PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Emiliano Zapata (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Frank McAfee (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Zapata
vs
McAfee

189 cm
21
190 lbs
3 - 1 - 0

177 cm
24
194 lbs
6 - 3 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Decent elbows
Very quick

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the middleweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Emiliano Zapata!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 3 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Frank McAfee!
The judges for this bout are Konstantin Menshow, Fedor Mirinova and Vladimir Khabensky.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

McAfee moves into the clinch successfully.
McAfee wants to break the clinch but can't.

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

Zapata moves into range and clinches up with McAfee.
McAfee blocks the elbow strike.
Zapata gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
McAfee tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Zapata avoids it.
Zapata lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Zapata has McAfee pushed against the cage.
McAfee can't break the clinch.
Zapata lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

McAfee jumps into guard, dragging Zapata to the mat.
Zapata being controlled here momentarily.

Zapata gets to his feet. McAfee looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!

That's one minute gone in the round.

Zapata fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with McAfee, pushing him back against the cage.
McAfee on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.

McAfee's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.

McAfee rushes Zapata and presses him up against the cage.
McAfee content to slow the pace in the clinch.

McAfee jumps guard.
McAfee manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Zapata manages to get himself to full guard.

Zapata utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
McAfee stays in close to Zapata's body and controls the position.
McAfee is looking to work some ground and pound but Zapata has wrist control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Zapata tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Zapata is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
McAfee trying to control the position from guard on top but Zapata is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Zapata on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Zapata tries to get out of the position.

McAfee gets to his feet. Zapata looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!
McAfee scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.

It looks like Emiliano Zapata has been cut.
McAfee fails to land the takedown.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from McAfee.

McAfee moves into range and clinches up with Zapata.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
McAfee jumps guard but Zapata turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Zapata scores with a knee to the head.

It looks like Frank McAfee has been cut.
Zapata with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.

McAfee breaks from the clinch.

Zapata rushes McAfee and presses him up against the cage.
Zapata tried to land a shot to the body but connects with McAfee's elbow.
McAfee jumps guard but Zapata turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Emiliano Zapata has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Frank McAfee.
Zapata misses with a knee strike.
McAfee can't get the takedown.
McAfee fails to pull guard.
McAfee lands a nice shot to the body.
McAfee jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Zapata walks away with a smile on his face. McAfee gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.

McAfee rushes Zapata and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Zapata lands a good knee to the midsection. McAfee won't want to take too many of those.
McAfee takes an elbow to the forehead.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
McAfee has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Zapata is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Our sources have told us that Zapata has been working on his elbows in the gym.
Zapata tries to land knees in the clinch but McAfee avoids the damage to the body.
McAfee is trying to push Zapata away but Zapata has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Zapata prevents a takedown attempt there.
McAfee tries to pull guard but Zapata forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Zapata looks to throw an elbow but misses.

McAfee manages to break the clinch.
McAfee throws a quick inside leg kick.

Zapata pushes McAfee up against the cage in a clinch.
Zapata manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.
McAfee blocks an elbow strike.
Knees in the clinch landing for McAfee.
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 Emiliano Zapata will probably get the nod.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
That's time! Zapata's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Zapata darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.

Zapata decides to stand and escape the position.
Zapata works over McAfee's head and body with a nice combination.

Zapata drives through and clinches with McAfee against the cage.
McAfee wants to get back to striking at distance but Zapata won't allow it.
McAfee tries to break the clinch but Zapata is controlling the position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
McAfee is trying to force a seperation but Zapata has the dominant position.
McAfee can't get the takedown.
McAfee is trying to drag Zapata to the mat but Zapata just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
With the fighters up against the cage, Zapata throws an elbow but misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.

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

Zapata has closed the distance and engaged McAfee in a clinch.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Zapata just misses with a elbow thrown towards McAfee's brow.
McAfee stalling in the clinch but Zapata improves position.
Zapata blocks a body shot from McAfee.
McAfee managing to block the knees to the body from Zapata.
Knees to the body from Zapata.
McAfee is trying to pull guard but Zapata has him pressed against the cage.
Emiliano Zapata has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Frank McAfee.
Zapata trying to land knees to the body.
Zapata lands an elbow inside.
Zapata holding his opponent close, against the cage.

McAfee breaks from the clinch.

The fight moves into the clinch position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
McAfee is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
McAfee blocks the elbow strike.
McAfee fails to pull the fight into his guard.

McAfee pulls guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
McAfee wants to stand but Zapata is controlling the position.
McAfee 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.
Zapata throws a big right hand that misses.

Zapata stands up and waves to McAfee to follow him.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
McAfee shoots in and drives through. Zapata sprawls well.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Zapata is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that McAfee can do to turn this around?

