PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Carlos Ruas (ranked 1159 p4p, 126 weight class) and Ben The Hound (ranked 1833 p4p, 204 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Ruas
vs
The Hound

200 cm
21
280 lbs
5 - 2 - 0

196 cm
21
235 lbs
4 - 2 - 0

Good wrestling
Basic striking
Cardio machine

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent MT
Granite chin

Aspire Clothing

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Carlos Ruas!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Ben The Hound!
The judges for this bout are Timothy Bukovac, Don Winkell and Jack Bonds.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
The Hound throws a sloppy head kick and Ruas moves out of range easily.
Ruas half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
The Hound takes one on the button.
The Hound throws a lazy body kick

and Ruas counters with a single leg into guard. The Hound didn't expect that.
Ruas passes The Hound's left leg - he's now in half guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
The Hound is trying to stand back up but Ruas is controlling him
Ruas wants to pass the guard but The Hound is defending well.
The Hound is staying active underneath Ruas, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Ruas is pressing down on The Hound's thigh, looking to free his foot. The Hound is holding on for now.
Ruas wants to lay and pray for a moment but The Hound keeps working.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
The Hound is looking to improve his position.

Ruas is looking for a kimura but The Hound is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Ruas to get the leverage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ruas controlling the action here.

Ruas looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
Ruas wants to pass the guard but The Hound is defending well.
The Hound is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Ruas wants to free his trapped foot but The Hound is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Ruas is looking to pass the guard... He's managed it - he's now in full mount!
Ruas mounts The Hound! Really nice guard pass there!
Ruas tries to control but The Hound wriggling away.
The Hound is in all sorts of trouble here.

Ruas looking for an armbar but decides to keep the dominant position instead.
Ruas is dominating on the ground here - he's now on his opponent's back, looking to sink in the hooks. The Hound is in real trouble.

Ruas tightening his grip on The Hound, looking for the choke.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The Hound trying to get back to his feet but Ruas is in full control for now.

Ruas looking to break The Hound's wrist control so he can sink in the choke. The Hound remaining controlled and patient though - he really has to keep calm otherwise Ruas will wrap this one up with the rear naked choke!

Ruas goes for a risky armbar from back mount and it's not paid off. The Hound escapes and is now in half guard on top.
Ruas tries to get to full guard but The Hound has control of the leg.
Ruas gets back to full guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The Hound preventing the sweep.
The Hound tries to free his leg and advance position but Ruas is retaining full guard.
The Hound must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
The Hound is looking to stand up but Ruas won't let him.

Ruas has his foot on The Hound's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. The Hound works his way back into a safe position though.
Ruas controls The Hound momentarily but The Hound frees himself.
The Hound preventing the sweep.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
The Hound wants to control from the top but Ruas keeps moving.
The Hound stopping the sweep attempt from Ruas.
Ruas is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Carlos Ruas dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Ruas shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Ruas showed some decent athleticism there.
The Hound has found himself in a tricky position here. He's been working his transitions in training so let's see if he can work his way out of it.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.
The Hound is looking for a sweep. Ruas is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Ruas wants to take a breather but The Hound is having none of it.

Ruas is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. The Hound doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Ruas.
The Hound tries to regain full guard. Instead though, Ruas has advanced to mount. Uh oh.
Carlos Ruas overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Ruas jumps to side control looking for an arm triangle but The Hound manages to avoid the submission attempt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ruas advances nicely into full mount.
The Hound tries to buck Ruas off but he can't manage it.
The Hound is using up a lot of energy trying to get back to his feet. Perhaps he should improve his position first.
The Hound wants to control but Ruas is having none of it.

Ruas working to secure an arm triangle but it's not happening for him just yet.
The Hound keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
The Hound prevents Ruas from taking his back.
The Hound is squirming around, avoiding Ruas's attempts to control the action.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The Hound is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Ruas wants to take his opponent's back but he's not managed it.

