PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Enrico Ciccone (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Georgio Socrates (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Socrates has chosen Tool - Schism as his entrance music. Georgio Socrates acknowledges the crowd's support as he enters the cage.

Ciccone
vs
Socrates

176 cm
31
157 lbs
14 - 10 - 0

178 cm
29
169 lbs
13 - 8 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Brawler
Cardio machine

Excellent grappler
Excellent MT
Good gas tank

GREEN!160

GREEN!160
V-Mask Clothing (10%)

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 14 - 10 - 0, fighting out of London, Enrico Ciccone!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 13 - 8 - 0, fighting out of London, Georgio Socrates!
The judges for this bout are William Gold, Richard Clark and Andrew Berry.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Ciccone shoots in but no luck this time.
Ciccone shoots in for a double leg but Socrates sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Ciccone tries for a takedown but Socrates circles away easily
and Socrates counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Enrico Ciccone. That's going to take a lot out of him.
A slapping leg kick lands for Socrates.
Ciccone tries for a takedown but Socrates sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Socrates.
Socrates works a knee to the body and follows up with a nice elbow to the head.
Ciccone trying to remain calm as Socrates controls from the top position.
Both fighters have adopted an aggressive gameplan on the ground!

Socrates tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Socrates has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
Ciccone tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Socrates wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Socrates lands an elbow.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Check out the look on Socrates's face as he threw that strike - that's one determined fighter!
Socrates looks up at the clock and then as Ciccone takes his cue and looks up at the clock too, Socrates smacks him right in the chops with a big elbow! How rude!
Ciccone is trying to improve his position.
Socrates lands a decent elbow from side control.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Socrates is working Ciccone over with some ground and pound from side control.

Socrates thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
Socrates tries to move to mount but Ciccone blocks the move with his legs.
Socrates working the body and head with strikes.

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

Socrates decides to stand up, so the ref orders Ciccone to his feet.
Socrates throws the left hand but Ciccone avoids the punch easily.
Socrates lands a head kick. Ciccone smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
Socrates swinging wildly here.
An attempted straight right counter from Ciccone misses the target.
Ciccone shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Socrates defends it nicely.

Socrates looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Ciccone looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Socrates seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Ciccone does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Ciccone is looking to improve his position.

Ciccone is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Socrates pulls his head out easily.

Socrates stands up from half guard.
Ciccone has been working on his balance at Warrior Dogs, so perhaps that has help him stuff some of the takedown attempts by Socrates.
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!
Ciccone doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.

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

Ciccone is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Socrates defends well.
Ciccone looking for a sweep. Not yet Ciccone, not yet.
Socrates slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Socrates postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ciccone keeping moving, preventing Socrates from controlling successfully.
Socrates working some strikes from top position.
Socrates with a flurry of punches that miss.

Ciccone looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.

Socrates decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Ciccone, up you get!
Socrates scores with a leg kick.

Socrates looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into side control! Oh, that's bad for Ciccone!
Ciccone is not content to let Socrates control the position.

Socrates decides to stand back up.
Socrates fails to land the takedown.
Ciccone misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Socrates decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.

Ciccone looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Socrates trying to control from half guard but Ciccone is working away.

Socrates is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Ciccone doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Socrates.

Socrates wants to work for an arm triangle but Ciccone is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Ciccone works his way to full guard. Good work.
Socrates trying to control the position from guard on top but Ciccone is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Georgio Socrates dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Ciccone fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging Socrates to the ground. Ciccone is now in Socrates's guard.
Socrates 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.
Ciccone postures up.

Socrates has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Ciccone can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Ciccone stands and throws Socrates's legs to the side, diving into side control.

Ciccone wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Socrates, who protects the arm well.
Socrates is working hard to escape and get back to his feet. After a battle for position, Ciccone asserts his dominance and retains side control.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
You can see the frustration on Socrates's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Socrates tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Ciccone wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Socrates throws a couple of strikes even though he's not really in a good position to do so.
Socrates tries to buck Ciccone off but Ciccone is having none of it.
Socrates is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.

Ciccone thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
Socrates is looking for a sweep.

Ciccone goes for an armbar here - this could be all over! But no, Socrates has escaped beautifully and is now on top in side control! Oh, that's unlucky for Ciccone but great work by Socrates.
Socrates working the ground and pound.
Socrates has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Ciccone manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!

