PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Bernardo Muriel (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Cornelis Spilbergen (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Muriel
vs
Spilbergen

187 cm
27
205 lbs
12 - 4 - 0

180 cm
26
211 lbs
9 - 1 - 0

Good wrestling
Solid boxing
Experienced

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
Granite chin

Highland Clothing

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 12 - 4 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Bernardo Muriel!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 9 - 1 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Cornelis Spilbergen!
The judges for this bout are Daniel Franklin, Sandra Marshall and Dirk Anderson.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Muriel uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Spilbergen.
Muriel is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from Spilbergen.

Muriel clinches up against the cage.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Muriel makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
A right hand to the body from Muriel.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Muriel.
Spilbergen is trying to stall.
Muriel stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Muriel tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Spilbergen takes a shot to the head.
Muriel throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Spilbergens head.
A right hook to the body lands for Muriel.
Muriel scores with a shoulder strike.
Spilbergen doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
A left hand lands to the body for Muriel.
Muriel cracks Spilbergen with a nice body shot.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Muriel displaying some good clinch control by pressing Spilbergen up against the cage.
Spilbergen is clearly stalling here... Pick up the pace son.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Muriel swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Muriel lands a body shot.
A nice left hand lands by Muriel.
Spilbergen looking to slow down the pace here.
Muriel taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
Muriel lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Spilbergen has a couple of punches blocked by Muriel.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Muriel throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Spilbergens head.
Muriel scores with a shot to the side of Spilbergen's head.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Muriel misses with a punch on the inside.
Muriel struggles to land a body shot inside as Spilbergen controls his hands.
A right hand to the body from Muriel.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Spilbergen leaning his opponent against the cage.
A short right from Muriel.
Muriel misses with some punches.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Spilbergen is looking to control Muriel's arms but Muriel gets an underhook and turns him. Now Spilbergen has his back to the cage.
Spilbergen is trying to slow the pace down but that's a couple of times in a row that he's tried to get underhooks and Muriel has denied him.
A short left from Muriel.
Muriel throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Spilbergens head.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Muriel tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Spilbergen's elbow.
Muriel working aggressively here.
Spilbergen taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Cornelis Spilbergen.

Muriel clinches with his opponent.
Muriel can't find room to land a body shot as Spilbergen controls the action.
Muriel blocks a body shot from Spilbergen.
Spilbergen lands a right hand.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Muriel effectively controlling the action here.
Muriel fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Muriel goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Muriel working some nice short punches in the clinch.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Spilbergen.
Muriel struggles to land a body shot inside as Spilbergen controls his hands.
Muriel scores with a shoulder strike.
Muriel works on Spilbergen's body with a couple of short punches.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
Spilbergen takes a shot to the head.
Spilbergen is looking to control Muriel's arms but Muriel gets an underhook and turns him. Now Spilbergen has his back to the cage.
Muriel content to slow the pace in the clinch.
Muriel misses with a short punch on the inside.
Spilbergen is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
We've been informed that Spilbergen has been working hard on his conditioning in the buildup to the fight.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A short right from Muriel.
Muriel goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Nice body punch from Spilbergen.
Spilbergen makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Spilbergen controlling the action here for a moment.
A short left from Muriel.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Cornelis Spilbergen.

Spilbergen tries to keep at a distance but Muriel has taken the fight into the clinch.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Spilbergen.
Spilbergen stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.
Muriel pushes Spilbergen back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Spilbergen throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Muriels head.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Muriel closes the distance but Spilbergen moves to the side
and Spilbergen counters with a left to the body.
Muriel throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.
Spilbergen swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Muriel lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Muriel looks to throw a body kick
and Spilbergen counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Muriel lands with a slapping head kick.
Muriel connects with an inside leg kick.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Spilbergen moves out of range of the body kick from Muriel.
Muriel sets himself, and Spilbergen steps forward looking for the clinch! Muriel avoids it this time.
Muriel throws a sloppy head kick and Spilbergen moves out of range easily.

