PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Bruno Italo (ranked 2924 p4p, 334 weight class) and Daniel Jones (ranked 4011 p4p, 433 weight class). I don't know about you partner, but I'm pumped for this one!

Italo
vs
Jones

185 cm
33
185 lbs
11 - 9 - 0

190 cm
26
196 lbs
3 - 1 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter fighter
Good chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 11 - 9 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Bruno Italo!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Daniel Jones!
The judges for this bout are Alexandre Firmino, Felipe Paraventi and Daniel Cesar.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Jones tries to clinch

and Italo counters with a nice double leg into guard.
Italo trying to control the position from guard on top but Jones is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Italo is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Italo drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but Jones manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Italo has Jones in his guard.

Italo is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Jones is aware though and is defending well.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Jones gets to his feet - Italo follows without any prompting.
Jones's coach down at Melhor Lutador MMA was telling us pre-fight that they have been working on Jones's balance. Obviously they view that as a key factor in the outcome of this fight.

Jones looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into side control! Oh, that's bad for Italo!
Italo regains half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Italo looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Jones trying to control the pace.

Jones gets to his feet - back to striking we go!

Jones shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
Jones not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.

Italo is looking for a triangle but Jones pushes his legs off easily.
Jones in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Italo throws his legs up looking for a submission but Jones uses it to pass to side control.
Italo has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.

Jones decides to stand back up. Jones steps back and let's Italo get back to his feet.

Jones decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.

Italo looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Italo is breathing heavily.

Jones is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Italo actively working from the bottom here.

Jones decides to return to a standing position.
Jones scores with a head kick. Italo tried to block it but didn't get his arm up in time.

It looks like Bruno Italo has been cut.

Jones moves into range and clinches up with Italo.

Italo gets a nice trip takedown into half guard.
Jones gets full guard.
Jones keeping moving, preventing Italo from controlling successfully.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Jones working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Italo doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Italo manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Jones is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Italo looking to sit in guard and control but Jones gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

Jones trying to control the position from guard on top but Italo is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Italo looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.

Italo has an active guard here but Jones has managed to pass into half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Daniel Jones dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Bruno Italo's cut.
That's time! Back to the action!

Jones gets a takedown into half guard.
Italo is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Jones's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Jones's back!

Italo is working for the rear naked choke. He has one arm under the chin but Jones has hold of the other arm. A bit of a stalemate here.

Italo is remaining active here, looking for the choke. The more discerning members of the crowd will appreciate his efforts.
Daniel Jones has got the better of the ground game so far.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Jones trying to get back to his feet but Italo is in full control for now.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Italo is working for the rear naked choke. He has one arm under the chin but Jones has hold of the other arm. A bit of a stalemate here.
Jones is trying to get back to his feet but he's not managed it yet.

Italo is looking to finish the fight by rear naked choke. Jones knows exactly what he's got planned though, so he's defending well. Maybe a few strikes would soften Jones for a finish.
Jones tries to roll but Italo sticks to his back.
Jones trying to control but he's just got himself in more trouble.
A lull in the action here.
Jones trying to control the position but Italo manages to sink in the hooks.
Italo has the hooks in. Jones is trying to push off one leg but he has to do so cautiously to avoid being submitted.

Italo is working hard for the rear naked choke here.

Italo is looking for a choke. Jones gets to his feet with his opponent on his back and slams him to the mat. Jones manages to squirm out of the attempted choke and turns into his opponent's guard.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Italo is looking for a triangle but Jones pushes his legs off easily.
Jones not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Jones wants to pass the guard but Italo is keeping the position.

Jones avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Jones must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Jones postures up in Italo's guard and throws a big left but Italo blocks it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Italo has an active guard here but Jones has managed to pass into half guard.
Jones throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Jones looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.

Italo looking for submissions off his back.
Jones stops Italo from getting back to his feet.
Jones controlling the pace.

Jones gets to his feet - back to striking we go!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.

Jones scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.

Jones is working for a submission of some sort.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.

Italo looking for submissions off his back.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Italo looking to force a kimura from the bottom here. He's concentrating on that move too much though and Jones pushes past his half guard into mount!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Daniel Jones will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Bruno Italo's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Jones takes the fight into the clinch.
Jones jumps guard but Italo turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Italo is trying to drag Jones to the mat but Jones just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Italo blocking some punches.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

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

Jones gets a clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Italo is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Jones pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Jones working hard to break the clinch.
Jones drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Italo gets the underhooks and prevents it.

Jones jumps guard.

Jones looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Italo is looking to pass into half guard but Jones pushes him away with his feet and jumps on top - now Jones is in guard.

