PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Rafael Cortez (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Davor Langerholc (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Cortez comes to the ring accompanied by Wake Me Up. Langerholc has chosen Hypocrisy - Fractured Millennium as his entrance music. Davor Langerholc struggled to make weight for this fight. He only made it down to 206.0lbs at the first attempt and had to take the additional two hours to make the official bout weight. Let's see how much it's taken out of him. Well, the cameraman is lingering on a pretty young lady for a bit too long there. Keep your eyes on the prize buddy or you'll miss the fighter intros!

Cortez
vs
Langerholc

183 cm
30
219 lbs
11 - 11 - 0

180 cm
36
226 lbs
27 - 18 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
World class MT
Cardio machine

Excellent grappler
Excellent MT
Good gas tank

Max Octane Fight Wear

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 11 - 11 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Rafael Cortez!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 27 - 18 - 0, fighting out of London, Davor Langerholc!
The judges for this bout are Illya Tyunina, Aleksei Zolotukhin and Viktor Lagutenko.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A big right from Cortez misses.
Cortez misses with a takedown attempt - Langerholc sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Rafael Cortez seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Langerholc scores with the left hand. Cortez knows he should have avoided that one.

It looks like Rafael Cortez has been cut.
Langerholc doesn't manage to clinch there - Cortez circles away.
Cortez wants to take advantage of his opponent's missed offense by moving into the clinch.
Langerholc tries to land a front kick but Cortez steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Danga de danga de dang - Cortez scores with a four punch combination!
Langerholc misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.

Langerholc darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.
Langerholc throws a big elbow that misses, also allowing Cortez to regain full guard.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Langerholc got a little sloppy there for a moment and Cortez has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Langerholc has managed to get both his arms back between Cortez's legs - danger averted.
Langerholc landing with the ground and pound.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Langerholc lands a couple of digs.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.
Langerholc trying to control but Cortez is working from the bottom.
Cortez utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Langerholc's corner. There ya go! There ya go!

Langerholc postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Cortez is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Langerholc, into his guard.

Cortez pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Langerholc is keeping the position for now.
Langerholc wants to sweep but no luck.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Langerholc not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Cortez missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Langerholc is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Langerholc thows a huge punch but Cortez dodges it nicely.
Nice strikes from Langerholc there.
Cortez is refusing to be controlled, as Langerholc sits in half guard.
Still in half guard, Langerholc seems content to control.

Langerholc is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Cortez is just riding it out for now. Langerholc eventually gives up the hold.
Langerholc thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nice strikes from Langerholc there.
Langerholc is looking to take a break and control but Cortez is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Langerholc with the ground and pound but Cortez uses the opportunity to regain guard.
Langerholc is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.

Cortez working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Langerholc doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Langerholc manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Langerholc in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Cortez trying to keep a closed guard but Langerholc is proving a slippery customer.
Langerholc works over Cortez with some ground and pound from guard.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Langerholc accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Langerholc with a nice head shot there.
Langerholc trying to control but Cortez is working from the bottom.
Langerholc postures up in Cortez's guard and throws a big left but Cortez blocks it.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Langerholc looking to sit in guard and control but Cortez gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

Cortez trying to control the position from guard on top but Langerholc is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Davor Langerholc dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Rafael Cortez's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Cortez moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Cortez tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Langerholc feints the counter takedown.
Langerholc ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Cortez moves away.

Cortez moves into range and clinches up with Langerholc.
Langerholc has Cortez pressed against the ropes, preventing Cortez from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Langerholc is working for a takedown up against the ropes. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Langerholc missing with knees to the body.
Cortez drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Langerholc scores with a nice hook to the head.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Langerholc blocks an uppercut.
Cortez has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Langerholc avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Cortez gets underhooks to prevent Langerholc's takedown attempt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cortez misses with the head strike.
Cortez misses with a hook to the ribs.
Cortez has been working on his balance at Barbell Brigade, so perhaps that has help him stuff some of the takedown attempts by Langerholc.
Cortez wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Langerholc has him pressed against the ropes.
Langerholc lands a shot to the body.
Langerholc has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Cortez is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Rafael Cortez has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Davor Langerholc.
Langerholc wants a takedown.
Cortez gets underhooks to prevent Langerholc's takedown attempt.
Cortez lands with a light punch inside.
Cortez can't get the takedown.
Cortez lands an uppercut.
Langerholc tries to pull guard but Cortez holds him up against the ropes and eventually Langerholc drops back down to his feet.
Langerholc throws a head punch that misses.
Cortez avoids a wild elbow strike from Langerholc.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Langerholc can't get the takedown.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Cortez.
Cortez lands a left hand.
A short left from Langerholc.
The fighters are pressed against the ropes, as the pace of the fight slows.
Langerholc looking to slow down the pace here.
Cortez throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Langerholc can't find room to land a body shot as Cortez controls the action.
Cortez swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Cortez taking a breather.
Langerholc lands an elbow just above Cortez 's eye.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Langerholc blocks an uppercut.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cortez goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Cortez dodges an elbow strike from Langerholc.
Langerholc wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Cortez blocks an elbow strike from Langerholc.
A battle for position here, against the ropes.
Cortez doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Langerholc looking for a takedown.
Cortez swings wildly with an uppercut but Langerholc uses good head movement to avoid it.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Cortez.
Cortez tries to work over Langerholc's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Cortez blocks a punch to the side of the head.