Ruas is working on an americana here. Ooh, that looks pretty nasty! Nope, The Hound has managed to escape the submission attempt.
The Hound keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
Ruas controlling the position easily from mount.
Ruas fails to take his opponent's back.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ruas can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as The Hound is looking to escape.
Ruas controlling his opponent.
Ruas takes his opponent's back. Perhaps a chance to lock up a rear naked choke here.
Ruas trying to control momentarily.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
The Hound is trying to get back to his feet but Ruas has full control of the position and if anything, The Hound has just worked his way into a worse spot.
A lull in the action here.
The Hound is in a world of trouble here. He's outmatched on the ground here and he'd better get Ruas off his back sharpish unless he wants to be submitted.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.

The Hound preventing the rear naked choke attempt from Ruas.
Ruas tries to keep control of the position but The Hound is staying busy.

The Hound preventing the rear naked choke attempt from Ruas.
Ruas is looking to finish with some ground and pound!
Ruas trying to control.

Ruas has his hand under the chin of his opponent looking for the choke. He's nearly got it! This one could be all over! But no, The Hound has freed his hand and lives to survive another… well, another couple of seconds at least!
Ruas has the hooks sunk in and you can see the will to fight slowly draining out of The Hound's body.
Ruas is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that The Hound can do to turn this around?
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!

Ruas looking for the choke from the back.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Ruas fails with the takedown
and The Hound counters with a stiff right hand.

It looks like Carlos Ruas has been cut.
Ruas uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from The Hound.
The Hound throws a hook but Ruas avoids it easily.
Ruas seems to be moving with more speed, compared to his last bout. He must have been working on that in the gym.
The Hound fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
The Hound misses with an attempted mid kick.
Nice takedown defense from The Hound. No joy for Ruas on that attempt.
The Hound appeared to try and counter that last move with a leg kick.
The Hound throws an off balance right hand

and Ruas counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Ruas is standing up over The Hound. The Hound looks to escape but Ruas dives into side control.

Ruas tries to move to mount but The Hound blocks the move with his legs.
The Hound is not content to let Ruas control the position.
The Hound sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ruas throws a strike but The Hound avoids it easily and moves to full guard.
Ruas wants to control from the top but The Hound keeps moving.
The Hound wants to stand but Ruas is controlling the position.
Ruas passes easily into side control. Nice work.
Ruas just content to control the position.
The Hound is trying to get back to his feet.
Ruas gets to mount! The Hound was on the offensive and wasn't defending properly.
Ruas looking to control and managing it successfully.

Ruas with some aggressive grappling here. He's looking for submissions here, rather than waiting for the opportunity to counter.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The Hound is really trying hard to get back to his feet.
The Hound is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Ruas wants to take The Hound's back but he can't do it this time.
Ruas moves to take his opponent's back.
The Hound staying busy and making it hard for Ruas to control.

Ruas working for a choke but The Hound is defending well.
The Hound is trying to stand back up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

The Hound showing good submission defense here.
Ruas trying to control momentarily.
Ruas gets his hands free as The Hound looks to control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
The Hound looking very determined here, making life difficult for Ruas.
The Hound wants to get back to his feet.
The Hound really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Ruas. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Ruas trying to control.

Ruas is staying calm and holding on to the back position, whilst working on a rear naked choke. The Hound is defending well though. Ruas let's go of the attempt for now.

The Hound defends a rear naked choke attempt by controlling one of Ruas's arms.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
The Hound wants to get back to his feet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Carlos Ruas clearly takes that round.
The cut man is working on Carlos Ruas'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.

The Hound looks for the body kick but Ruas saw that one coming.
The Hound misses with a double jab.
The Hound misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
The Hound lands with a nice body punch.

Ruas looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into side control! Oh, that's bad for The Hound!

Ruas is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. The Hound knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Ruas tries to advance to mount but The Hound denies him.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ruas works to advance to full mount. The Hound defends for a few seconds but eventually he succumbs.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Ruas moves into side control, trying to work for a kimura. That looks painful! Will he finish!!?? No, The Hound has worked his arm free - good work by The Hound!
The Hound manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.
The Hound is doing well to avoid being mounted. He's controlling the position at the moment.
Ruas prevents The Hound from standing back up.
Ruas is looking to take a break and control but The Hound is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Ruas prevents The Hound from standing back up.
The Hound is looking to control Ruas's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can The Hound avoid being mounted?
Ruas slips a nice elbow through The Hound's hands, connecting with The Hound's forehead.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
The Hound is looking to escape.

