PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Mathias Rekve (ranked 4461 p4p, 0 weight class) and Pol Cuaresma X (ranked 6048 p4p, 0 weight class). Pol Cuaresma X has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Rekve
vs
Cuaresma X

195 cm
25
155 lbs
3 - 1 - 0

170 cm
18
149 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid boxing
Big heart

Good wrestler
Brawler
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Mathias Rekve!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Pol Cuaresma X!
The judges for this bout are Eliza Hachem, Hugh Johnson and Donatello Bradman.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Cuaresma X throws a series of punches but Rekve moves out of range.
Rekve shoots for a double leg takedown but Cuaresma X sprawls well. He's pushed Rekve's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Rekve misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.

Cuaresma X moves into the clinch.

Rekve jumps into guard, dragging Cuaresma X to the mat.
Cuaresma X wants to control from the top but Rekve keeps moving.
Cuaresma X trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Rekve will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Rekve keeping moving, preventing Cuaresma X from controlling successfully.
Cuaresma X loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rekve looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
Cuaresma X throws an elbow that misses. Rekve uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Cuaresma X's guard. Nice move by Rekve!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rekve looking to pass the guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Rekve stands up from guard. Let's bang!
Rekve looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Rekve shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Cuaresma X sprawls well. Cuaresma X wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Rekve gets slowly back to his feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Mathias Rekve. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Cuaresma X looks to score with a jab to the body but Rekve is just out of range.

Cuaresma X clinches up against the cage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nice body punch from Cuaresma X - that landed with a thud.
Cuaresma X slows down the pace here.
Rekve letting Cuaresma X take a breather here.
Cuaresma X works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Cuaresma X lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Rekve letting Cuaresma X take a breather here.
Cuaresma X misses with the head strike.
Cuaresma X lands a nice uppercut.
A body shot lands from Cuaresma X.
Rekve really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Cuaresma X doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Cuaresma X lands a hook to the side of the head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cuaresma X works on Rekve's body with a couple of short punches.
Cuaresma X lands a nice uppercut.
Cuaresma X stalling in the clinch.
Cuaresma X is clearly stalling here... Pick up the pace son.
Rekve is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Cuaresma X gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Cuaresma X goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Rekve blocks a body shot from Cuaresma X.
Cuaresma X holding his opponent close, against the cage.
Cuaresma X presses Rekve against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Cuaresma X has a couple of punches blocked by Rekve.
Cuaresma X misses with a punch to the body.
Rekve prevents a body shot from Cuaresma X.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Cuaresma X tries to throw a body punch but Rekve avoids it by throwing Cuaresma X back against the cage.
Cuaresma X effectively controlling the action here.
Cuaresma X misses with some punches.
Rekve is trying to break the clinch but Cuaresma X has him pressed against the cage.
A short body shot lands from Cuaresma X as the two fighters clinch.
Rekve tries to pull guard but Cuaresma X won't allow it.
Rekve is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Cuaresma X is defending well.
A head punch on the inside from Cuaresma X fails to land.

Rekve breaks the clinch.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Cuaresma X moves out of range as Rekve throws a body kick.
Rekve has a takedown stuffed.

Cuaresma X clinches.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Pol Cuaresma X dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Cuaresma X throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Horrible takedown attempt by Rekve or perhaps it was just good defense by Cuaresma X, which made it look bad.
Cuaresma X looks to land a right hand but Rekve moved out of range.
Cuaresma X defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Rekve.

Cuaresma X has closed the distance and engaged Rekve in a clinch.
Rekve being controlled against the cage.
Cuaresma X misses with a body punch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cuaresma X makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Cuaresma X misses with a hook to the ribs.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Cuaresma X.
Rekve changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Cuaresma X fights it off and pushes away nicely.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Mathias Rekve. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Rekve shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Cuaresma X moves into the clinch.
Cuaresma X taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
Cuaresma X has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Rekve tries to pull guard but Cuaresma X forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Rekve goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Cuaresma X lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Rekve blocks a body shot from Cuaresma X.
Cuaresma X prevents the takedown attempt.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
Rekve misses with a hook from the clinch.
Rekve blocks a body shot from Cuaresma X.
Cuaresma X works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Cuaresma X tries to throw a body punch but Rekve avoids it by throwing Cuaresma X back against the cage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cuaresma X misses with some punches.
Cuaresma X is working Rekve over against the cage.
Rekve fails to pull guard.
Cuaresma X effectively controlling the action here.
Cuaresma X gets underhooks to prevent Rekve's takedown attempt.
Rekve tries to pull guard but Cuaresma X forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Rekve tries for a takedown. No joy.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Cuaresma X tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Rekve's elbow.
Cuaresma X lands an uppercut.
Pol Cuaresma X seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Cuaresma X stalling against the cage.
Cuaresma X stalling the fight.
The crowd are getting on Cuaresma X's back here. They're not happy about his lack of aggression in the clinch.
Rekve can't break the clinch.
Cuaresma X lands a nice shot to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Come on Cuaresma X - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
The pace slowing considerably in the clinch, as Cuaresma X takes a break from that fighting nonsense to think about the finer things in life.
Cuaresma X leaning against his opponent.
Cuaresma X receives a warning from the referee for stalling.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Pol Cuaresma X.
Cuaresma X misses with a series of wild punches.
Rekve looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Cuaresma X is fending him off so far but Rekve persists. Nope, Cuaresma X circles away and we're back to standing.
Cuaresma X changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.

