PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Manny Machado (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Bas Rutten (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Well, I have no idea who's going to take this one!

Machado
vs
Rutten

175 cm
37
164 lbs
29 - 14 - 0

165 cm
36
162 lbs
19 - 6 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
World class boxer
Heavy handed

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 29 - 14 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Manny Machado!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 19 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Bas Rutten!
The judges for this bout are Daniel Cesar, Paulo Santos and Mauricio Rocha.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Machado throws a lazy uppercut
and Rutten counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Rutten misses with a straight left.
Rutten takes a jab right on the kisser.
Bas Rutten seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Rutten misses with a wild body shot.
Rutten uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Machado.

Machado gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Machado misses with the head strike.
Machado lands a shoulder strike.
Machado misses with a hook to the ribs.
Rutten swings wildly with an uppercut but Machado uses good head movement to avoid it.
Machado dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rutten can't break the clinch.

Rutten breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Machado has been working on his boxing with his coaches at Heart Cave (8 elites, 4 double-elites, 1 triple) in the buildup to the fight.
Machado bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Rutten's head.
Machado pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Machado misses with a body shot.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rutten misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Rutten throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Rutten lands a right hook to the body.
A slow jab from Rutten misses its intended target.
Machado was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Nice body punch from Machado.
Rutten misses the shot to the body.
Rutten lands a nice shot to the body.

Machado clinches up against the cage.
Rutten is trying to push Machado away but Machado has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Machado lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.

Rutten escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Rutten missing with a left hand there. Machado was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Machado wants to take advantage of his opponent's missed offense by moving into the clinch.
Manny Machado is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Rutten misses with a combination
and Machado counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Rutten looks to clinch
and Machado counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Machado throws out a powerful jab.
Machado misses with a few strikes there.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Machado pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Rutten is looking to chop away at Machado's legs.
Rutten misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Machado lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
Rutten misses with a combination
letting Machado counter with a right hand.
Rutten throws a body kick that misses.
Jab, jab by Rutten - just one landing.
Machado is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Rutten on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
Rutten takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.

Machado moves into range and clinches up with Rutten.

Machado manages to break the clinch.
Rutten lands a nice shot to the body.
Rutten tries to clinch up but Machado circles away and keeps his distance.
Rutten tries to close the distance and clinch up but Machado swats him away and circles back towards the center.
A counter left hand to the body from Machado misses its target.
A punch combination from Rutten misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rutten has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Rutten there as he acknowledges the shot.
Rutten drops his hands momentarily and Machado takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Machado bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
Rutten takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Machado bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Machado is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from Rutten.
Rutten misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Machado.
Rutten throws a shot from downtown. Machado moves away and avoids it.
Rutten throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Machado works Rutten's body with a nice hook.
Machado with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Rutten takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Machado lands a nice hook to Rutten's body. Rutten takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Machado smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Rutten throws an ugly left hook that misses

and Machado moves into the clinch.

Rutten's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Rutten wants to clinch
and Machado counters with a right hand to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Machado just misses with a punch to the body.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Rutten! But no joy.
Machado scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Machado takes a swing at Rutten's ribcage but misses.
Rutten throws a poor cross that misses

and Machado counters by moving into the clinch.
Machado has Rutten pressed against the cage.
Rutten is trying to push Machado away but Machado has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.

Machado breaks from the clinch.
Machado fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Rutten manages to avoid it.
Rutten scores with a jab. Machado acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Nice takedown defense from Machado. No joy for Rutten on that attempt.
Machado throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Machado misses with a straight left.
Rutten throws a right and a left that both miss.
Rutten swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Rutten moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Manny Machado dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Machado takes a swing at Rutten's ribcage but misses.
Machado is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Rutten can do to turn this around?
Machado lands a slapping body shot.
Rutten throws a lazy uppercut
and Machado counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Machado throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
A combination from Rutten does no damage.
Machado 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.
Rutten connects with a body shot that sends Machado's belly button to the back.
Machado throws a leg kick which misses Rutten's front leg but catches the back leg as Rutten tries to avoid it.
Machado fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Machado throws the left hand but Rutten avoids the punch easily.
Machado cracks Rutten with an open hand slap.
Manny Machado is winning the standup battle so far.
Rutten misses the shot to the body.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Nice body punch from Machado.
Machado feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Rutten's calf.
Rutten takes a swing at Machado's ribcage but misses.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Rutten lands a lovely overhand right.
A slow jab from Rutten misses its intended target.
Rutten looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Machado is fending him off so far but Rutten persists. Nope, Machado circles away and we're back to standing.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rutten swings for the body but Machado moves out of range.
It looked like Machado wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Nice uppercut lands for Machado. That snapped Rutten's head back.
Rutten throws a right and a left that Machado avoids nicely.
Machado takes one on the chin but seems OK.
A slow jab from Rutten misses its intended target.
Machado wants to take advantage of his opponent's missed offense by moving into the clinch.
Machado slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Bas Rutten is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Machado throws a shot to the body.
Machado jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Machado slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Rutten swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Machado keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Rutten throws a sloppy head kick and Machado moves out of range easily.
Rutten takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Machado avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Machado misses the shot to the body.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Rutten swings away with a leg kick that misses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Machado lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
Machado scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Rutten swings away with a body shot that misses

and Machado counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Machado.
Rutten tries to circle away but Machado has him pinned against the cage.

