PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Romeo Hernanes (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Daniel Ryan (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Hernanes's ring entrance music is that housewives' favourite, Awolnation - Sail. Ryan is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: I'd Love to Knock the Hell out of You by Hank Williams, Jr. Both these guys have really solid chins. Will we see a standup war or will they both decide that a knockout is unlikely and try to win the fight elsewhere?

Hernanes
vs
Ryan

170 cm
35
168 lbs
19 - 10 - 2

183 cm
35
159 lbs
30 - 19 - 2

BJJ Brown Belt
Dangerous knees
Cardio machine

Excellent grappler
Good kicks
Good gas tank

GREEN!160
Spartan Nutrition

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 19 - 10 - 2, fighting out of Las Vegas, Romeo Hernanes!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 30 - 19 - 2, fighting out of London, Daniel Ryan!
The judges for this bout are Cecil Peabody, Chris Downing and Frank Dennis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Ryan shoots for a double leg takedown but Hernanes sprawls well. He's pushed Ryan's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Hernanes throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Ryan darts in looking for a takedown but Hernanes gets double underhooks and turns Ryan into the cage.
Hernanes throws a nice head kick!

It looks like Daniel Ryan has been cut.
Hernanes misses with a head kick.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Ryan is defended easily by Hernanes.
Romeo Hernanes has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Daniel Ryan.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hernanes scores with a three punch combo!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ryan fails with the takedown.
Ryan shoots for a double leg takedown but Hernanes sprawls well. He's pushed Ryan's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Hernanes wants to take advantage of his opponent's missed offense by moving into the clinch.
Hernanes stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Hernanes wants it to stay on the feet.

A momentary lapse in concentration from Hernanes enables Ryan to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. Hernanes manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.
Hernanes pulls Ryan in close to prevent any damage.
Ryan makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Ryan preventing the sweep.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Hernanes working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Ryan.

Hernanes pushes Ryan off and gets back to his feet.
Ryan misses with a takedown
and Hernanes counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Ryan shoots in for a takedown but Hernanes shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Hernanes is looking to counter punch.
Hernanes keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Hernanes throws a big counter combination but Ryan scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
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!
Hernanes looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ryan dodges the punch combination from Hernanes.
Ryan feints the counter takedown.

Hernanes gets caught flat footed, as Ryan shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Ryan wants to control from the top but Hernanes keeps moving.
Hernanes wants to get back to his feet but Ryan is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Ryan preventing the sweep.
Hernanes is in a tricky position. We've heard reports from his gym mates at V Elite Gym that he's been drilling escapes, so let's see if he can get back to his feet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ryan won't allow Hernanes to sweep him here.
Ryan trying to control but Hernanes is working from the bottom.

Hernanes had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Ryan defends it easily.
Hernanes keeping moving, preventing Ryan from controlling successfully.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Hernanes looking for a sweep. Not yet Hernanes, not yet.
Hernanes keeping moving, preventing Ryan from controlling successfully.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Romeo Hernanes dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Daniel Ryan's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Ryan feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.
Ryan has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.

Hernanes pushes Ryan off and gets back to his feet.
Ryan shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Hernanes connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.

Ryan closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Hernanes did well to prevent Ryan getting side control.
Ryan tries to pass to full mount but Hernanes defends it.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Hernanes is trying to control but can't.
Hernanes is looking to improve his position.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Ryan is working for a kimura but Hernanes is defending it quite comfortably.
Ryan works his way into full mount!
Hernanes taking shots to the head.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Hernanes is desperately trying to improve his position but Ryan has a good base and remains in mount.
A nice elbow there by Ryan.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Ryan is working for a guillotine from mount but Hernanes frees his head quite easily.
Ryan can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Hernanes is looking to escape.
Hernanes tries to lock up and control but Ryan gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Ryan prevents Hernanes from getting the reversal.
Hernanes regains half guard.
Ryan lands with a punch from half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ryan content to control rather than advance.
Hernanes trying to hold on to Ryan's head to control him but Ryan postures up.
Ryan sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Hernanes defending well though.
Hernanes wants to control but Ryan is keeping busy.

