PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Giampaolo Pietravallo (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Henderson Cormier (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Henderson Cormier has the power to score a knockout today if he connects clean with Giampaolo Pietravallo's chin.

Pietravallo
vs
Cormier

195 cm
36
210 lbs
16 - 7 - 0

180 cm
32
223 lbs
15 - 16 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Olympic wrestler
Excellent MT
Granite chin

KAISER
GREEN!160

V-Mask Clothing (10%)

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 16 - 7 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Giampaolo Pietravallo!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 15 - 16 - 0, fighting out of London, Henderson Cormier!
The judges for this bout are Alan Glass, Cecil Peabody and George Francis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Cormier shoots in but Pietravallo avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Pietravallo defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Cormier.
Cormier looks for a takedown but Pietravallo sprawls well.
Giampaolo Pietravallo has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Henderson Cormier.
Pietravallo lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Cormier misses with a double jab.
Pietravallo lunges at Cormier with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Cormier's hand.
Cormier shoots for a double leg takedown but Pietravallo sprawls well. He's pushed Cormier's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Pietravallo misses with a low kick.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cormier shoots for a double leg takedown but Pietravallo sprawls well. He's pushed Cormier's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Pietravallo seems to be moving with more speed, compared to his last bout. He must have been working on that in the gym.
Pietravallo throws a shot to the body.
Pietravallo moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Cormier throws a lazy right hand but Pietravallo sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.

Cormier is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Pietravallo's half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cormier tries to pass the half guard into mount. Pietravallo knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Pietravallo is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Cormier scores with a couple of nice shots.
Pietravallo is staying active underneath Cormier, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Pietravallo gets back to full guard.
Pietravallo keeping moving, preventing Cormier from controlling successfully.
Pietravallo has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.
Cormier preventing the sweep.
Pietravallo thows some rabbit punches from the bottom but they don't do any damage.

Cormier drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but Pietravallo manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Cormier has Pietravallo in his guard.

Cormier is looking for a triangle but Pietravallo pushes his legs off easily.

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.
Cormier working a defensive guard here.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Pietravallo throws an overhand right that lands on Cormier's shoulder, as Cormier tries to avoid the shot.

Cormier closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
Cormier trying to control the position but Pietravallo is working away.
Pietravallo is looking for a sweep.
Pietravallo manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!
Cormier is trying to maintain the position but Pietravallo is very close to passing his half guard.
Pietravallo sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Cormier defending well though.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cormier is trying to stand.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.
Pietravallo thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Cormier's head.
Pietravallo not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Cormier throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Pietravallo's waist but Pietravallo gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Cormier off to one side.
Cormier moves out of range of the body kick from Pietravallo.
Pietravallo cracks Cormier with a right hand to the side of the head.
Pietravallo is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
Cormier fails miserably with a takedown attempt.

Cormier shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Pietravallo is pressing down on Cormier's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Cormier in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Pietravallo 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.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Cormier trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Pietravallo will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Pietravallo trying to control the position.
Pietravallo wants to sweep but no luck.
Cormier is fighting to break Pietravallo's control of his arms but Pietravallo is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
Pietravallo 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.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Pietravallo is controlling Cormier's posture.
Cormier stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Pietravallo swivels though and keeps the full guard.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Pietravallo can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Cormier controls the pace.
Pietravallo looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Giampaolo Pietravallo dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Cormier shoots in but Pietravallo avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Pietravallo is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Cormier can do to turn this around?
Cormier shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Pietravallo as he avoids it easily.
Nice sprawl there from Pietravallo as Cormier shoots in.
Giampaolo Pietravallo has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Henderson Cormier.

Cormier changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Pietravallo looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Pietravallo sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.
Pietravallo is holding on to half guard well.
Pietravallo is looking to improve his position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Pietravallo makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Pietravallo.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Cormier accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Pietravallo is on top in guard.
Cormier avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Pietravallo accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Pietravallo won't allow Cormier to get back to his feet.
Pietravallo trying to control but Cormier is working from the bottom.
Pietravallo connects with a couple of short punches.
Cormier preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Pietravallo working some strikes from top position.
Cormier wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Cormier looking for a sweep. Not yet Cormier, not yet.
Cormier is controlling Pietravallo's posture.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.

