PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Ante Gotovina (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ernesto Panado (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Panado comes into a darkened arena with his song building. Lorde - Team kicks in, the lights come on and the crowd goes wild! What a showman! Ante Gotovina had real problems making weight for this fight. After initially coming in at 186.9lbs, he had two hours to make the official fight weight. He made it but it will have taken a lot out of him to cut those extra few pounds. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Gotovina
vs
Panado

185 cm
25
203 lbs
15 - 9 - 0

185 cm
34
195 lbs
19 - 17 - 0

Good wrestling
Solid boxing
Very quick

Good takedowns
Basic striking
Good gas tank

Aspire Nutrition
Sin City Allstars

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the middleweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 15 - 9 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Ante Gotovina!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 19 - 17 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Ernesto Panado!
The judges for this bout are Seu Braga, Edson Gomes and Daniel Cesar.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Panado looks to land a combination but Gotovina avoids it well.
Gotovina swings for the body but Panado moves out of range.
Gotovina throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Panado stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
A slow jab from Gotovina misses its intended target.
Gotovina fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Gotovina scores with a shot to the body.
Gotovina with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Panado shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Gotovina as he jumps to the side.
Gotovina looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Gotovina looks to land a right hand but Panado moved out of range.
Panado shoots in but Gotovina avoids the takedown attempt easily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Gotovina throws a nice inside leg kick.
Panado moves out of range of the strikes.
Ernesto Panado seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Panado has his takedown stuffed
and Gotovina counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Panado thinking.
Ante Gotovina has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ernesto Panado.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Panado fails miserably with a takedown attempt.

Panado shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Panado wants to free his trapped foot but Gotovina is holding on for dear life with his legs.

Panado is trying to work for a kimura but Gotovina is defending well.
The fighters are battling for position here. Gotovina manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Panado looking to pass the guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Gotovina holds on and takes a little breather.
Panado slips nicely into half guard.
Panado passes the guard and advances to mount!

Gotovina defends a decent attempt at a guillotine from Panado.

Panado working to secure an arm triangle but it's not happening for him just yet.
Gotovina tries to lock up and control but Panado gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.

Panado looking for an armbar but decides to keep the dominant position instead.
Gotovina tries to lock up and control but Panado gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Panado is going oldschool here, as he tries to force Gotovina to tap using a forearm choke. This isn't 1993 though, so Gotovina shrugs it off.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Panado looking to secure an arm triangle but Gotovina defends it well.
Gotovina is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.

The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Panado goes for an armbar but he's fallen flat on his backside there and now Gotovina is on top in guard.
Gotovina slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.
Gotovina passes into half guard.
Panado tries to get to full guard but Gotovina has control of the leg.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Panado is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Gotovina scores with a couple of nice shots.
Panado gets full guard.
Gotovina wants to pass the guard but Panado is keeping the position.
Gotovina controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Panado wants to sweep here but Gotovina controlling him for the moment.
Panado is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Gotovina controlling from the top position.
Gotovina stopping the sweep attempt from Panado.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ante Gotovina dominated that 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.

Panado misses with a takedown
and Gotovina counters with a nice body shot.
Gotovina swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Panado throws a counter combo.
Panado tries to score a power double leg takedown but Gotovina sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Panado somewhat.
A quick step to the side and Gotovina tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.