Ryan is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Ryan trying to control the action but Hernanes is working from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.

Hernanes looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Hernanes wants to get back to his feet.

Ryan is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Ryan stalling away here and it's allowed Hernanes to slip out his trapped foot and regain full guard.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Hernanes working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Ryan doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Ryan manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Ryan trying to control the position from guard on top but Hernanes is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Daniel Ryan showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Daniel Ryan's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Hernanes throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.
An inside leg kick lands from Hernanes.
Ryan avoids the head kick by Hernanes.
Hernanes looks to land a combination but Ryan avoids it well.

Ryan shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Hernanes is trying to defend but Ryan finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
Hernanes might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hernanes is trying to stand back up but Ryan is controlling him
Ryan trying to mount his opponent but Hernanes defends it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hernanes trying to hold on to Ryan's head to control him but Ryan postures up.
Hernanes tries to kick Ryan off but Ryan keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Ryan is working hard to pass the guard. He's done it - he's now in full mount! Trouble for Hernanes!
Ryan tries to control but Hernanes wriggling away.
The referee warns Hernanes that he has to improve his position here as he takes two more clean shots to the head.
Hernanes tries to lock up and control but Ryan gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Ryan pausing momentarily but resumes with a couple of decent strikes that do a bit of damage.
Hernanes tries to lock up and control but Ryan gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Ryan with good strikes from the mount here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hernanes is in all sorts of trouble here.
Ryan avoids the attempt from Hernanes to control.
Ryan punishing his opponent with strikes.
Ryan lands a couple of good shots and Hernanes has given up his back, trying to escape the position!
A lull in the action here.
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!

Ryan is staying calm and holding on to the back position, whilst working on a rear naked choke. Hernanes is defending well though. Ryan let's go of the attempt for now.
Hernanes just trying to survive but Ryan is wriggling into a better position, looking to finish.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Ryan is working hard for the rear naked choke here.
Ryan loading up with punches from the back mount - how long can Hernanes hold on?
Ryan doesn't have the hooks in and Hernanes manages to turn into his guard.
Ryan 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.

Hernanes stands up and waves to Ryan to follow him.
Ryan shoots in for a double leg but Hernanes sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Hernanes throwing a counter right hand but Ryan manages to avoid it.
Ryan dives in for a single leg takedown but Hernanes sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hernanes keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Hernanes went nuts there looking for a big combo counter but none of the flurry connected.
Romeo Hernanes has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Daniel Ryan.
Ryan closes the distance and clinches up with Hernanes, looking for a takedown. Ryan pushes Hernanes against the cage but Hernanes circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Hernanes bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.

