PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Edwin Valero (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Absolut Vodka (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The key to victory for Edwin Valero has got to be keeping the fight on the feet.

Valero
vs
Vodka

168 cm
25
145 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

165 cm
25
145 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid boxing
Self confident

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Determined

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 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Edwin Valero!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Absolut Vodka!
The judges for this bout are Daniel Cesar, Seu Braga and Emerson Jorge.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Vodka is defended easily by Valero.
Valero shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Vodka as he jumps to the side.
Valero fails with the takedown.
Vodka's coach down at MB Gym was telling us pre-fight that they have been working on Vodka's balance. Obviously they view that as a key factor in the outcome of this fight.

Vodka clinches with his opponent.
Vodka has Valero pushed against the cage.
Valero is trying to force a seperation but Vodka has the dominant position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Valero jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Vodka walks away with a smile on his face. Valero gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Edwin Valero. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Valero throws a sloppy head kick and Vodka moves out of range easily.
Vodka keeps the fight on the outside.

Valero clinches with his opponent.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Valero wants to get back to striking at distance but Vodka won't allow it.
Vodka is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Valero is defending well.
Valero tries to throw a body punch but Vodka avoids it by throwing Valero back against the cage.

Vodka breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Valero moves in looking to clinch but Vodka pushes him off.

Valero clinches.

Vodka successfully pulls guard.

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

Vodka moves into the clinch successfully.
Vodka changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Valero fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Valero slaps away a takedown attempt from Vodka, before circling back to the center of the mat.

Vodka has managed to clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Valero scores with a shot to the side of Vodka's head.
Valero misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Vodka.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Valero working hard to break the clinch.
Vodka jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Valero walks away with a smile on his face. Vodka gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
A good leg kick by Vodka.
Valero just misses with a punch to the body.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Vodka is defended easily by Valero.
Vodka fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Valero looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Valero stuffs the takedown attempt from Vodka. Vodka gets slowly back to his feet.
Valero tries to counter with a takedown but Vodka is quick to defend against it.
A slapping leg kick lands for Vodka.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Valero is looking to clinch but Vodka is avoiding it.
Valero shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Vodka but Vodka pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Valero shoots for a double leg takedown but Vodka sprawls well. He's pushed Valero's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Vodka is trying hard to land a takedown here. Valero sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Valero tries to clinch but Vodka moves out of range.
Vodka will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Vodka looks for a takedown but Valero sprawls well.

Vodka tries to keep at a distance but Valero has taken the fight into the clinch.
Vodka using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Valero has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Vodka tries to pull guard but Valero forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Vodka jumps guard but Valero stands there with Vodka around his waist. Vodka gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.

Valero manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.
Valero striking off his back but it's not causing Vodka any problems.

Valero is edging up against the cage. He's using the cage to get back to his feet. Nice work there - the fighters are clinched.
Vodka fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Valero wants to get back to striking at distance but Vodka won't allow it.
Vodka changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Valero fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Valero has a takedown stuffed.
Valero lands a nice hook to Vodka's body. Vodka takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Edwin Valero will probably get the nod.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Vodka leaves Valero with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.

Valero bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.

Valero has had enough of the ground for now and decides to stand.
Edwin Valero is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Valero throws a sloppy head kick

and Vodka counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Vodka.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.

Vodka's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Valero is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Vodka gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Valero counters with a series of strikes. Vodka will be more careful next time no doubt.
Edwin Valero seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Valero shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Vodka sprawls well. Vodka wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Valero gets slowly back to his feet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Valero with a lazy takedown attempt

and Vodka counters by clinching up.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Edwin Valero. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Valero fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Vodka is looking to take this one to the mat.
Vodka fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Valero tries to pull guard but Vodka won't allow it.
Vodka tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Valero just stands there and leans against the cage.
Valero is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Vodka can do to turn this around?
Vodka is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Valero is defending well.
Valero wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Valero is trying to push Vodka away but Vodka has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Valero gets underhooks to prevent Vodka's takedown attempt.
Vodka content to slow the pace in the clinch.

Vodka breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Valero stuffs the takedown.
Vodka fails in his attempt to clinch.
Valero moves in looking to clinch but Vodka pushes him off.
Valero throws a wild body kick that Vodka sees coming a mile off.
Valero misses with a wild combination.
Vodka fails with an attempt to clinch.