Panado shoots in and bounces Gotovina off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
Panado looking to pass the guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Gotovina has butterfly guard. He's looking to stand up here. He pushes Panado off him and springs to his feet nicely. The crowd applauds.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gotovina keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Ante Gotovina has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ernesto Panado.
Panado fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Gotovina slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Panado fails to land the takedown.
A looping hook to the body misses from Gotovina. Panado does a little dance to reset his feet.
Panado takes one to the side of the head.
Panado fails to land the takedown.
Panado shoots for a double leg takedown but Gotovina sprawls well. He's pushed Panado's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Gotovina lands a slapping body shot.
Ante Gotovina is winning the standup battle so far.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gotovina stuffs the takedown attempt from Panado. Panado gets slowly back to his feet.
Gotovina scores with a jab to the head.
Panado misses with a two punch combination.
Gotovina's corner calls for a 1-2. Gotovina obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Panado misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
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!
Panado darts in looking for a takedown but Gotovina gets double underhooks and turns Panado into the cage.
Gotovina lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Panado takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Gotovina works Panado's body with a nice hook.
Panado fails with the takedown
and Gotovina counters with a leg kick.
Gotovina is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Panado can do to turn this around?
Panado drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Panado dives in and grabs Gotovina's left leg, looking for a takedown. Gotovina pushes down on Panado's head and hops out.
Gotovina feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Panado's calf.
Panado shoots in but Gotovina avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Ernesto Panado is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Panado tries for a takedown but Gotovina circles away easily
and Panado takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Gotovina lands with a thumping leg kick.
Panado shoots for a takedown but Gotovina saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
A good leg kick by Gotovina.
Panado misses with a takedown attempt
and Gotovina connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Panado uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Gotovina.
Panado shoots and misses
and Gotovina counters with a stiff right hand.
Panado is breathing heavily.
Panado moves forwards but Gotovina connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Gotovina looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gotovina cracks the inside of Panado's front leg.
Panado's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Panado goes for a double leg but Gotovina avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Gotovina continues to drive forward.
Gotovina scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Gotovina getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
That kick from Gotovina tenderised Panado's leg. Panado is trying to keep his angry face on.
Gotovina looks to land a right hand but Panado moved out of range.
Gotovina throws a body punch but Panado moves out of range.
Gotovina connects with a body shot that sends Panado's belly button to the back.
Panado misses with a double jab
and Gotovina counters with a straight right hand.
Panado avoids the body shot from Gotovina.
Gotovina connects with a body shot that sends Panado's belly button to the back.
Panado shoots and misses
and Gotovina counters with a lovely shot to the body.

Panado feints and as Gotovina raises his hands in defense, Panado changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ante Gotovina dominated that second 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.

Panado has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Gotovina finds it's way round the side to connect with Panado's head.
Gotovina feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Panado's calf.
That kick from Gotovina tenderised Panado's leg. Panado is trying to keep his angry face on.
Panado shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Gotovina connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Panado throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Gotovina's waist but Gotovina gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Panado off to one side.
Gotovina lands a nice shot to the body.
Gotovina just misses with a punch to the body.
Panado throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Gotovina's waist but Gotovina gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Panado off to one side.
Ante Gotovina has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ernesto Panado.
Gotovina catches Panado with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Panado gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Panado takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Gotovina lands a nice leg kick that just misses Panado's sensitive parts.
Gotovina fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Panado has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Panado takes a shot to the body in his stride.
A leg kick checked by Panado.
Gotovina slaps away a takedown attempt from Panado, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Panado takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Panado with a lazy takedown attempt
and Gotovina counters with a leg kick.
Panado takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Gotovina stuns Panado with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Panado shoots and misses
and Gotovina counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Panado uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Gotovina.
Gotovina connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Panado takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Panado chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Gotovina can pounce on him.
Panado takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gotovina scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Gotovina defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Panado.
Panado changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Gotovina tries to avoid it but Panado manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Gotovina to the ground. Gotovina escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Gotovina tried to counter with a leg kick but Panado avoided it.
Panado tries for a takedown but Gotovina sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Panado takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Gotovina fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Panado manages to avoid it.
Gotovina moves into range and connects with a jab.
Panado misses with a takedown attempt - Gotovina sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Gotovina fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Panado manages to avoid it.
Gotovina dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Gotovina scores with the left hand. Panado knows he should have avoided that one.
Panado gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Gotovina counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gotovina fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Panado looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Panado shoots and misses
and Gotovina counters with a right hand to the body.
Panado shoots in but no luck this time.
Gotovina was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Gotovina stuns Panado with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Gotovina uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Panado has time to react.
Gotovina throws a head kick that Panado semi-blocks.
Panado takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Gotovina keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
A counter left hand to the body from Gotovina misses its target.
Ante Gotovina is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Gotovina misses the shot to the body.
Gotovina changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
A looping hook to the body misses from Gotovina. Panado does a little dance to reset his feet.
Panado shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Gotovina sprawls well. Gotovina wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Panado gets slowly back to his feet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gotovina lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Gotovina tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Panado was well out of range. Poor timing from Gotovina.
Panado shoots in looking for a takedown. Gotovina tries to sprawl out of it but Panado keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Gotovina manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Panado avoids the body shot from Gotovina.
Gotovina tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Panado was well out of range. Poor timing from Gotovina.
Gotovina scores with a hook to the body. Panado takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Panado has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Gotovina lands a head shot.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ante Gotovina clearly takes that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Panado needs to keep his hands up - Gotovina had a free shot at his head there.

Panado closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Panado trying to mount his opponent but Gotovina defends it.
Gotovina slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Panado trying to pass the guard. He's being very persistent here but Gotovina manages to land a sweep and now he's on top!