That's three minutes gone in the round.
McAfee wants a takedown.
McAfee is trying to pull guard but Zapata turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
McAfee tries to pull guard but Zapata won't allow it.
Emiliano Zapata has scored more points in the clinch so far.
McAfee tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Zapata just stands there and leans against the cage.
McAfee managing to block the knees to the body from Zapata.
McAfee tries for a takedown. No joy.

Zapata escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
McAfee dives in for a single leg takedown but Zapata sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
McAfee misses with the body kick
and Zapata counters with a good, hard body kick but McAfee shrugs it off.
McAfee is breathing heavily.
A good leg kick by Zapata.
Zapata misses with a two punch combination.
Emiliano Zapata is winning the standup battle so far.

Zapata clinches with his opponent.
Zapata stalls.
McAfee is trying to break free.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
McAfee is trying to pull guard but Zapata has him pressed against the cage.
Zapata looking to throw knees to the head but McAfee is blocking nicely.
Zapata presses McAfee against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Zapata tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Zapata tries a knee to the head but McAfee blocks it.
McAfee jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Zapata walks away with a smile on his face. McAfee gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.

Zapata drives through and clinches with McAfee against the cage.
This has been an exciting period of action!
McAfee tries to pull guard but Zapata holds him up against the cage and eventually McAfee drops back down to his feet.
Zapata throws a knee to the head but misses.
McAfee is looking to break free of the clinch but Zapata has double underhooks.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
A short uppercut from McAfee.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Emiliano Zapata dominated that second round.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

McAfee throws a wild combination but nothing lands.

Zapata has closed the distance and engaged McAfee in a clinch.
Zapata is pushing McAfee up against the cage, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.

Zapata breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.

McAfee gets in close and instigates a clinch.
McAfee is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Zapata gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
McAfee dodges an elbow strike from Zapata.
Zapata throws a knee to the head but misses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
McAfee avoids the elbow strike from Zapata, against the cage.
Zapata misses with an elbow over the top.
Zapata with a knee to the head.
McAfee tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
McAfee tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Zapata just stands there and leans against the cage.
Emiliano Zapata has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Frank McAfee.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zapata tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and McAfee avoids it.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Zapata creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Zapata will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning McAfee up against the cage.

McAfee pulls guard effortlessly.
Zapata won't allow McAfee to sweep him here.

McAfee looking for submissions from the bottom but instead Zapata passes into half guard.
McAfee trying to control but Zapata postures up.
Zapata knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for McAfee on the ground.
Zapata sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. McAfee defending well though.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
McAfee wants to control but Zapata is keeping busy and won't allow it.
McAfee punching from the bottom.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Zapata stands, ready to strike. The ref makes him back up and allows McAfee to get to his feet.
Zapata feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to McAfee's calf.
Zapata stuffs the takedown.
McAfee shoots in for a double leg but Zapata sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Zapata is looking for a counter combo.
McAfee takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Good leg kick by Zapata there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
McAfee shoots in but no luck this time.
McAfee takes a head kick and shrugs it off.
Zapata stuffs the takedown attempt from McAfee. McAfee gets slowly back to his feet.
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!

Zapata clinches up with McAfee and pushes him back against the cage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
McAfee wants to break free but Zapata has control.
Zapata lands an elbow inside that McAfee shrugs off.
McAfee has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Zapata scores a nice knee to the body.
Zapata lands a knee to the body.
McAfee blocks an elbow strike from Zapata.
Zapata with a knee to the head.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Zapata.
Zapata tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Zapata lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
McAfee is trying to force a seperation but Zapata has the dominant position.
McAfee is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
McAfee tries for a takedown but Zapata manages to get underhooks.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Zapata is stalling here.
McAfee takes a knee to the side of the body.
McAfee tries to pull guard but Zapata forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Zapata gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Zapata landing knees to the head.
Zapata missing with knees to the body.
Zapata using the Thai plumb to throw knees but McAfee has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.

McAfee's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.

Zapata clinches.
Zapata using the Thai plumb to throw knees but McAfee has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Zapata stops a takedown attempt from McAfee.
McAfee has had enough of the clinch but Zapata keeps him there for the moment.
A short right from Zapata on the inside.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Emiliano Zapata clearly takes that round.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

McAfee has managed to clinch.
McAfee has had enough of the clinch but Zapata keeps him there for the moment.
Zapata throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
Zapata using the Thai plumb to throw knees but McAfee has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Zapata throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but McAfee blocks it with crossed arms.
McAfee tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Zapata effectively controlling the action here.
McAfee avoiding damage as Zapata throws knees to the body.
Zapata stops a takedown attempt from McAfee.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A short uppercut from Zapata.
Zapata connects with a nasty looking knee right to McAfee's face.
Zapata with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Zapata lands a good knee to the midsection. McAfee won't want to take too many of those.
McAfee is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zapata will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning McAfee up against the cage.
McAfee jumps guard but Zapata turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Emiliano Zapata has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Frank McAfee.
McAfee wants to get back to striking at distance but Zapata won't allow it.
Zapata comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
McAfee is trying to drag Zapata to the mat but Zapata just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
McAfee is trying to push Zapata away but Zapata has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.