Valero closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Vodka tries to pull guard but Valero forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Valero lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Vodka backwards.

Vodka pulls guard effortlessly.
Vodka keeping moving, preventing Valero from controlling successfully.
We've been hearing that Valero has been drilling a lot of ground and pound in training, so let's see if he get the finish.
Valero wants to stand but Vodka has a closed guard, so he can't escape.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Valero trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Valero has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Vodka is proving hard to escape from.
Valero stopping the sweep attempt from Vodka.
Vodka is trying to hold Valero in close to prevent damage but Valero has managed to pass into half guard.
Valero thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Vodka is trying to control but can't.
Vodka is staying active underneath Valero, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Valero is pressing down on Vodka's thigh, looking to free his foot. Vodka is holding on for now.
Vodka wants to control but Valero is keeping busy.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Vodka stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Vodka wants it to stay on the feet.
Vodka fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Valero looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Valero shoots in looking for a takedown but Vodka manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Valero's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Valero pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Vodka looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Vodka lands a head kick!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Edwin Valero dominated that second round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Vodka forces Valero back against the cage and clinches.

Vodka breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Absolut Vodka seems to be getting the better of the standup.

Vodka closes the distance and clinches.
Valero tries to pull guard but Vodka forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Valero throws a head punch that misses.
Vodka missing with knees to the body.
Edwin Valero has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Vodka prevents Valero from breaking the clinch.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
Vodka missing with knees to the body.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Valero is pressed up against the cage. Vodka has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Valero down to the mat. Valero avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Vodka stuffs the takedown attempt from Valero. Valero gets slowly back to his feet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Vodka will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Valero appears to be looking for a big counter.
Vodka misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Valero.
Vodka stuffs the takedown attempt from Valero. Valero gets slowly back to his feet.
As Valero backs off Vodka throws a huge counter combo but Valero manages to avoid it all.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Edwin Valero. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Vodka checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Vodka lands a head shot.
Vodka fails with the takedown.
Valero tries to clinch but Vodka is having none of it.
Vodka fails with a takedown attempt.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Vodka connects with an inside leg kick.
Valero closes this distance looking for a takedown but Vodka circles away.
Vodka looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Valero tries to clinch but Vodka is having none of it.
Valero has a takedown stuffed.
Vodka steps in looking to clinch after the strikes miss from Valero.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Vodka throws a nice head kick!
Vodka shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Vodka looks for a takedown but Valero sprawls well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Vodka dives in for a single leg takedown but Valero sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
As Vodka tries to get set, Valero tries to push him back and clinch up but Vodka manages to avoid the attempt.

Vodka forces Valero back against the cage and clinches.

Vodka's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Valero stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Valero wants it to stay on the feet.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Valero.
Valero tries to clinch up.
Vodka throws a counter combo.
Valero shoots in but no luck this time.
No joy there for Valero, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Valero tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Vodka paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Valero with a lazy takedown attempt
and Vodka counters with a slapping leg kick.
Vodka shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Valero sprawls well. Valero wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Vodka gets slowly back to his feet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Vodka circles away from the clinch attempt.
Vodka keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Valero.
Valero will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Valero walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Valero crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Vodka - the referee stops the clock and Valero gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Vodka. Valero manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.

Vodka closes the distance and clinches.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Vodka lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Valero backwards.

Vodka manages to break the clinch.
Horrible takedown attempt by Vodka or perhaps it was just good defense by Valero, which made it look bad.
Valero shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Vodka defends it nicely.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Absolut Vodka really dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Vodka has managed to clinch.
Valero wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Vodka is looking to take this one to the mat.

Valero pulls guard.
Edwin Valero overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

Vodka avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Valero is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Vodka wanted to stand there but Valero had control of the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Valero is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Vodka is aware though and is defending well.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Valero being controlled here, momentarily.
Vodka postures up and lands a big shot to Valero's brow.
Vodka loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Vodka wants to control from the top but Valero keeps moving.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Vodka looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Valero is fending him off so far but Vodka persists. Nope, Valero circles away and we're back to standing.
Vodka fails to land the takedown.
Edwin Valero has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Absolut Vodka.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Vodka closes the distance and clinches up with Valero, looking for a takedown. Vodka pushes Valero against the cage but Valero circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Valero misses with a head kick.
Valero misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Vodka is trying to avoid his opponent's strikes and get into the clinch.
Vodka throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Valero's waist but Valero gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Vodka off to one side.
Vodka goes for a double leg but Valero avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Valero continues to drive forward.
Valero looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Valero tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.