Ruas is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. The Hound doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Ruas.
Ruas moves nicely into side control.
You can see the frustration on The Hound's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
The Hound is trying to escape and get back to his feet.
The Hound prevents Ruas from moving into mount.
The Hound is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The Hound wants to get back to his feet.
Ruas wants to advance to full mount but The Hound doesn't think that's going to happen and regains full guard instead.
Ruas engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Ruas passes into half guard.
The Hound wants to control but Ruas is keeping busy and won't allow it.
The Hound wants to stand back up but Ruas manages to pass into side control.
The Hound prevents Ruas from improving position.

Ruas tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Ruas has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Ruas is trying to get an arm triangle but The Hound is defending well.
The Hound is looking to work his way out of this bad position but Ruas is controlling him well.
Ruas content to control the pace. The referee will try and keep them active though.

Ruas is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but The Hound is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
The Hound gives up the full mount - oops, sloppy defensive grappling there!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Carlos Ruas had his way with Ben The Hound in that round.
The cut man is working on Carlos Ruas's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! This is the final round!

The Hound looks to throw the jab but Ruas is out of range.
Ben The Hound has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Ruas misses with an uppercut.
The Hound scores with a decent looking hook.
Ruas uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by The Hound.
The Hound throws the kick towards the body but Ruas avoids it.
The Hound throws the left hand but Ruas avoids the punch easily.
The Hound scores with a sloppy right hand. Ruas should have avoided that one.
Ruas waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract The Hound.
Ruas throws an uppercut from half a mile away. The Hound sees it coming and avoids it easily.
The Hound connects with a jab.
The Hound uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Ruas.
Ruas jabbing away but nothing is landing.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Ruas moves into range and clinches up with The Hound.
Ruas missing with knees to the body.
Ruas takes a shot to the head.

The Hound manages to break the clinch.
The Hound swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ruas takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Ben The Hound is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
The Hound throws a front kick that sends Ruas stumbling back into the cage.
The Hound dodges the punch combination from Ruas.
Ruas throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
The Hound slaps away a takedown attempt from Ruas, before circling back to the center of the mat.
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.
Ruas fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
The Hound connects with a jab.
The Hound lands with a cross.
The Hound looks to land a left hand but Ruas moved out of range nicely.
The Hound avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Ruas moves out of range as The Hound throws a body kick.
Ruas is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.

Carlos Ruas's cut is getting worse.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The Hound misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Ruas.
The Hound jabs Ruas right on the nose. Ruas blinks but takes it well.

Ruas is rocked!
This has been an exciting period of action!
The Hound fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Ruas looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Oh Ruas is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Ruas walks into a stiff left hand from The Hound.
The Hound throws a body kick, spinning off balance

and Ruas counters with a shoot takedown. The Hound fights it but they end up in guard.
Both fighters have adopted an aggressive gameplan on the ground!
The Hound is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
The Hound looking for a sweep. Not yet The Hound, not yet.
Ruas trying to control but The Hound is working from the bottom.
Ruas seems to have got his legs back now.
The Hound is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Ruas stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. The Hound swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Ruas 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.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ruas tries to free his leg and advance position but The Hound is retaining full guard.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.

Ruas shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. The Hound manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
The Hound is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Ruas stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. The Hound swivels though and keeps the full guard.
The Hound wants to stand and escape but Ruas is having none of it.

The Hound escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Ruas gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ruas won't allow The Hound to get back to his feet.
Ruas pushing down on The Hound's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.

The Hound is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Ruas pulls his head out easily.
Ruas moves into full mount! The Hound won't be happy about that!
Ruas controlling the pace for now.
The Hound is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Carlos Ruas is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Ruas tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.

And that's the end of the fight!
Ben The Hound comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Ruas has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Timothy Bukovac scores the fight 49:46
Judge Don Winkell scores the fight 49:46
Judge Jack Bonds scores the fight 49:46

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Carlos Ruas!
Carlos Ruas retains his heavyweight title!