PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Rafael Loureiro (ranked 2789 p4p, 385 weight class) and Niko Diaz (ranked 2338 p4p, 333 weight class). Both fighters look pumped up here. Let's hope this is a good fight!

Loureiro
vs
Diaz

183 cm
23
191 lbs
5 - 3 - 0

182 cm
23
190 lbs
8 - 5 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Excellent MT
Good gas tank

IniTech Nutrition

Freebok (85% Laundry)
Sully's Bar & Grill

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Rafael Loureiro!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Niko Diaz!
The judges for this bout are Don Winkell, Timothy Bukovac and .

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Loureiro tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Diaz was well out of range. Poor timing from Loureiro.
Loureiro tries to move into range but Diaz moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Diaz doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.

Loureiro changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Diaz looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
You can see the frustration on Diaz's face as Loureiro controls the position.
Loureiro tries to move into full mount but can't pass Diaz's legs.
Diaz felt the need to train up his defensive grappling in the buildup to the fight. Presumably he was expecting to be in a difficult position like this, so let's see if he can get out of it.
Loureiro takes a little break here. Diaz wants to take advantage but he is being controlled well.
You can see the frustration on Diaz's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Loureiro throws a strike aimed at the side of Diaz's head but Diaz avoids it well.
Diaz is pushing Loureiro's head away, looking to escape. Loureiro manages to hold on to the position though.

Loureiro is trying to get an arm triangle but Diaz is defending well.

Loureiro working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Diaz is trying to escape and get back to his feet.

Loureiro wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Diaz, who protects the arm well.
Loureiro tries to advance to mount but Diaz denies him.

Loureiro is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Diaz is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.

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.
Loureiro is looking to take a break and control but Diaz is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Loureiro 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.
Loureiro tries to cartwheel into mount but he doesn't manage it.
Loureiro is looking to take a break and control but Diaz is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Diaz is looking for a sweep.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Loureiro is looking to take a break and control but Diaz is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

Loureiro swings around for an armbar but Diaz sees it coming a mile off and turns beautifully into Loureiro's guard.

Loureiro working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Diaz doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Diaz manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Diaz engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.

Loureiro working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Diaz doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Oh but Loureiro is tightening it up a little... Diaz has to be careful here... He's got his foot tucked under now, this looks tight! Diaz reacted too slowly and this one could be over in a matter of seconds! YES! Diaz taps out! Nice BJJ there by Loureiro!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:56 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle Choke). Rafael Loureiro!