Italo is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Jones is aware though and is defending well.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

Italo is working an open guard so Jones takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Jones is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Italo's half guard.
Jones is taking a breather. Italo 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.
Jones really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Italo. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.

Italo looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.

Jones decides he's had enough of the ground and stands up.

Jones fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Italo sprawls well initially but Jones persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Jones thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Italo's head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Jones thows a huge punch but Italo dodges it nicely.
Jones has been the more effective fighter overall so far.

Italo is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Jones pulls his head out easily.
Jones passes the guard and advances to mount!
Italo wants to use the cage to get back to his feet here.
Jones takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
Italo is trying to stand.
Jones takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Jones throwing sloppy strikes, which aren't doing any damage.
Italo is looking to get to half guard.
Jones controlling from the full mount.
Italo sneaks a leg back under and regains half guard and is working straight away to try and get back to guard. He hasn't managed just yet though.

Italo looking for subs from the bottom but Jones mounts him!
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Italo tries to reverse the position but Jones maintains control.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Daniel Jones really dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Bruno Italo's cut.
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.

Jones shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Italo napping and manages to drive through into side control!
Italo is looking to get back to his feet here but Jones is keeping cool and he's managed to take Italo's back.
Jones missing with strikes from the back.

Jones is staying calm and holding on to the back position, whilst working on a rear naked choke. Italo is defending well though. Jones let's go of the attempt for now.
Italo tries to escape the position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Italo defends a rear naked choke attempt by controlling one of Jones's arms.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Italo tries to escape the position.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Jones wants to control but Italo manages to buck him off and is now in Jones's guard! Nice work there by Italo!
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Jones can do anything to dispel that myth.

Italo drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and Jones dives on top into guard.

Italo can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Jones controls the pace.

Italo is looking for a triangle but Jones pushes his legs off easily.

Jones stands and steps away. Italo gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Jones.
Jones is pausing for a moment. What's he doing? It looks like he's clearing his nose. Oh dude! He's shot a load of snot all down Italo's shoulder. That is not cool.
Jones is looking to take a break and control but Italo is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

Jones decides to stand up, so the ref orders Italo to his feet.
Nice straight punches there by Jones. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Jones.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Jones has managed to clinch.

Jones is working on a single leg takedown against the cage. Italo can't fight it off and eventually Jones manages to take the fight to the floor. Italo looks annoyed but at least he's managed to land in guard.

Italo escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Jones gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Italo avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.

Italo working for a triangle but Jones defends it easily.

Italo has his foot on Jones's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Jones works his way back into a safe position though.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Italo working for submissions but it's allowed Jones to get to half guard.
Jones sitting and controlling from the half guard.

Italo actively working from the bottom here.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Jones throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Daniel Jones dominated that fourth round.
The cut man is working on Bruno Italo's cut.
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. This is the final round!

Italo tries to keep at a distance but Jones has taken the fight into the clinch.
Italo drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Jones gets the underhooks and prevents it.

Jones gets control of Italo's arms and successfully pulls guard. Jones will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Italo tries to free his leg and advance position but Jones is retaining full guard.

Italo got a little sloppy there for a moment and Jones has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Italo has managed to get both his arms back between Jones's legs - danger averted.
Jones lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

Jones showing good wrestling skills to control the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Italo escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Jones gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
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.
Jones slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.

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

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

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Jones wants to control from the top but Italo keeps moving.

Italo is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Jones defends well.
Jones's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Italo has a closed guard, preventing Jones from standing up.
Jones in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Italo throws his legs up looking to secure a triangle. Oh, that looks pretty tight, I gotta say! Jones escapes and throws Italo's legs to the side, diving into side control!
Jones throws a knee to the body but it doesn't do much damage.
Jones remains in side control and seems content to stay there. It's a versatile position from which he can work both strikes and submissions, whilst maintaining that control, so maybe he'll sit here for a while.
Jones tries to move to mount but Italo blocks the move with his legs.
Jones is pausing for a moment. What's he doing? It looks like he's clearing his nose. Oh dude! He's shot a load of snot all down Italo's shoulder. That is not cool.
Italo is positioning himself to get back to half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Italo sneaks back into half guard.

Jones is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Italo has managed to free his arm - good work.

Italo looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.

Jones stands up out of the half guard.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Jones gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily

and Italo counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Italo.

And that's the end of the fight!
Daniel Jones comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Jones has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 Alexandre Firmino scores the fight 45:50
Judge Felipe Paraventi scores the fight 45:50
Judge Daniel Cesar scores the fight 45:50

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Daniel Jones!