PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Marilson Coutinho (ranked 2513 p4p, 114 weight class) and Cahal Jefferson (ranked 1463 p4p, 66 weight class). Well, I have no idea who's going to take this one!

Coutinho
vs
Jefferson

165 cm
24
138 lbs
6 - 5 - 0

150 cm
25
142 lbs
8 - 6 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

Good wrestler
Excellent MT
Good gas tank

Zenith Nutrition (160q/$200)

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 6 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Marilson Coutinho!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 6 - 0, fighting out of London, Cahal Jefferson!
The judges for this bout are Russell Pearce, Franklyn Lucas and Jonathan Paton.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Coutinho misses with a wild body shot.
Coutinho swings for the body but Jefferson moves out of range.
Jefferson throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Coutinho sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Coutinho throws a sloppy head kick and Jefferson moves out of range easily.
Jefferson throws a head kick but Coutinho moves out of range.
Coutinho misses the shot to the body.
Jefferson looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Jefferson has been working on his striking defense in training and it's paying off as Coutinho is landing a low percentage of strikes.
Coutinho scores with a jab to the head.
Jefferson chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Coutinho has been working on his boxing with his coaches at Soul Supremacy Rio in the buildup to the fight.
A jab from Jefferson misses.
Coutinho shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Jefferson as he avoids it easily.
Jefferson feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Coutinho's calf.
Coutinho slips under a jab.
Coutinho attempts a counter takedown but Jefferson avoids it well and moves away.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Coutinho throws a body shot but no joy.
Coutinho lands a nice shot to the body.

Coutinho decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Jefferson looks like he's trying to stand up.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Coutinho is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.

Coutinho is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Jefferson is just riding it out for now. Coutinho eventually gives up the hold.
Coutinho lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Jefferson regains full guard, whilst avoiding punches from Coutinho.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Coutinho lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Coutinho stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Jefferson swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Coutinho lands a couple of digs.

Jefferson pushes Coutinho off and gets back to his feet.
Coutinho pulls out of a head kick attempt.
A head kick misses from Jefferson.
Coutinho swings for the body but Jefferson moves out of range.
Jefferson misses with a hook. Coutinho ducked under it nicely.
Coutinho connects with a body shot that sends Jefferson's belly button to the back.
Coutinho slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Coutinho throws a hook to the side of Jefferson's head but Jefferson sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Coutinho steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from Jefferson. That one must have hurt.
Nice jab there from Jefferson.
Coutinho blocks a jab.
Jefferson throws a looping overhand right but Coutinho ducks down to avoid it.
Jefferson is really struggling to land any decent head shots against his taller opponent.
Jefferson cracks Coutinho with a right hand to the side of the head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A telegraphed right hand from Jefferson misses the target.
Jefferson goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Cahal Jefferson is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Jefferson throws the kick towards the body but Coutinho avoids it.
Coutinho throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Jefferson stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Good shot there by Coutinho.
Jefferson swings for the body but Coutinho moves out of range.
Coutinho on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
Jefferson loads up on a big right hand but Coutinho slips the punch.
Coutinho attempts a counter takedown but Jefferson avoids it well and moves away.
A jab from Coutinho finds it's way through Jefferson's defenses.
Coutinho is looking to wear down Jefferson with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Coutinho checks the leg kick.
A looping hook to the body misses from Coutinho. Jefferson does a little dance to reset his feet.
Coutinho avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Coutinho shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Jefferson sprawls well. Jefferson wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Coutinho gets slowly back to his feet.
Nice defenses there by Coutinho.
Coutinho appears to be looking for a counter takedown.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Coutinho lands with a hook. Jefferson tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Jefferson moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Coutinho's corner calls for a 1-2. Coutinho obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Jefferson throws a jab when Coutinho was well out of range.
Jefferson uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Coutinho.
Coutinho avoids the head kick by Jefferson.
Jefferson misses with a straight left.
Coutinho with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Coutinho walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
A shot to the liver by Coutinho. Beautiful body shot.
Coutinho looks for a takedown but Jefferson sprawls well.
Jefferson appeared to try and counter that last move with a leg kick.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Marilson Coutinho. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Coutinho lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Jefferson at a distance.
Jefferson jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Marilson Coutinho seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Jefferson keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Marilson Coutinho will probably get the nod.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Jefferson missing with a left hand there. Coutinho was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Coutinho throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Jefferson only half commits to the counter leg kick.
Jefferson steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Coutinho.
Coutinho dives in and grabs Jefferson's left leg, looking for a takedown. Jefferson pushes down on Coutinho's head and hops out.
Coutinho is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
Coutinho shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Jefferson pinned against the cage. Jefferson gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Coutinho fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Jefferson is loading up here, looking for a big counter of his own.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Marilson Coutinho. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Coutinho shoots in looking for a takedown. Jefferson tries to sprawl out of it but Coutinho keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Jefferson manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Jefferson doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Coutinho tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Jefferson was well out of range. Poor timing from Coutinho.
Jefferson jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Coutinho bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Coutinho tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Jefferson defends well and Coutinho ends up having to push Jefferson into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
It seemed like Jefferson was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Jefferson attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Jefferson takes one to the side of the head.

Coutinho looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into side control! Oh, that's bad for Jefferson!
Jefferson pushes Coutinho away and creates a bit of space to escape. He's almost out here... but no, Coutinho gets a good hold of his legs and remains firmly in side control.
Coutinho will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.

