head shot.
Batista will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Horrible takedown attempt by Gyros or perhaps it was just good defense by Batista, which made it look bad.
Gyros displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Batista.
Gyros goes for a high kick. It partially lands.

It looks like Gab Batista has been cut.

Gyros drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Gyros looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Gyros is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Gyros controlling from the top position.
Our spies down at at Midnight MMA inform us that Batista has really been working on his submissions in the buildup to this fight. Will it pay off?
Batista is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Batista wants to sweep here but Gyros controlling him for the moment.
Batista keeping moving, preventing Gyros from controlling successfully.

Batista throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Batista can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Gyros controls the pace.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Batista looking to hit a scissor sweep but Gyros is one step ahead there.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Batista is trying to keep Gyros in close.
Gyros looking to control the position here, rather than advance.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Gyros.
Nice sprawl there from Gyros as Batista shoots in.
Batista darts in looking for a takedown but Gyros gets double underhooks and turns Batista into the cage.
Greek Gyros has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Gab Batista.
Batista goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Batista looks to score with a jab to the body but Gyros is just out of range.
Batista shoots in for a double leg but Gyros sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Gyros leaves Batista with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Gyros fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Batista avoids it really well and circles away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gyros tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Batista defends well and Gyros ends up having to push Batista into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Batista misses with a wild body shot.

Gyros shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.

Batista looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Gyros not doing much here.
Gyros is trying to control the action in half guard but Batista is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.

Gyros is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.

Gyros is trying to work for a kimura but Batista is defending well.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gyros is thwarting Batista's attempts to control the position.
Batista is doing well to control the position and prevent Gyros from advancing to side control.
Gyros seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Batista does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Gyros keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Gyros thows a huge punch but Batista dodges it nicely.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Greek Gyros dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Gab Batista's cut.
That's time! Gyros's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Batista throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.

Gyros fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging Batista to the ground. Gyros is now in Batista's guard.

Gyros avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
We've been hearing good reports from Gyros'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.

Batista working for a triangle but Gyros defends it easily.
Gyros wants to pass the guard but Batista is keeping the position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Gyros slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.
Gyros'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.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Batista working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Gyros doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Gyros manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Gyros engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Batista looking for a sweep. Not yet Batista, not yet.
Gyros pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Batista is keeping the position for now.
Gyros sitting in guard, not really doing much.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Batista can't keep his opponent in guard - Gyros advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Batista is refusing to be controlled, as Gyros sits in half guard.
Gyros blocks the strikes from Batista.

Batista looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Gyros prevents Batista from improving his position.

Batista looking for submissions off his back.
Gyros is thwarting Batista's attempts to control the position.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Batista closes this distance looking for a takedown but Gyros circles away.
Gyros is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Batista can do to turn this around?
Batista shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Gyros defends it nicely.
Gyros shoots for a double leg takedown but Batista sprawls well. He's pushed Gyros's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Batista misses with a left hand

and Gyros counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Gyros.
Batista keeping moving, preventing Gyros from controlling successfully.
Gyros is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Batista tries to land a sweep but no joy.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gyros trying to control the position from guard on top but Batista is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

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

Batista is working an open guard so Gyros takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.
Batista scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Gyros doesn't seem bothered though.
Batista scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Batista lands with a straight right. Gyros didn't see that one coming.
Batista dives in for a single leg takedown but Gyros sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Gyros appears to be looking for a big counter.
Greek Gyros has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Gab Batista.
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 cheers as Batista lands an impressive looking overhand right. Gyros doesn't seem phased though.
Batista stuffs the takedown.
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 Greek Gyros will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Gab Batista's cut.
That's time! Gyros's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Batista misses with a few strikes there.
Batista throws a head kick that misses.
Gyros slips under a jab.
Batista just manages to avoid a counter high kick fromGyros.
Gyros shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Batista but Batista pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Batista shoots in and drives through. Gyros sprawls well.
Gyros looks to land a combination. Batista sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
Gyros shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Batista but Batista pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Batista looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Gyros is fending him off so far but Batista persists. Nope, Gyros circles away and we're back to standing.
Gyros is looking for a counter combo.

Gyros drives through with a takedown into guard.

Batista looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Batista takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Batista controlling Gyros's posture.

Batista has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Gyros can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Batista is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Gyros wants to control from the top but Batista keeps moving.
Gyros will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Gyros content to stall in guard here.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Batista tries to score a power double leg takedown but Gyros sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Batista somewhat.
Greek Gyros has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Gab Batista.