Hernanes has Ryan up against the cage in a clinch.
Hernanes misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Ryan.
Hernanes tries to land a knee to the head but Ryan blocks with his arms.
Hernanes misses with a knee strike.
Ryan working aggressively here.
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!
Ryan wants a takedown.
Hernanes with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close third round but Daniel Ryan just about did enough to take it.
The cut man is working on Daniel Ryan's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Ryan with a lazy takedown attempt
and Hernanes counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Hernanes slaps away a takedown attempt from Ryan, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Hernanes stuffs the takedown attempt from Ryan. Ryan gets slowly back to his feet.
Romeo Hernanes has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Daniel Ryan.
Ryan darts in looking for a takedown but Hernanes gets double underhooks and turns Ryan into the cage.
Hernanes tries to counter by clinching up but Ryan breaks away and moves out of range.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ryan will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Ryan fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
As Ryan looks to move away, Hernanes throws a big counter combo bu Ryan just gets out of the way.
Hernanes throws a sloppy head kick and Ryan moves out of range easily.
Romeo Hernanes is winning the standup battle so far.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hernanes keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Hernanes pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Hernanes lands a nice leg kick that just misses Ryan's sensitive parts.
Ryan blocks the body kick.
Daniel Ryan seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Horrible takedown attempt by Ryan or perhaps it was just good defense by Hernanes, which made it look bad.
Ryan throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Hernanes's waist but Hernanes gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Ryan off to one side.
Hernanes seem to be loading up, looking for a big counter.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ryan misses with a straight right.
Ryan misses with a takedown attempt
and Hernanes counters with a nice uppercut.
Ryan shoots in and drives through. Hernanes sprawls well.
Hernanes went nuts there looking for a big combo counter but none of the flurry connected.
Ryan keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Ryan has his takedown stuffed
and Hernanes counters with a one-two to the body.
Hernanes lands a nice shot to the body.
Hernanes rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Ryan moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
And Ryan tries to counter it with a takedown but Hernanes pushes his down on his head and steps out.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hernanes misses with a jab, cross combination.
Ryan shoots in looking for a takedown but Hernanes manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Ryan's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Hernanes appears to be looking for a big counter.
Hernanes fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Ryan on the side of the head.
Ryan goes for a double leg but Hernanes avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Hernanes continues to drive forward.
Hernanes is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Ryan can do to turn this around?
Ryan shoots in for a takedown but Hernanes shows good takedown defense.
Ryan just manages to avoid a counter high kick fromHernanes.
Hernanes tries to clinch but Ryan moves out of range.
Ryan shoots in for a takedown but Hernanes shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Ryan doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Hernanes counters with a nice body shot.
Ryan is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ryan looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Hernanes is fending him off so far but Ryan persists. Nope, Hernanes circles away and we're back to standing.
Hernanes throwing a counter right hand but Ryan manages to avoid it.
Ryan shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Hernanes defends it nicely.
Hernanes throws a big counter combination but Ryan scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
Ryan gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Hernanes counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Ryan jabbing away but nothing is landing.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Romeo Hernanes had his way with Daniel Ryan in that round.
The cut man is working on Daniel Ryan's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. This is the final round!

Ryan shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Hernanes counters with a one-two to the body.
Romeo Hernanes is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Ryan shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Hernanes sprawls well. Hernanes wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Ryan gets slowly back to his feet.
Hernanes seem to be loading up, looking for a big counter.
Hernanes throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ryan misses the jab.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ryan shoots in for a double leg but Hernanes sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Romeo Hernanes has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Daniel Ryan.
Hernanes throws a wild combination but nothing lands.

Ryan looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
Hernanes blocking the ground and pound attempt from Ryan.

Ryan is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Hernanes has managed to free his arm - good work.
Hernanes tries to roll over but Ryan keeps him under control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ryan is trying to control. Hernanes wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Ryan working Hernanes over with strikes.
Hernanes trying to control from the bottom.
Ryan seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Hernanes does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Hernanes is looking to escape.
Hernanes tries to roll over but Ryan keeps him under control.
Ryan stops Hernanes from getting back to his feet.

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

Ryan looking for a submission but Hernanes manages to get full guard, putting an end to that submission attempt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ryan trying to control but Hernanes is working from the bottom.
Hernanes tries to land a sweep but no joy.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Hernanes goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Hernanes keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.

Ryan manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Hernanes on his heels. He'll look to pass Hernanes's guard now, I'm sure.
Hernanes is looking to stand back up... there's a bit of a scramble and Ryan dives into side control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Hernanes is looking to reverse the position.
Daniel Ryan has got the better of the ground game so far.

Ryan is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Hernanes has escaped the position, nice work there.
Hernanes can't do much from the bottom here.
Hernanes is looking to regain half guard here but Ryan keeps moving and retains side control.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Both fighters take a look at the clock.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Romeo Hernanes.
I think Hernanes 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 Cecil Peabody scores the fight 47:47
Judge Chris Downing scores the fight 48:46
Judge Frank Dennis scores the fight 48:46

In favor of your winner, by majority decision... Romeo Hernanes!
Romeo Hernanes is the new lightweight champion!
An out of breath Romeo Hernanes thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.