Cuaresma X drives through and clinches with Rekve against the cage.
Cuaresma X is pushing Rekve up against the cage, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.
Rekve letting Cuaresma X take a breather here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Cuaresma X will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Rekve up against the cage.
Cuaresma X lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Rekve looking for a takedown.
Rekve tries for a takedown but Cuaresma X manages to get underhooks.
Cuaresma X can't find room to land a body shot as Rekve controls the action.
Cuaresma X tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Cuaresma X is stalling here.
Cuaresma X manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
A short left from Cuaresma X.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Pol Cuaresma X showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Rekve's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!

Cuaresma X darts in and clinches Rekve up against the cage.
Rekve jumps guard but Cuaresma X turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Cuaresma X.
Rekve is trying to pull guard but Cuaresma X turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Rekve blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Cuaresma X softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Rekve is trying to pull guard but Cuaresma X has him pressed against the cage.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Mathias Rekve. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Cuaresma X lands a nice shot to the body.
Cuaresma X tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Cuaresma X tries a body shot but Rekve blocks it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cuaresma X fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
The referee is keeping an eye on Rekve - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.
Cuaresma X tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Rekve's elbow.
Cuaresma X lands a hook that snaps the head of Rekve backwards.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rekve wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Cuaresma X lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Rekve or not.
Rekve tries for a takedown but Cuaresma X manages to get underhooks.
Rekve has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Cuaresma X avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Cuaresma X scores with a shoulder strike.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
Rekve goes for a takedown in the clinch but Cuaresma X prevents it.
Cuaresma X lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Rekve.
Cuaresma X gets underhooks to prevent Rekve's takedown attempt.
Cuaresma X stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.
Cuaresma X prevents a body shot from Rekve.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rekve jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Cuaresma X walks away with a smile on his face. Rekve gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Rekve shoots in and drives through. Cuaresma X sprawls well.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

Rekve moves into the clinch.
Cuaresma X just leaning against Rekve, taking a breather.
Cuaresma X swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Cuaresma X keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Rekve's efforts to push away.
Cuaresma X goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Cuaresma X slows down the pace here.
Cuaresma X gets through Rekve's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Cuaresma X lands with a short punch from the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rekve is looking to control Cuaresma X's arms but Cuaresma X gets an underhook and turns him. Now Rekve has his back to the cage.
Rekve blocks an uppercut.
Rekve trying to stall but Cuaresma X improves his position.
A short uppercut from Cuaresma X.
A short body shot lands from Cuaresma X as the two fighters clinch.
Cuaresma X lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Nice body punch from Cuaresma X - that landed with a thud.
A nice right hand lands inside from Cuaresma X.
Cuaresma X lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Rekve prevents a body shot from Cuaresma X.
Nice body punch from Cuaresma X - that landed with a thud.
Cuaresma X lands with a right to the head.
Cuaresma X avoiding damage.
Rekve drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Cuaresma X tries to work over Rekve's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Stalling in the clinch from Cuaresma X.

Rekve manages to break the clinch.

Cuaresma X has Rekve up against the cage in a clinch.
Cuaresma X stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.
A frustrated look appears on Rekve's face as he tries to break the clinch.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Cuaresma X just leaning against Rekve, taking a breather.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Rekve is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Cuaresma X to keep the fight standing.
Mathias Rekve has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Pol Cuaresma X is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Cuaresma X avoiding damage.

And that's the end of the fight!
Pol Cuaresma X comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Cuaresma X winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Eliza Hachem scores the fight 25:30
Judge Hugh Johnson scores the fight 25:30
Judge Donatello Bradman scores the fight 25:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Pol Cuaresma X!