Langerholc turns his hips and lands a very nice judo throw into side control!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Cortez manages to get back to half guard.
Langerholc thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Cortez's head.
Cortez wants to control but Langerholc is keeping busy.
Langerholc seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Cortez makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Cortez.
Langerholc distracts Cortez with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Langerholc has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Cortez keeping moving, preventing Langerholc from controlling successfully.
Cortez not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Davor Langerholc will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Rafael Cortez'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.

Langerholc feints a jab promting Cortez to slip. Langerholc then demonstrates his capabilities by jabbing again. Cortez slips again and ducks right into an uppercut.
Cortez leaves Langerholc with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Langerholc lands a nice shot to the body.
Langerholc blocks a low kick nicely.
Cortez misses with a low kick.
Rafael Cortez is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Langerholc scores with a sloppy right hand. Cortez should have avoided that one.

Rafael Cortez's cut is getting worse.
Cortez lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Langerholc misses with a wild body shot.
As Langerholc backs away, Cortez returns fire with a leg kick that just misses.
Davor Langerholc seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Cortez turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Langerholc.
Cortez wants to land a leg kick but Langerholc is out of range.
Langerholc wants to clinch up but Cortez keeps it at a distance.
Cortez fails to land the takedown.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cortez will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Cortez misses with a head kick.

Langerholc darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
Langerholc slips a nice elbow through Cortez's hands, connecting with Cortez's forehead.
Langerholc is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Cortez is looking for a sweep. Langerholc is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Langerholc thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Langerholc trying to control from half guard but Cortez is working away.

Langerholc is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Cortez is just riding it out for now. Langerholc eventually gives up the hold.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Langerholc is just content to waste time from the top position. Cortez takes advantage of the situation and regains full guard.
Langerholc tries to free his leg and advance position but Cortez is retaining full guard.
Langerholc throwing strikes but missing.
Langerholc trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cortez looking to hit a scissor sweep but Langerholc is one step ahead there.
Langerholc with a flurry of punches that miss.
Cortez avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Langerholc loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
Cortez looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Langerholc is trying hard to land a takedown here. Cortez sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Rafael Cortez has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Davor Langerholc.

Cortez moves into the clinch.

Langerholc gets a trip takedown into half guard.
Langerholc wants to lay and pray for a moment but Cortez keeps working.
Cortez is pressing down on Langerholc's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Cortez is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Langerholc is looking to work some ground and pound but Cortez has wrist control.
Langerholc throws a big elbow that misses.
Langerholc stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Cortez swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Langerholc throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Langerholc throwing strikes from guard but Cortez blocks nicely.
Langerholc trying to control the position from guard on top but Cortez is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Davor Langerholc really dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Rafael Cortez's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Langerholc ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Cortez moves away.
Cortez doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Langerholc doesn't manage to clinch there - Cortez circles away.
Langerholc tried to score with a low kick but Cortez checks it.
Cortez fails in his attempt to clinch.
Langerholc lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Cortez circles away quickly and effectively.
Langerholc lands a jab-cross combination.
A nice leg kick lands there from Cortez.
Cortez circles away from the clinch attempt.
Langerholc connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Langerholc swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Langerholc fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Langerholc lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Nice defenses there by Langerholc.
Langerholc only half commits to the counter leg kick.
Cortez lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Cortez feints and then cracks Langerholc's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Langerholc down.
Cortez tried to score with a low kick but Langerholc checks it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cortez misses with a straight left.
Langerholc is looking for the big counter here.
Langerholc misses with a leg kick.
Langerholc staying out of range there.

Langerholc gets a clinch.

Langerholc breaks from the clinch.
Langerholc misses with a body shot.
The fighters circling - Langerholc throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Langerholc fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Cortez connects with an inside leg kick.
Langerholc throws a shot from downtown. Cortez moves away and avoids it.
Nice defenses there by Langerholc.
Cortez with a lazy takedown attempt

and Langerholc counters with a single leg into guard. Cortez didn't expect that.
Davor Langerholc has got the better of the ground game so far.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Langerholc pushing down on Cortez's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Langerholc sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Cortez defending well though.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Langerholc is looking for a kimura here.
Langerholc has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
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!
Cortez is trying to stand.
Langerholc working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.