Vodka has closed the distance and engaged Valero in a clinch.
Vodka has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Valero is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Valero tries to pull guard but Vodka won't allow it.

Vodka breaks from the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A decent looking cross lands there for Vodka.

Vodka fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Valero, pushing him back against the cage.
Vodka swings wildly with an uppercut but Valero uses good head movement to avoid it.
Valero wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.

Vodka's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Valero fails with a takedown attempt.
Vodka rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Valero moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Vodka throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Valero sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Valero appears to be looking for a counter takedown.

Vodka rushes Valero and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Valero tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Vodka manages to break the clinch.
Vodka closes this distance looking for a takedown but Valero circles away.
Vodka shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Valero pinned against the cage. Valero gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Vodka looks for a takedown but Valero sprawls well.
Vodka lands a nice leg kick that just misses Valero's sensitive parts.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!

Valero has taken the fight to the clinch.
Vodka is trying to pull guard but Valero has him pressed against the cage.
Valero wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Absolut Vodka dominated that fourth round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! And we move into the final round!

Valero fails with an attempt to clinch.
Valero falls off balance throwing a combination

and Vodka counters by moving into the clinch.
Valero looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Vodka is trying to pull guard but Valero has him pressed against the cage.
Valero wants a takedown.
Vodka is pushing Valero up against the cage, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.
Vodka is defending well against a takedown attempt.
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.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Vodka breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Vodka fails with an attempt to clinch.
Vodka tries to clinch but Valero is having none of it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Valero tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Vodka was well out of range. Poor timing from Valero.
Vodka shoots in looking for a takedown but Valero manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Vodka's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Valero drops down looking for a counter takedown but Vodka sprawls and moves away.
Valero misses with a leg kick.
Vodka scoring well with a low kick there.
Vodka lands a head kick. Valero smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
Vodka fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Edwin Valero has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Absolut Vodka.
Valero dives in and grabs Vodka's left leg, looking for a takedown. Vodka pushes down on Valero's head and hops out.

Vodka has managed to clinch.
Valero wants to break free but Vodka has control.
Valero prevents a takedown attempt there.
Vodka tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Vodka breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Vodka dives in and grabs Valero's left leg, looking for a takedown. Valero pushes down on Vodka's head and hops out.
Valero tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Vodka manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.

Valero moves into the clinch.
Vodka jumps guard but Valero stands there with Vodka around his waist. Vodka gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Valero tries to score a body lock takedown but Vodka shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Valero has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Valero is trying to push Vodka away but Vodka has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.

Vodka manages to break the clinch.
Vodka misses with a two punch combination.
It looked like Valero was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.
Valero moves out of range of the body kick from Vodka.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Vodka moves into the clinch successfully.
Vodka stalling in the clinch.
Vodka stalling in the clinch.
Valero is working for takedown but Vodka is calmly controlling the position for now.
Valero is looking to break free of the clinch but Vodka has double underhooks.
Vodka tries to land knees in the clinch but Valero avoids the damage to the body.
Vodka tries a knee to the head but he's missed.

Valero ties up his opponent against the cage and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. Valero no doubt will be looking to work submissions from his guard.
Vodka trying to control the position from guard on top but Valero is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Vodka stands up from Valero's guard - Vodka perhaps looking for a knockout.
Vodka throws a series of punches but Valero avoids them all with ease.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Valero is looking to clinch but Vodka is avoiding it.

Vodka rushes Valero and presses him up against the cage.
Vodka has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Valero after a bit of a struggle.
Vodka drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Valero gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Valero tries to circle away but Vodka has him pinned against the cage.
Valero fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Valero tries to pull guard but Vodka forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Vodka tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.

Vodka escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Vodka swings wildly with a couple of big hooks

and Valero counters into the clinch. Nicely done.

And that's the end of the fight!
Absolut Vodka comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Vodka 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 Daniel Cesar scores the fight 47:48
Judge Seu Braga scores the fight 47:48
Judge Emerson Jorge scores the fight 47:48

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Absolut Vodka!
Absolut Vodka is the new bantamweight champion!
Absolut Vodka thanked the fans post fight for their support.