PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Hundo Varga (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Nairo Velasquez Quintana (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Nairo Velasquez Quintana is staring across the cage at his opponent, tweaking his nipples.

Varga
vs
Velasquez Quintana

181 cm
24
160 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

175 cm
19
155 lbs
3 - 2 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter fighter
Good chin

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Knockout power

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Hundo Varga!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 2 - 0, fighting out of New York, Nairo Velasquez Quintana!
The judges for this bout are Phil Schofield, William Gold and Richard Clark.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Varga looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Velasquez Quintana connects with a solid leg kick.
Velasquez Quintana moves out of range of the strikes.
Varga drops his hands momentarily and Velasquez Quintana takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.

Velasquez Quintana rushes Varga and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Velasquez Quintana is trying to maintain a safe position but Varga gets an underhook and turns Velasquez Quintana into the cage.
Velasquez Quintana swings away with an uppercut that misses.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Velasquez Quintana.
Velasquez Quintana swings away with an uppercut that misses.

Velasquez Quintana breaks the clinch.
Nairo Velasquez Quintana seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Velasquez Quintana scores with a jab to the jaw.
Varga lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
We've been hearing reports that Varga has been drilling takedowns in recent sessions so let's see if that has an impact on the result of this fight.
Varga misses with an uppercut.

Velasquez Quintana forces Varga back against the cage and clinches.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Velasquez Quintana lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Varga backwards.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Varga trying to stall but Velasquez Quintana improves his position.
Velasquez Quintana misses with a punch on the inside.
Velasquez Quintana is trying to break the clinch but Varga has him pressed against the cage.
A short right from Velasquez Quintana on the inside.
Velasquez Quintana leaning against his opponent.
Velasquez Quintana missing with knees to the body.
Velasquez Quintana lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Velasquez Quintana swings wildly with an uppercut but Varga uses good head movement to avoid it.
Varga blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Velasquez Quintana wants to break the clinch but can't.

Varga escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Velasquez Quintana scores with a body shot.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Velasquez Quintana jabs Varga to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Varga stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Velasquez Quintana.
Velasquez Quintana moves out of range as Varga strikes.
Velasquez Quintana looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Varga jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Sloppy strikes from Velasquez Quintana. Those never looked like landing.
A lazy left from Velasquez Quintana finds it's target.
Velasquez Quintana throws a sloppy head kick
and Varga finishes the little exchange by landing a big kick to the body.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Varga shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Velasquez Quintana sprawls well. Velasquez Quintana wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Varga gets slowly back to his feet.
A jab lands there for Velasquez Quintana.

Velasquez Quintana gets in close and instigates a clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Velasquez Quintana struggles to land a body shot inside as Varga controls his hands.
Varga is pushing Velasquez Quintana up against the cage, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.
Velasquez Quintana missing with knees to the body.
Varga prevents Velasquez Quintana from breaking the clinch.
Velasquez Quintana swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Velasquez Quintana throws a punch but it's blocked by Varga.
Velasquez Quintana working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Varga leaning his opponent against the cage.
A shot in the inside from Varga.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Velasquez Quintana will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Varga up against the cage.
Velasquez Quintana lands a hook that snaps the head of Varga backwards.
Velasquez Quintana tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Varga's elbow.
Nice body punch from Velasquez Quintana.
Velasquez Quintana makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Velasquez Quintana tries to land knees in the clinch but Varga avoids the damage to the body.
Velasquez Quintana misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Varga.
Velasquez Quintana lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Velasquez Quintana is looking to break free of the clinch but Varga has double underhooks.
Velasquez Quintana throws a punch but it's blocked by Varga.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Velasquez Quintana.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Nairo Velasquez Quintana dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Velasquez Quintana clinches up against the cage.
Varga is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Velasquez Quintana pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Good body shot from Velasquez Quintana.
Stalling in the clinch from Velasquez Quintana.
Velasquez Quintana throws a punch but it's blocked by Varga.
Varga is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Velasquez Quintana misses with a hook from the clinch.
Varga has had enough of the clinch but Velasquez Quintana keeps him there for the moment.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Velasquez Quintana lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Velasquez Quintana working aggressively here.
Varga tries to stall but Velasquez Quintana uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Velasquez Quintana lands a right hand that snaps the head of Varga backwards.
Velasquez Quintana scores with a nice hook to the head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Velasquez Quintana avoiding damage.
Velasquez Quintana tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Varga avoids it.

Varga breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Varga throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Velasquez Quintana shapes to counter with a head kick.
Velasquez Quintana comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.