Coutinho thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.

Coutinho tries for a kimura but Jefferson is defending well.

Coutinho tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Coutinho has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
Jefferson is trying to escape and get back to his feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Coutinho in side control, trying to ground and pound but not landing this time.
Jefferson wants to get back to his feet but Coutinho drags him back down.

Coutinho goes for an armbar here - this could be all over! But no, Jefferson has escaped beautifully and is now on top in side control! Oh, that's unlucky for Coutinho but great work by Jefferson.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Jefferson stands up and beckons Coutinho to his feet.
Coutinho shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Coutinho fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Jefferson looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Jefferson works the jab nicely.
Jefferson throws a head kick that Coutinho semi-blocks.
Coutinho uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Jefferson.
Jefferson takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Nice defenses there by Coutinho.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Coutinho ducks under a wild hook from Jefferson.
Jefferson takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Coutinho takes one to the side of the head.
Jefferson misses with a looping right.
Coutinho changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Coutinho on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Jefferson. Jefferson obviously looking to wear him down.
A left lands for Coutinho.
Jefferson takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Coutinho shoots in for a double leg but Jefferson sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Coutinho dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Coutinho defending well as Jefferson loads up on a big left hand.
Nice sprawl there from Jefferson as Coutinho shoots in.
Jefferson misses with a body kick.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Coutinho is defended easily by Jefferson.
Nice cross by Coutinho.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Jefferson takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Jefferson throws a hook to the side of Coutinho's head but Coutinho sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Coutinho lands a jab.
Jefferson misses with a hook.
Coutinho bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Jefferson's head.
Jefferson scores with a push kick.
A good leg kick by Jefferson.

Coutinho shoots in and bounces Jefferson off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
Coutinho loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Coutinho trying to control but Jefferson is working from the bottom.
Coutinho stands up over Jefferson, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Cahal Jefferson will probably get the nod - 10:9.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!

A big right from Jefferson misses.
Coutinho throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Jefferson sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Jefferson does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Coutinho is defended easily by Jefferson.
Coutinho throws a wild body kick that Jefferson sees coming a mile off.
Jefferson throws a head kick but Coutinho moves out of range.
Jefferson misses with a leg kick.
A head kick by Coutinho misses
and Jefferson counters with a thumping low kick.
A jab from Jefferson misses.
Coutinho was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Jefferson takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Coutinho fails with a takedown attempt.
Jefferson tries to counter by closing the distance.
Coutinho thuds a left hand into Jefferson's body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Jefferson scores with a jab to the jaw.
Jefferson on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Jefferson displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Coutinho.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Marilson Coutinho. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Jefferson ducks under a wild hook from Coutinho.
Coutinho lands a nice shot to the body.
Coutinho changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Jefferson tries to avoid it but Coutinho manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Jefferson to the ground. Jefferson escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Jefferson misses with a looping right.
Jefferson uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Coutinho uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Jefferson.
Coutinho throws a jab but it's blocked by Jefferson.
Jefferson looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Coutinho moves out of range of the body kick.
Coutinho fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Jefferson avoids it really well and circles away.
Jefferson displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Coutinho.
Coutinho is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Coutinho swings and misses with a hook to the body.
It seemed like Jefferson was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Jefferson stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Coutinho waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Jefferson.
A little jabbing left from Jefferson on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Jefferson throws a hook but Coutinho blocks it.
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!
Jefferson fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Jefferson throws a big shot that misses.
Jefferson drops his hands momentarily and Coutinho takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Coutinho misses with a body shot.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Jefferson! But no joy.
Cahal Jefferson seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Coutinho doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Jefferson counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Jefferson wants to land a leg kick but Coutinho is out of range.
Jefferson throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Coutinho sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Jefferson misses the shot to the body.

Jefferson gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Coutinho working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Jefferson wants to stand up but Coutinho is controlling him.
Coutinho working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Jefferson is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Coutinho is controlling him.

Jefferson pushes Coutinho off for just long enough to get back to his feet. Very athletic spring there.
Coutinho looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Jefferson is fending him off so far but Coutinho persists. Nope, Jefferson circles away and we're back to standing.

Coutinho drives through with a takedown into Jefferson's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
Jefferson is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Coutinho is controlling him.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Coutinho is in close to Jefferson's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Coutinho trying to move into half guard but instead Jefferson has managed to sweep!

Jefferson stands and steps away. Coutinho gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.
Jefferson keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Jefferson walks into a straight right hand from Coutinho.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Jefferson tries a head kick but it misses.
Jefferson lands a jab.
Coutinho uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Jefferson.
A solid leg kick lands there for Jefferson.
Jefferson is looking to land body kicks.
Coutinho was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Coutinho ducks under a wild hook from Jefferson.

A momentary lapse in concentration from Jefferson enables Coutinho to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. Jefferson manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.

Jefferson is scooting his butt against the cage and has managed to get back to his feet. Coutinho presses him back against the cage, presumably looking to take the fight back to the mat.

And that's the end of the fight!
Cahal Jefferson comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Jefferson has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Russell Pearce scores the fight 29:29
Judge Franklyn Lucas scores the fight 29:28
Judge Jonathan Paton scores the fight 28:29

The fight is ruled a draw!