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.
Cormier shoots in but no luck this time.
Cormier drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Pietravallo scores with a hook to the body. Cormier takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Giampaolo Pietravallo is winning the standup battle so far.
Cormier takes a shot right to the bread basket.

Cormier manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Pietravallo on his heels. He'll look to pass Pietravallo's guard now, I'm sure.

Pietravallo has managed to wall walk up one of the corner posts to get back to his feet. Cormier is pushing him up against the cage, looking to control the position.
Cormier prevents a body shot from Pietravallo.

Pietravallo pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Cormier fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Cormier fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Pietravallo appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Cormier is breathing heavily.
Cormier shoots in looking for a takedown but Pietravallo manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Cormier's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Pietravallo attempts a counter takedown but Cormier avoids it well and moves away.
Nice cross by Pietravallo.
Cormier shoots in looking for a takedown. Pietravallo tries to sprawl out of it but Cormier keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Pietravallo manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cormier takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Cormier keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Pietravallo feints and then cracks Cormier's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Cormier down.
A looping hook to the body misses from Pietravallo. Cormier does a little dance to reset his feet.
Pietravallo catches Cormier with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!

Cormier shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Pietravallo is trying to defend but Cormier finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
Pietravallo keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Pietravallo slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Cormier controls from within his opponent's guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Cormier throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Cormier trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Pietravallo wants to sweep but no luck.
Pietravallo is trying to keep Cormier in close.
Pietravallo looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Pietravallo utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Cormier trying to control but Pietravallo is working from the bottom.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.

Pietravallo looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
Cormier tries to roll over but Pietravallo keeps him under control.
Pietravallo looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Giampaolo Pietravallo dominated that second round.
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!

Pietravallo throws a shot to the body.

Cormier shoots in and bounces Pietravallo off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
Pietravallo has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.
Cormier won't allow Pietravallo to sweep him here.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cormier wants to control from the top but Pietravallo keeps moving.
Pietravallo is trying to keep Cormier in close.
Cormier postures up in Pietravallo's guard and throws a big left but Pietravallo blocks it.
Cormier throwing strikes from guard but Pietravallo blocks nicely.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cormier stopping the sweep attempt from Pietravallo.
Cormier postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Pietravallo misses with a straight left.
Pietravallo cracks Cormier with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Cormier looks for a takedown but Pietravallo sprawls well.
Pietravallo fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Cormier closes the distance and clinches up with Pietravallo, looking for a takedown. Cormier pushes Pietravallo against the cage but Pietravallo circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Cormier shoots in but Pietravallo avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Giampaolo Pietravallo has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Henderson Cormier.

Cormier changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Pietravallo looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Cormier takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Pietravallo manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.

Cormier is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Pietravallo sees it coming and defends easily.
Cormier is trying to control the action in half guard but Pietravallo is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
The fighters are battling for position here. Pietravallo manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Pietravallo looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.

Pietravallo kicks Cormier off and gets to his feet.

Pietravallo gets caught flat footed, as Cormier shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Cormier stopping the sweep attempt from Pietravallo.
Pietravallo has momentary wrist control but Cormier slips an elbow through the middle.
Pietravallo preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Pietravallo is trying to control the position from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cormier won't allow Pietravallo to get back to his feet.
Pietravallo 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.
Pietravallo preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Cormier forces his way into half guard.

Cormier is working for a submission of some sort.
Cormier throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Cormier throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Pietravallo holds on for dear life, maintaining half guard for now.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Pietravallo tried to score with a low kick but Cormier checks it.
Cormier shoots in for a double leg but Pietravallo sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.

That's four 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.
Cormier throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Pietravallo's waist but Pietravallo gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Cormier off to one side.
Pietravallo moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Cormier shoots in but Pietravallo avoids the takedown attempt easily.

Cormier drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Pietravallo holds on and takes a little breather.
Cormier keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Pietravallo's head.
Pietravallo looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Cormier wants to control from the top but Pietravallo keeps moving.
Henderson Cormier has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Pietravallo pulls Cormier in to control the position.

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 Giampaolo Pietravallo.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Pietravallo, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 Alan Glass scores the fight 30:27
Judge Cecil Peabody scores the fight 30:27
Judge George Francis scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Giampaolo Pietravallo!
Giampaolo Pietravallo managed to slip a mention for his sponsors, KAISER, into his post fight interview.