Gotovina sitting in guard here, content to control.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

That's one minute gone in the round.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Panado is on top in guard.

Gotovina controlling Panado's posture.
Gotovina has controlled the position for a good 20 seconds, which will no doubt be starting to frustrate his opponent.
Gotovina is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Panado is looking to get back to full guard here but Gotovina has managed to pass to side control instead.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gotovina wants to lay and pray for a moment but Panado keeps working.
Panado is trying to improve his position.
Panado is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.
Gotovina slips a nice elbow through Panado's hands, connecting with Panado's forehead.
Still in half guard, Gotovina seems content to control.
Gotovina winds up and cracks Panado with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Gotovina trying to pass the guard but Panado defending well.
Panado tries to roll over but Gotovina keeps him under control.
Gotovina is pressing down on Panado's thigh, looking to free his foot. Panado is holding on for now.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gotovina is taking a breather. Panado says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.
Gotovina trying to control the action but Panado is working from the bottom.
Panado is looking for a sweep. Gotovina is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Panado slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Gotovina slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Gotovina has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Gotovina stopping the sweep attempt from Panado.
Our spies down at at Soul Supremacy Rio inform us that Panado has really been working on his submissions in the buildup to this fight. Will it pay off?

Panado is looking for a triangle here but Gotovina uses the submission attempt to pass into side control.
Panado is trying to improve his position.
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.
Panado is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Gotovina off and has taken his back!
Gotovina trying to control but not successfully.
Panado doesn't have the hooks in and Gotovina manages to turn into his guard.
Gotovina seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
Gotovina stopping the sweep attempt from Panado.
Gotovina engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Panado looking to sweep using the butterfly guard but Gotovina puts pay to that idea as he passes nicely into half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ante Gotovina had his way with Ernesto Panado in that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

Panado tries for a takedown but Gotovina circles away easily
letting Gotovina counter with a right hand.
Gotovina misses the shot to the body.
Panado fails with the takedown.
Panado tries for a takedown but Gotovina circles away easily
and Gotovina makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
Ante Gotovina has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ernesto Panado.
Gotovina clobbers Panado with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
A looping hook to the body misses from Gotovina. Panado does a little dance to reset his feet.
Gotovina is looking to wear down Panado with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Gotovina stuffs the takedown.
Gotovina misses the shot to the body.
Panado on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Gotovina. Gotovina obviously looking to wear him down.
Panado tries for a takedown but Gotovina circles away easily
and Gotovina counters with a lovely shot to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gotovina stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Gotovina wants it to stay on the feet.
Panado dives in and grabs Gotovina's left leg, looking for a takedown. Gotovina pushes down on Panado's head and hops out.
Panado is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Panado.
Panado doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Gotovina counters with a stiff right hand.
A slapping leg kick lands for Gotovina.
Gotovina lands with a good body shot.
Gotovina lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Panado fails with the takedown
and Gotovina counters with a nice uppercut.
Gotovina with a nice cross.
Panado shoots in for a takedown but Gotovina shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Panado ducks right into an uppercut from Gotovina.
Panado takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Panado moves out of range of the strikes.
Gotovina with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Gotovina stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Panado is trying hard to land a takedown here. Gotovina sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Panado takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Panado has his takedown stuffed
and Gotovina counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Panado keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Panado is looking for the big counter here.
Panado fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Gotovina scores with a jab to the head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Panado scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.

Panado swings around for an armbar but Gotovina sees it coming a mile off and turns beautifully into Panado's guard.
Gotovina not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Gotovina continues to stall.

Panado looking for subs off his back but Gotovina has passed one foot through into half guard.
Gotovina perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gotovina seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Panado is pressing down on Gotovina's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.

Gotovina got a little sloppy there for a moment and Panado has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Gotovina has managed to get both his arms back between Panado's legs - danger averted.
Gotovina sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Ante Gotovina is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Gotovina stopping the sweep attempt from Panado.
Ernesto Panado has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Gotovina stands up over Panado, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.

And that's the end of the fight!
Ante Gotovina showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Gotovina 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 Seu Braga scores the fight 50:44
Judge Edson Gomes scores the fight 50:44
Judge Daniel Cesar scores the fight 50:44

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Ante Gotovina!
Ante Gotovina is the new middleweight champion!
An out of breath Ante Gotovina thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.
Ernesto Panado spoke after the fight, saying 'good win to my opponent sorry to my fans next time I will fight harder '.