Machado breaks the clinch.
Machado avoids a punch combination nicely.
Rutten darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Machado checks a leg kick.
Rutten doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Rutten misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Rutten chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Machado can pounce on him.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Machado checks a leg kick.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rutten misses with a double jab
and Machado counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Rutten throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Machado closes the distance and lands a one-two.
Machado throws out a leg kick but Rutten moves out of range and Machado only half commits.
Rutten throws a poor cross that misses
and Machado counters with a nice body shot.
Rutten misses with a takedown attempt

and Machado counters by moving into the clinch.
Manny Machado has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Bas Rutten.
Rutten is breathing heavily.
Rutten wants to get back to striking at distance but Machado won't allow it.
Rutten is trying to force a seperation but Machado has the dominant position.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Machado lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Machado misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Machado blocking some punches.
Machado taking a breather.
Rutten is trying to push Machado away but Machado has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Machado cracks Rutten with a nice body shot.
Machado holding his opponent close, against the cage.
Machado is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
Rutten has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Rutten is trying to break the clinch but Machado is controlling him.
Machado tries to work over Rutten's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Machado manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.
Machado has Rutten pressed against the cage, preventing Rutten from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Rutten is trying to stall.
Rutten looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.

Machado breaks from the clinch.
Machado moves into range and connects with a jab.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Manny Machado dominated that second round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Machado lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Rutten at a distance.
Machado blocks a jab.
Machado seemed to be looking to counter by closing the distance.
Rutten tries to bum rush Machado with a series of wild strikes but Machado uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Rutten throws a right hand that misses
enabling Machado to counter with a crisp jab.
Rutten takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
A good leg kick by Machado.
Rutten takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Rutten tries to move into range but Machado moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Rutten takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Machado fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Rutten manages to avoid it.
Machado scores with a hook.
Rutten throws a leg kick
and Machado counters with a straight right hand.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Machado connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Rutten's hands.
Rutten misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Machado.
Rutten doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Machado dodges the punch combination from Rutten.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A low kick from Rutten is predictable there

and Machado counters by moving into the clinch.
Machado has Rutten pressed against the cage, preventing Rutten from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Machado.
Machado leaning his opponent against the cage.
Rutten tries to circle away but Machado has him pinned against the cage.
Rutten is trying to force a seperation but Machado has the dominant position.
Rutten is trying to break the clinch but Machado has him pressed against the cage.
Rutten has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Machado taking a breather.
Machado holding his opponent close, against the cage.
Rutten misses with a hook from the clinch.

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.
Machado is clearly stalling here... Pick up the pace son.
Rutten is trying to push Machado away but Machado has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Rutten wants to break the clinch but can't.

Machado escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Rutten buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Machado connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Rutten uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Machado.
Rutten throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
A quick step to the side and Machado tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
Rutten misses with a lunging right hand

and Machado counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Machado.
Good body shot from Machado.
Rutten takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Machado tries to throw a body punch but Rutten avoids it by throwing Machado back against the cage.
A shot in the inside from Machado.
Machado lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Machado digs a right hand underneath Rutten's ribcage. Rutten let out a lung full of air as it connected.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Machado leaning his opponent against the cage.
Machado is clearly stalling here... Pick up the pace son.
Still in the clinch, Machado scores with a nice short uppercut.
The referee calls for Machado to work.
A nice left hand lands by Machado.
Machado lands with a left to the head.
Rutten tries to stall but Machado uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
A nice right hand lands inside from Machado.
A right hook to the body lands for Machado.
Machado lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Machado stalling the fight.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rutten goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Machado lands with a left to the head.
Rutten is trying to break the clinch but Machado has him pressed against the cage.

Machado breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Rutten lands a slapping body shot.
Machado lands a nice shot to the body.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Rutten closes the distance but Machado moves to the side
and Machado makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Rutten on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Machado throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Rutten on the side of the head.
Machado scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Rutten throws a left and a right that both miss

and Machado counters into the clinch. Nicely done.
Machado lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Rutten.
Rutten is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Machado lands with a short shot to the head.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Manny Machado clearly takes that round.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.

Rutten shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Machado sprawls well. Machado wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Rutten gets slowly back to his feet.
Rutten moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
An inside leg kick from Machado misses.
Machado uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Rutten.
Rutten throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Machado is looking to counter punch.
Machado's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Rutten connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Machado scrambles back to his feet.
Machado lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rutten closes the distance looking to clinch
and Machado counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Machado connects with a jab.
Rutten connects with a looping right hand.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rutten tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Machado was well out of range. Poor timing from Rutten.
Rutten scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Rutten fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Machado manages to avoid it.
Rutten misses with a wild body shot.
Rutten misses with a hook.
Machado tries to counter by clinching up but Rutten breaks away and moves out of range.
Machado lands with a shot to the body.
Nice cross by Rutten.
Rutten is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Machado scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Rutten takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Rutten fails to land with a series of punches.
Machado lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Rutten throws a nice looking combination but Machado bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Machado wants to take advantage of his opponent's missed offense by moving into the clinch.
Rutten's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Machado uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Machado throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Machado showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Rutten.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rutten looks to score with a jab to the body but Machado is just out of range.
Rutten misses with a combination
and Machado counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Rutten misses with a hook.
Rutten throws a series of punches but Machado avoids them all with ease.
Rutten takes one to the side of the head.
Machado lands a slapping body shot.
Machado lands a slapping body shot.

Machado clinches up with Rutten and pushes him back against the cage.
Machado works on Rutten's body with a couple of short punches.
Machado lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Rutten backwards.
Machado keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Rutten's efforts to push away.
Machado lands with a light punch inside.
Machado lands with a left to the head.

Rutten is rocked!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Machado creates a bit of space for himself and rocks Rutten with a big uppercut! Rutten tries to clinch up but Machado pushes him back against the cage and lands another monster strike that crumples Rutten to the mat! Rutten covers up and Machado unloads with more strikes until the referee steps in to end the bout!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:10 of round 4, we have a winner by way of TKO (Punches). Manny Machado!
Manny Machado retains his lightweight title!
Manny Machado tried to hype himself up post fight but didn't word it too well and it ended up with him sounding like a bit of a tool.