Ciccone is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.

Socrates looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Socrates is looking for a sweep. Ciccone is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Socrates has his hands clasped together around Ciccone's back. He's all about the action.
Socrates is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Ciccone is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Socrates has managed to free his arm - good work.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Socrates tries to kick Ciccone off but Ciccone keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.

Ciccone wants to work for an arm triangle but Socrates is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Socrates is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.

Ciccone is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Socrates pushes Ciccone off looking to stand but Ciccone dives back in and keeps control.
Socrates has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Ciccone is working away from the top position though.
Socrates works his way to full guard. Good work.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Socrates working a defensive guard here.

Ciccone is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.
Socrates is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Socrates wants to stand and escape but Ciccone is having none of it.

Socrates working for a triangle but Ciccone defends it easily.

Socrates working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Ciccone doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Ciccone manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Socrates is breathing heavily.

Ciccone drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Ciccone jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Socrates is trying to keep Ciccone in close.
Georgio Socrates has got the better of the ground game so far.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.

Ciccone has gone for a leg lock! Socrates slips out almost immediately though and dives into Ciccone's guard.
Socrates forces his way into half guard.
Socrates takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Socrates trying to pass the guard but Ciccone defending well.

Ciccone looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Socrates lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Socrates tries to stand but his hand is stuck under Ciccone.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Ciccone tries to roll over but Socrates keeps him under control.
Socrates tries to stand but his hand is stuck under Ciccone.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Enrico Ciccone dominated that second round.
That's time! Ciccone's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!

Ciccone shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Socrates as he jumps to the side.
Ciccone tries for a takedown but Socrates sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Ciccone shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Socrates pinned against the cage. Socrates gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Enrico Ciccone. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Socrates shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Ciccone's guard.
Socrates advances to half guard.
Socrates is keen to just control but Ciccone is a slippery customer.

Socrates is working for a submission of some sort.
Socrates wants to get back to his feet.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ciccone keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Socrates trying to control from half guard but Ciccone is working away.

Socrates stands up and beckons Ciccone to join him on the feet.

Socrates drives through with a takedown into Ciccone's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
Socrates takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

Socrates avoids a guillotine attempt easily.

Ciccone is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Socrates is aware though and is defending well.

Ciccone is working an open guard so Socrates takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.
Ciccone shoots in and drives through. Socrates sprawls well.

Socrates shoots in and gets a takedown into Ciccone's guard.
Socrates is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Ciccone keeping moving, preventing Socrates from controlling successfully.

Ciccone had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Socrates defends it easily.
Socrates lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Socrates is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.

Ciccone throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Socrates scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Ciccone keeping moving, preventing Socrates from controlling successfully.

Socrates stands up and waves to Ciccone to follow him.
Socrates pulls out of a head kick attempt.
It looked like Ciccone wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
This has been an exciting period of action!

Socrates fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging Ciccone to the ground. Socrates is now in Ciccone's guard.
Ciccone keeping moving, preventing Socrates from controlling successfully.
Socrates tries to free his leg and advance position but Ciccone is retaining full guard.

Ciccone is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Socrates is aware though and is defending well.
Socrates pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Ciccone is keeping the position for now.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Socrates avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Socrates trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Socrates is in close to Ciccone's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Ciccone keeping moving, preventing Socrates from controlling successfully.
Socrates throws a big right hand that misses.
Socrates trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Socrates trying to control the position from guard on top but Ciccone is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Socrates postures up in Ciccone's guard and throws a big left but Ciccone blocks it.

Ciccone is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.

Ciccone escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Socrates gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Socrates content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Socrates trying to control the position from guard on top but Ciccone is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Ciccone has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Socrates can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Socrates chips away with some ground and pound.
Socrates postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Socrates chips away with some ground and pound.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Ciccone has a closed guard, preventing Socrates from standing up.

Ciccone is working an open guard so Socrates takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.
Ciccone fails with a takedown attempt.

And that's the end of the fight!
Georgio Socrates comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Socrates has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 William Gold scores the fight 28:29
Judge Richard Clark scores the fight 28:29
Judge Andrew Berry scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Georgio Socrates!
Georgio Socrates very nearly forgot to thank Soul Supremacy Fight Gear amongst all the excitement of his win but just as the interview came to a close, he screamed their name. Hopefully he'll get a few nice freebies in the mail as a thank you.