Muriel gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Nice body punch from Muriel - that landed with a thud.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Muriel's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Spilbergen misses with a body punch.
Spilbergen digs a right hand into Muriel's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Muriel's gas tank.
Muriel has not gone for a single takedown so far in this fight, which seems like a very strange tactic when you consider that he has the superior wrestling and BJJ.
Spilbergen looking to slow down the pace here.
The referee is keeping an eye on Spilbergen - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.
Spilbergen stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Muriel tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Muriel as Spilbergen tries to tie him up.
Spilbergen tries to stall but Muriel uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Cornelis Spilbergen.
Muriel tries to clinch but Spilbergen moves out of range.
Muriel throws a right hand that misses
and Spilbergen counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Muriel tests Spilbergen's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Muriel lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
Muriel throws a hook but Spilbergen avoids it easily.
Muriel sets himself, and Spilbergen steps forward looking for the clinch! Muriel avoids it this time.
Muriel wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Muriel tries to close the distance and clinch up but Spilbergen swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Spilbergen now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
Bernardo Muriel seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Muriel throws a sloppy head kick

and Spilbergen moves into the clinch.
Spilbergen misses with some punches.
Muriel is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Spilbergen can do to turn this around?
Spilbergen is trying to stall.
Muriel stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Muriel blocks a body shot from Spilbergen.
Spilbergen is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Muriel is keeping busy.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Spilbergen.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Spilbergen fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Muriel swings wildly with an uppercut but Spilbergen uses good head movement to avoid it.
A body shot lands from Muriel.
Spilbergen looking to stall.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Muriel creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Muriel misses with a hook to the ribs.
Spilbergen avoiding damage.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Muriel tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Spilbergen's elbow.
Muriel tries a body shot but Spilbergen blocks it.
Muriel lands a right hand that snaps the head of Spilbergen backwards.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Muriel as Spilbergen tries to tie him up.
Spilbergen tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Muriel's elbow.
Spilbergen misses with a short punch on the inside.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Muriel controlling the action here for a moment.
Spilbergen prevents a body shot from Muriel.
A right hand to the body from Muriel.
Muriel scores with a hook to the body.
Spilbergen stalling in the clinch but Muriel improves position.
Muriel struggles to land a body shot inside as Spilbergen controls his hands.
Spilbergen looking to slow down the pace here.
Spilbergen taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
Muriel lands a hook that snaps the head of Spilbergen backwards.
Spilbergen tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Muriel throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Spilbergen looking to slow down the pace here.
Muriel tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Spilbergen's elbow.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Spilbergen as Muriel tries to tie him up.
Muriel tries to work over Spilbergen's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Bernardo Muriel dominated that second 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.

Muriel connects with an inside leg kick.

Muriel closes the distance and clinches.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Muriel swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Spilbergen is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Spilbergen can't find room to land a body shot as Muriel controls the action.
Bernardo Muriel has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Spilbergen wants to stall.
Muriel is stalling here.
Spilbergen pushes Muriel back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Muriel lands a hook that snaps the head of Spilbergen backwards.

It looks like Cornelis Spilbergen has been cut.
Spilbergen stalls.
Spilbergen is trying to maintain a safe position but Muriel gets an underhook and turns Spilbergen into the cage.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Cornelis Spilbergen.