Zapata manages to break the clinch.
McAfee shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
McAfee looks for a takedown but Zapata sprawls well.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Zapata scores with a slapping inside leg kick.

Zapata gets the takedown into side control.
McAfee wants to get back to his feet but Zapata drags him back down.
McAfee taking a bit of punishment here - Zapata scoring with strikes.
Zapata trying to control the position but McAfee is working away.
Zapata throwing shots but missing, from side control.
McAfee parries the strikes from Zapata easily there. Zapata is wary of posturing up too much because it might enable McAfee to escape.
Zapata working the ground and pound but McAfee is defending the strikes.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
You can see the frustration on McAfee's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.

Zapata is trying to get an arm triangle but McAfee is defending well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Zapata decides to stand back up. Zapata steps back and let's McAfee get back to his feet.
Zapata leaves McAfee with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.

Zapata closes the distance and clinches.
McAfee being controlled against the cage.
Zapata taking a breather.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.

McAfee escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.

Zapata moves into range and clinches up with McAfee.
Zapata controlling the action here for a moment.
Zapata is struggling to control the position.
Zapata looking to slow down the pace here.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Emiliano Zapata.
McAfee fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Frank McAfee is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

McAfee fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Zapata, pushing him back against the cage.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
McAfee using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Zapata has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Zapata throws a knee to the head but misses.
McAfee taking a breather.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Emiliano Zapata had his way with Frank McAfee in that round.
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. Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Zapata misses with a wild body shot.
McAfee dives in and grabs Zapata's left leg, looking for a takedown. Zapata pushes down on McAfee's head and hops out.
McAfee tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Zapata lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.

Zapata has taken the fight to the clinch.
Zapata lands a hook that snaps the head of McAfee backwards.
Zapata dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.
McAfee misses with a punch on the inside.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
McAfee is trying to pull guard but Zapata has him pressed against the cage.

McAfee gets control of Zapata's arms and successfully pulls guard. McAfee will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.

Zapata stands up from McAfee's guard - Zapata perhaps looking for a knockout.
A nice inside leg kick there by Zapata. That's going to slow McAfee down.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Zapata closes the distance and pushes McAfee back into the cage.
With the fighters up against the cage, Zapata throws an elbow but misses.
McAfee has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Zapata has McAfee pressed against the cage, preventing McAfee from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
McAfee takes an elbow to the forehead.
Zapata lands an elbow inside that McAfee shrugs off.
Zapata lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Zapata gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from McAfee.
Emiliano Zapata has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Frank McAfee.
Zapata misses with a short punch on the inside.
Zapata looking to slow down the pace here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Zapata breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
McAfee throws a leg kick that misses.
McAfee changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Zapata tries to avoid it but McAfee manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Zapata to the ground. Zapata escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
McAfee is the more experienced fighter here and he's going to need to draw on some of that experience if he's going to pull this one out the bag.
A solid leg kick lands there for Zapata.

Zapata darts in and clinches McAfee up against the cage.
The pace slowing considerably in the clinch, as McAfee takes a break from that fighting nonsense to think about the finer things in life.
McAfee avoiding damage as Zapata throws knees to the body.
Zapata tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Zapata tried to land a shot to the body but connects with McAfee's elbow.
McAfee is trying to pull guard but Zapata turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Zapata lands an elbow just above McAfee 's eye.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Zapata tries to land knees in the clinch but McAfee avoids the damage to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
McAfee blocks an elbow strike from Zapata.
McAfee fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Zapata tries to land a knee to the head but McAfee blocks with his arms.
Zapata lands a nice elbow.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.
McAfee prevents a body shot from Zapata.

McAfee jumps guard.

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

Zapata shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.
McAfee throws a strike from the bottom that misses.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Zapata postures up and decides to stand up, from the half guard. The ref calls for McAfee to stand up.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.

McAfee clinches up with Zapata and pushes him back against the cage.
McAfee tries to stall but Zapata uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Zapata lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
McAfee tries to pull guard but Zapata holds him up against the cage and eventually McAfee drops back down to his feet.
McAfee wants to take the fight to the mat but Zapata manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Emiliano Zapata is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

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

Zapata gets a clinch.
Frank McAfee has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Zapata blocks a couple of punches on the inside.

And that's the end of the fight!
Emiliano Zapata showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Zapata has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... 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 Konstantin Menshow scores the fight for Emiliano Zapata!
Judge Fedor Mirinova scores the fight for Emiliano Zapata!
Judge Vladimir Khabensky scores the fight for Emiliano Zapata!

Emiliano Zapata wins by unanimous decision!
Emiliano Zapata is the new middleweight champion!
An out of breath Emiliano Zapata thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.