Velasquez Quintana gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Velasquez Quintana has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Varga stalling against the cage.
Velasquez Quintana misses with some punches.
Velasquez Quintana is trying to force a seperation but Varga has the dominant position.
Velasquez Quintana tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.

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

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Varga looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.

Velasquez Quintana moves into the clinch successfully.
Velasquez Quintana tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Varga avoids it.
Velasquez Quintana tries to break free but Varga pushes him back against the cage.
Varga holding his opponent close, against the cage.

Varga breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Velasquez Quintana fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.

Velasquez Quintana has taken the fight to the clinch.
Velasquez Quintana wants to break the clinch but can't.
Velasquez Quintana tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Varga avoids it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Velasquez Quintana lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Varga misses with a short punch on the inside.

Varga wants the takedown. Velasquez Quintana is fighting it off but Varga persists and manages to bring the fight to the ground, ending up in Velasquez Quintana's guard against the cage.
Varga controlling from the top position.
Velasquez Quintana really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Varga. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Varga trying to control but Velasquez Quintana is working from the bottom.

Varga thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Varga's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Velasquez Quintana keeping moving, preventing Varga from controlling successfully.
Velasquez Quintana trying to keep a closed guard but Varga is proving a slippery customer.
Varga tries to free his leg and advance position but Velasquez Quintana is retaining full guard.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Varga looks to score with a jab to the body but Velasquez Quintana is just out of range.
A clash of legs there as Varga blocks the low kick.
Velasquez Quintana pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Velasquez Quintana pulls out of a head kick attempt.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Nairo Velasquez Quintana showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!

Varga swings for the body but Velasquez Quintana moves out of range.
Velasquez Quintana drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Varga defends it well.
Varga is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Velasquez Quintana works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Velasquez Quintana tries a head kick but it misses.
Velasquez Quintana explodes with a nice body kick and back out of range. Nice work.
Velasquez Quintana digs a good body shot into Varga's ribs.
Velasquez Quintana lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Nairo Velasquez Quintana seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Velasquez Quintana jabs at Varga's body.
Velasquez Quintana lands with a nice body kick.
Varga throws a leg kick that is checked
and Velasquez Quintana connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Velasquez Quintana scores with a hook to the body. Varga takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Velasquez Quintana has Varga up against the cage in a clinch.
A short right from Velasquez Quintana.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Velasquez Quintana breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Velasquez Quintana lands a jab to the head.
Nairo Velasquez Quintana is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Varga tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Velasquez Quintana defends well and Varga ends up having to push Velasquez Quintana into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Velasquez Quintana throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
A quick step to the side and Varga tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
No joy there for Varga, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Good exchange - Velasquez Quintana coming out on top.
Varga takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Velasquez Quintana with a hook.
Velasquez Quintana pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Varga takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Velasquez Quintana lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Velasquez Quintana closes the distance and lands a one-two.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Velasquez Quintana with a jab.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Varga tries to move into range but Velasquez Quintana moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Velasquez Quintana bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Varga's head backwards.
Velasquez Quintana scores with a body shot.
Velasquez Quintana lands the left hand.
Velasquez Quintana misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Velasquez Quintana cracks the inside of Varga's front leg.
Varga throws a lazy uppercut
and Velasquez Quintana counters with a straight right hand.
Velasquez Quintana sizes up Varga with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Velasquez Quintana throws a series of punches but Varga avoids them all with ease.
Velasquez Quintana lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Velasquez Quintana throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Varga avoids the head kick by Velasquez Quintana.
Velasquez Quintana connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Varga looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.

Varga is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.

Varga seems to be working for a kimura but Velasquez Quintana defends the submission attempt.
Varga works his way into full mount!

Varga is going oldschool here, as he tries to force Velasquez Quintana to tap using a forearm choke. This isn't 1993 though, so Velasquez Quintana shrugs it off.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Varga lands with some strikes.

Varga working for a submission but Velasquez Quintana is keeping him at bay.
Varga tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.

Varga swings around for an armbar but it's a sloppy attempt and Velasquez Quintana is now in Varga's guard. A big mistake from Varga there, giving up the dominant position!
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!
Velasquez Quintana throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.

And that's the end of the fight!
Nairo Velasquez Quintana comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Velasquez Quintana 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Phil Schofield scores the fight 27:30
Judge William Gold scores the fight 27:30
Judge Richard Clark scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Nairo Velasquez Quintana!
An out of breath Nairo Velasquez Quintana thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.