Langerholc is looking for a kimura but Cortez is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Langerholc to get the leverage.
Langerholc sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Cortez defending well though.
Cortez works his way to full guard. Good work.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Langerholc's corner. There ya go! There ya go!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Langerholc loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.

Cortez has an omoplata and is looking to use it perhaps as a submission or perhaps to transition. Langerholc is in a bit of discomfort here, but he's managed to free himself and has dived into side control! That didn't work out too well for Cortez.
Langerholc lands a knee to the body and a forearm to the face.
Langerholc tries to move to mount but Cortez blocks the move with his legs.
Langerholc misses with a strike but at least he's keeping busy, looking to cause some damage - that will still help him when it comes to the judges scorecards.
Cortez takes a nasty elbow to the side of the head.
Langerholc scoring with punches and elbows.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Cortez avoids any damage from the ground and pound of Langerholc.

Langerholc tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Langerholc has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
Langerholc trying to control the action but Cortez is working from the bottom.
Langerholc in side control lands a nice looking series of punches and elbows.
Cortez is trying to control Langerholc's posture but Langerholc avoids it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Davor Langerholc dominated that fourth round.
The cut man is working on Rafael Cortez's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!

Cortez tries for a takedown but Langerholc sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Cortez throws a big shot that misses.
Langerholc replies with a solid counter kick to the body but Cortez blocks it well.
Horrible takedown attempt by Cortez or perhaps it was just good defense by Langerholc, which made it look bad.
Langerholc looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Langerholc shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Cortez sprawls well. Cortez wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Langerholc gets slowly back to his feet.
Cortez feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Langerholc's calf.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Langerholc throws a leg kick that misses.
Cortez avoids the body shot from Langerholc.
Cortez swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Langerholc counters with a stiff right hand.
Cortez throws a leg kick but Langerholc checks it.
Langerholc lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Langerholc.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Langerholc keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Cortez.
Sloppy strikes from Cortez. Those never looked like landing.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - a gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
Langerholc wants to clinch up but Cortez keeps it at a distance.
Langerholc lands a head shot.
Langerholc just misses with a punch to the body.
Langerholc misses the jab.
Cortez on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Langerholc avoids the head kick by Cortez.
Langerholc slips a jab and a cross from Cortez.
Jab, jab by Langerholc - just one landing.

Rafael Cortez's cut is bleeding quite badly. He's got to try and protect it.
Langerholc throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Cortez slaps away a takedown attempt from Langerholc, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Langerholc tries to bum rush Cortez with a series of wild strikes but Cortez uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Cortez takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Langerholc jabbing away but nothing is landing.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Langerholc fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Rafael Cortez has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Davor Langerholc.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Cortez lands a leg kick that knocks Langerholc off balance momentarily.
Good leg kick by Cortez there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Langerholc avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Langerholc's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Langerholc moves out of range of the body kick from Cortez.
Nice sprawl there from Langerholc as Cortez shoots in.
Cortez works over Langerholc's head and body with a nice combination.
Cortez displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Langerholc.
Cortez misses with a low kick.
Langerholc has been working his punching technique in the buildup to the fight and it appears to be paying off.
Langerholc moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Langerholc throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Cortez.
Langerholc connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Cortez throws a nice inside leg kick.
Langerholc throws a right hand that Cortez ducks under and follows up with a left that Cortez also avoids with ease.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Langerholc tries to score a power double leg takedown but Cortez sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Langerholc somewhat.
Langerholc throws a lazy right hand but Cortez sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Cortez tries a head kick but it misses.
Langerholc misses with a shot to the body
and Cortez counters with a low kick, right behind Langerholc 's knee.
Cortez bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Cortez dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Langerholc. That did some damage!
Rafael Cortez has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Cortez throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Langerholc on the side of the head.
Cortez throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Langerholc throws a body kick that misses.
A left lands for Langerholc.

Cortez drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Cortez tries to score with some ground and pound. Langerholc controls his posture well this time though and the shots don't do any damage.
Davor Langerholc is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Cortez looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Langerholc is trying to get back to half guard.
Langerholc is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Langerholc can't do much from the bottom here.
Langerholc tries to bench press Cortez off him but Cortez keeps the position.

Cortez goes for an armbar! This could be all over! Wait, no, Langerholc rolls with the submission and now he's on top in Cortez's guard! Nice work there by Langerholc!
Langerholc's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Langerholc advances position into side control!

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Davor Langerholc.
I've got Langerholc winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 Illya Tyunina scores the fight 45:50
Judge Aleksei Zolotukhin scores the fight 45:50
Judge Viktor Lagutenko scores the fight 45:50

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Davor Langerholc!
After winning the bout, Davor Langerholc thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.