Muriel closes the distance and pushes Spilbergen back into the cage.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Muriel creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Muriel lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Spilbergen backwards.
Spilbergen content to slow the pace in the clinch.
Spilbergen trying to stall but Muriel improves his position.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Muriel as Spilbergen tries to tie him up.
Muriel lands a left hand.
Spilbergen lands a body punch in the clinch.
Muriel lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Spilbergen trying to control the position but instead, Muriel has worked for underhooks and has pushed Spilbergen into the cage.
A short right from Muriel on the inside.
Spilbergen is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Muriel misses with a short punch on the inside.
Muriel lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Muriel misses with a body punch.
Spilbergen lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Spilbergen misses with a body punch.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Muriel as Spilbergen tries to tie him up.
Spilbergen works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Muriel lands with a light punch inside.
Spilbergen wants to stall.
Muriel lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
A short body shot lands from Spilbergen as the two fighters clinch.
Muriel lands an uppercut.
Muriel can't find room to land a body shot as Spilbergen controls the action.
Muriel taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Spilbergen.
Spilbergen looking to stall.
Muriel lands an uppercut.
Spilbergen wants to stall.
Muriel makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Muriel swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Come on Spilbergen - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
Spilbergen lands a left hand that snaps the head of Muriel backwards.
Spilbergen softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Muriel lands a nice uppercut.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Spilbergen.
Muriel lands a right hand.
Muriel lands a right hand that snaps the head of Spilbergen backwards.
Spilbergen is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Spilbergen throws a punch but it's blocked by Muriel.
Muriel cracks Spilbergen with a nice body shot.
Spilbergen cracks Muriel with a nice body shot.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Spilbergen dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.
Spilbergen stalling in the clinch but Muriel improves position.
Muriel blocking some punches.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Spilbergen digs a right hand into Muriel's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Muriel's gas tank.
Spilbergen lands a hook to the side of the head.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Muriel.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Spilbergen fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Spilbergen gets through Muriel's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
A nice right hand lands inside from Spilbergen.
Muriel takes a shot to the head.
Spilbergen taking a breather.
A head punch on the inside from Spilbergen fails to land.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Muriel.
Muriel tries to throw a body punch but Spilbergen avoids it by throwing Muriel back against the cage.
Muriel misses with a hook from the clinch.
Spilbergen wants to stall.
Spilbergen can't find room to land a body shot as Muriel controls the action.
Muriel misses with some punches.
Muriel working aggressively here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Bernardo Muriel clearly takes that round.
The cut man is working on Cornelis Spilbergen's cut.
That's time! Muriel's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Spilbergen crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Muriel - the referee stops the clock and Spilbergen gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Muriel. Spilbergen manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.
Muriel throws the kick towards the body but Spilbergen avoids it.
Muriel misses with a straight right.
A countering left hand to the body from Spilbergen misses.
Bernardo Muriel is winning the standup battle so far.
Muriel throws out a loose jab but Spilbergen uses good head movement to avoid it.
Spilbergen tries to counter with a clinch but Muriel shakes him off and moves away.
Muriel doesn't manage to clinch there - Spilbergen circles away.

Muriel clinches.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
Muriel tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Spilbergen's elbow.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Muriel misses with a hook from the clinch.
Spilbergen blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Muriel working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Muriel misses with a hook to the ribs.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Muriel throws a head punch that misses.
Spilbergen can't find room to land a body shot as Muriel controls the action.
Spilbergen looking to slow down the pace here.
A hook to the body from Muriel.
A short uppercut from Muriel.
Spilbergen blocking some punches.
Muriel lands an uppercut.
Muriel lands a shoulder strike.
Muriel digs a right hand underneath Spilbergen's ribcage. Spilbergen let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Muriel softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Muriel's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Spilbergen looking to stall.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Muriel misses with a hook to the ribs.
Muriel leaning his opponent against the cage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Spilbergen is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Muriel is keeping busy.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Muriel creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Muriel throws a punch but it's blocked by Spilbergen.
Spilbergen trying to stall but Muriel improves his position.
Muriel lands a shoulder strike.
Spilbergen scores with a shoulder strike.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
A short uppercut from Spilbergen.
A right hook to the body lands for Muriel.
Muriel misses with a body punch.
Spilbergen lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Muriel leaning against his opponent.
Muriel blocks an uppercut.
Nice body punch from Muriel - that landed with a thud.
A hook to the body from Muriel.
Muriel misses with a punch to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A nice left hand lands by Muriel.
Spilbergen is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Muriel is keeping busy.
Spilbergen doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Spilbergen trying to control the position but instead, Muriel has worked for underhooks and has pushed Spilbergen into the cage.
Spilbergen stalling the fight.
Spilbergen trying to control the position but instead, Muriel has worked for underhooks and has pushed Spilbergen into the cage.
Spilbergen can't find room to land a body shot as Muriel controls the action.
Spilbergen lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Muriel taking a breather.
Muriel can't find room to land a body shot as Spilbergen controls the action.
Muriel misses with some punches.
Spilbergen trying to control the position but instead, Muriel has worked for underhooks and has pushed Spilbergen into the cage.
Spilbergen lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Muriel misses with a punch to the body.
Spilbergen trying to stall but Muriel improves his position.
Muriel scores with a shot to the side of Spilbergen's head.
A short right from Spilbergen.
Spilbergen can't find room to land a body shot as Muriel controls the action.
Muriel tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Spilbergen's elbow.
A short right from Muriel.
Muriel misses with the head strike.
Muriel tries to throw a body punch but Spilbergen avoids it by throwing Muriel back against the cage.
A head punch on the inside from Spilbergen fails to land.
Spilbergen trying to control the position but instead, Muriel has worked for underhooks and has pushed Spilbergen into the cage.
A nice right hand lands inside from Muriel.
A body shot lands from Muriel.
Muriel lands a body punch in the clinch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Bernardo Muriel had his way with Cornelis Spilbergen in that round.
The cut man is working on Cornelis Spilbergen's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!