Gyros gets the takedown into side control.
Batista sneaks back into half guard.
Gyros is looking to advance position but Batista won't allow it.
Batista trying to control here.
Gyros is figuring out what he wants to do next.
Gyros has controlled the position for a good 20 seconds, which will no doubt be starting to frustrate his opponent.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gyros wants to pass the guard but Batista is defending well.
Gyros sitting and controlling from the half guard.
Gyros prevents Batista from improving his position.
Gyros passes to full mount!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Gyros working Batista over with strikes here.
Gyros landing strikes from the mount.
Gyros looking to control but Batista is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Gyros has his opponent pinned against the cage, landing some nasty ground and pound that is really making a bit of a mess out of Batista's face.
Batista is working to get back to half guard.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Gyros controlling from mount.
Batista is trying desperately to improve position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Greek Gyros clearly takes that round.
The cut man is working on Gab Batista's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Batista misses with a head kick.
A decent looking cross lands there for Batista.

It looks like Greek Gyros has been cut.
Gyros has a takedown stuffed.
Greek Gyros is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Batista looks for a takedown but Gyros sprawls well.
Batista connects with the punch.
Batista misses with a straight left.
Gyros tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Batista swivels and escapes.
Batista lands the left hand.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Gyros goes for a double leg but Batista avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Batista continues to drive forward.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Greek Gyros. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Batista wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
A head kick misses from Batista.
Gyros slaps away a takedown attempt from Batista, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Batista is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Gyros is defended easily by Batista.
Batista misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Gyros.
A lull in the action here as Gyros stalls from top position.
Batista tries to improve position but can't.
Gyros is looking to take a break and control but Batista is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Batista is looking for a sweep.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gyros slows the pace down.
Gyros wants to control but Batista is keeping him busy.
Batista is looking for a sweep.
Batista manages to work his way to half guard, despite Gyros's best efforts.
Gyros perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.
Gyros passes the half guard and he's now in mount! Big trouble for Batista!
Gyros looking to control and managing it successfully.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gyros trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Batista tries to lock up and control but Gyros gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Gyros trying to control but Batista is having none of it.
Gyros takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
This is a sustained period of stalling by Gyros.
Batista is working to get back to half guard.
Gyros working the ground and pound effectively.
Batista is trying desperately to improve position.
Gyros punishing his opponent with strikes.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Batista is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close fourth round but I would say that Greek Gyros will probably get the nod.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action. This is the final round!

Gyros shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Batista sprawls well. Batista wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Gyros gets slowly back to his feet.
Gyros tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Batista swivels and escapes.
Some wild striking there from Gyros.

Gyros manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Batista on his heels. He'll look to pass Batista's guard now, I'm sure.
Batista trying to control the position here.
Gyros trying to control but Batista is working from the bottom.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Batista looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Gyros loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Batista has his foot on Gyros's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Gyros works his way back into a safe position though.
Gyros sitting in guard here, content to control.

Batista escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Gyros gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Batista is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?

Batista throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Gyros scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Batista being controlled here, momentarily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Batista looking to control.
Gyros trying to control the position from guard on top but Batista is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Batista had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Gyros defends it easily.
Batista keeping moving, preventing Gyros from controlling successfully.
Batista wants to sweep here but Gyros controlling him for the moment.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Gyros shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Batista pinned against the cage. Batista gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Greek Gyros. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Batista tries to work over Gyros's front leg with a kick but Gyros checks it.
No luck for Gyros with that takedown attempt.
Batista checks the leg kick nicely there.
Batista feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Gyross jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Batista pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Batista lands with an uppercut that bounces Gyros off the cage and back into range.
Batista connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Gyros shoots in looking for a takedown but Batista manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Gyros's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.

Gyros fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Batista sprawls well initially but Gyros persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
Batista gets back to full guard.
Gyros trying to control the position from guard on top but Batista is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Batista working a defensive guard here.
Gyros trying to control but Batista is working from the bottom.
Gyros won't allow Batista to sweep him here.
Batista preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.

Batista looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Gyros wants to control from the top but Batista keeps moving.
Gab Batista has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Greek Gyros is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Batista trying to strike from the bottom but really, it's not the best position to be doing that from!

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Gab Batista.
I think Gyros has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Jack Bonds scores the fight for Greek Gyros!
Judge Don Winkell scores the fight for Greek Gyros!
Judge Percy O'Donnell scores the fight for Greek Gyros!

Greek Gyros wins by unanimous decision!
Jumping up and down and very excited, Greek Gyros waved his t-shirt featuring Das Labor's logo in front of the cameras.