Muriel closes the distance and clinches.
Spilbergen stalling.
Spilbergen looking to slow down the pace here.
Muriel scores with a shoulder strike.
Muriel lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Spilbergen looking to stall.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Spilbergen.
Spilbergen trying to stall but Muriel improves his position.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Cornelis Spilbergen.
Muriel doesn't manage to clinch there - Spilbergen circles away.
Spilbergen wants to counter the offense by Muriel and move into the clinch position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Spilbergen is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
Spilbergen is clearly stalling here... Pick up the pace son.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Muriel has a couple of punches blocked by Spilbergen.
Muriel makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Muriel is stalling here.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Muriel.
Muriel misses with a punch on the inside.
Muriel lands with a short shot to the head.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Spilbergen throws a punch but it's blocked by Muriel.
Spilbergen tries a body shot but Muriel blocks it.
Muriel pushes Spilbergen back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Spilbergen trying to control the position but instead, Muriel has worked for underhooks and has pushed Spilbergen into the cage.
A hook to the body from Muriel.
Muriel stalling.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Spilbergen stalling in the clinch but Muriel improves position.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Muriel creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Spilbergen swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Spilbergen wants to stall.
Spilbergen misses with a punch to the body.
Muriel taking a breather.
Spilbergen letting Muriel take a breather here.
Muriel lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Spilbergen or not.
Muriel tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Spilbergen's elbow.
Muriel scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Spilbergen swings wildly with an uppercut but Muriel uses good head movement to avoid it.
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!
Muriel scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Spilbergen blocks a body shot from Muriel.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Muriel tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Spilbergen tries to work over Muriel's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Muriel taking a breather.
Spilbergen lands a nice uppercut.
Spilbergen scores with a shoulder strike.
Spilbergen taking a breather.
Spilbergen tries to work over Muriel's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Muriel tries to work over Spilbergen's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
A body shot lands from Spilbergen.
Spilbergen misses with a hook from the clinch.
Muriel wants to stall.
Spilbergen taking a breather.
Spilbergen tries to throw a body punch but Muriel avoids it by throwing Spilbergen back against the cage.
Muriel lands a hook to the side of the head.
Muriel throws a head punch that misses.
Spilbergen tries a body shot but Muriel blocks it.
Bernardo Muriel is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Spilbergen doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Spilbergen is trying to maintain a safe position but Muriel gets an underhook and turns Spilbergen into the cage.
Muriel misses with a hook from the clinch.
Muriel blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Spilbergen.
Spilbergen tries to throw a body punch but Muriel avoids it by throwing Spilbergen back against the cage.
Spilbergen misses with a hook to the ribs.
A hook to the body from Muriel.
A shot in the inside from Muriel.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Spilbergen stalling in the clinch but Muriel improves position.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Cornelis Spilbergen has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Muriel blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Muriel presses Spilbergen against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.

And that's the end of the fight!
Bernardo Muriel showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Muriel 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 Daniel Franklin scores the fight 50:45
Judge Sandra Marshall scores the fight 50:45
Judge Dirk Anderson scores the fight 50:45

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Bernardo Muriel!
During a confident post fight interview, Bernardo Muriel thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.