PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a super heavyweight MMA rules bout between Scott Minerva (ranked 842 p4p, 38 weight class) and Mukinio Tambua (ranked 1547 p4p, 73 weight class). Minerva kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genius that is My Pal. I don't know about you partner, but I'm pumped for this one!

Minerva
vs
Tambua

183 cm
31
280 lbs
12 - 5 - 0

196 cm
26
265 lbs
13 - 8 - 0

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Excellent grappler
Excellent MT
Good gas tank

Conviction
Ma Balls Is Hot Clothing

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the super heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 12 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Scott Minerva!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 13 - 8 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Mukinio Tambua!
The judges for this bout are Eddie Farnsworth, Bruno Lombardi and Franklyn Lucas.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Tambua uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Minerva.
Tambua slips a jab from Minerva.
Minerva on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Scott Minerva seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Minerva uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Tambua.
An attempted straight right counter from Minerva misses the target.
Minerva just misses with a punch to the body.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Tambua throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Tambua has a takedown stuffed.
Minerva throws a jab when Tambua was well out of range.
Tambua gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
A big right from Minerva misses.
Tambua uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Minerva.
Minerva misses with an uppercut.
Tambua takes one to the chin there.
Tambua shoots in for a takedown but Minerva shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Minerva ducks under a wild hook from Tambua.
A little feinted left hand from Minerva on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Minerva keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Scott Minerva has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Mukinio Tambua.
Minerva displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Tambua throws out the jab.
Tambua throws out a loose jab but Minerva uses good head movement to avoid it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tambua lands a lovely overhand right.
Minerva leaves Tambua with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Minerva throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Tambua.

Tambua gets the takedown into side control.

Tambua is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Minerva knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.

Tambua looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Minerva manages to get back to half guard.
Minerva is in a tricky position but he's been working on his transitions down at Far-Q Fight Club, so we'll see if he gets out of it.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Tambua is working for a submission of some sort.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Tambua is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Minerva is refusing to be controlled, as Tambua sits in half guard.

Tambua is looking for a kimura but Minerva is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Tambua to get the leverage.
Minerva is looking for a sweep. Tambua is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Tambua working to pass to mount. He's got his hand pressing down on Minerva's thigh. Minerva counters though and makes it back to full guard.
Tambua trying to control the position from guard on top but Minerva is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tambua stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Minerva swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Tambua trying to control but Minerva is working from the bottom.
Tambua won't allow Minerva to sweep him here.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Minerva holds on and takes a little breather.

Tambua postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Minerva is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Tambua, into his guard.

Tambua doesn't do any damage with a couple of strikes from the bottom.

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.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Tambua is on top in guard.

Tambua trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Tambua won't allow Minerva to get back to his feet.
Minerva trying to control the position here.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Tambua tries to free his leg and advance position but Minerva is retaining full guard.
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 Scott Minerva will probably get the nod.
That's time! Back to the action!

Tambua closes the distance and clinches up with Minerva, looking for a takedown. Tambua pushes Minerva against the cage but Minerva circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Minerva stuffs the takedown.
Tambua defending well as Minerva loads up on a big left hand.
Tambua fails to land the takedown.
Scott Minerva has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Mukinio Tambua.
Tambua slips a straight right by Minerva.
Tambua throws out a counter right but Minerva avoids it with no problem.
Tambua ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.

Tambua scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
Minerva managing to avoid any damage from the strikes thrown by Tambua.

Tambua goes for an armbar here - this could be all over! But no, Minerva has escaped beautifully and is now on top in side control! Oh, that's unlucky for Tambua but great work by Minerva.
Minerva 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 Tambua's shoulder. That is not cool.
Tambua is looking to reverse the position.
Tambua gets back to half guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Minerva content to control rather than advance.
Tambua wants to get back to full guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.

Tambua looking for submissions off his back.
Minerva seems to have lost interest with the ground game and is thinking about standing back up.
Minerva is pressing down on Tambua's thigh, looking to free his foot. Tambua is holding on for now.
Tambua is refusing to be controlled, as Minerva sits in half guard.
Tambua is pressing down on Minerva's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.

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.
Tambua is trying to keep Minerva in close.
Minerva is pushing down on Tambua's leg trying to pass to half guard. Tambua is fighting to maintain full guard but Minerva has managed to sneak the leg through.
Tambua regains full guard. Nicely done.
Minerva preventing the sweep.
Minerva is looking to stand up but Tambua won't let him.
Tambua trying to strike off his back.
Minerva wants to stand but Tambua is controlling his posture from full guard.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Scott Minerva is winning the standup battle so far.
Tambua shoots in for a takedown but Minerva shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Tambua fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Tambua walks into a left hand.
Minerva misses with a hook.
Minerva misses with a looping left.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tambua on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Minerva. Minerva obviously looking to wear him down.
Tambua scores with a nice head shot.
Jab, jab by Minerva - just one landing.
A big right from Tambua misses.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Tambua is defended easily by Minerva.
Minerva fires out a quick counter leg kick but Tambua just manages to avoid it.
Tambua gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Minerva.

Minerva gets caught flat footed, as Tambua shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.

Minerva kicks Tambua off and gets to his feet.
Scott Minerva is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Tambua looks to land a right hand but Minerva moved out of range.
Tambua fails with the takedown.
Minerva is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Tambua can do to turn this around?

Tambua closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Minerva's guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tambua postures up in Minerva's guard and throws a big left but Minerva blocks it.
Minerva pulls Tambua in close to prevent any damage.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Tambua accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.

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

Tambua looking to sweep using the butterfly guard but Minerva puts pay to that idea as he passes nicely into half guard.
Minerva seems to have lost interest with the ground game and is thinking about standing back up.
Tambua is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Tambua makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Tambua.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Scott Minerva dominated that second round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. And we move into the final round!

Tambua chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Minerva can pounce on him.
Tambua shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Minerva sprawls well. Minerva wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Tambua gets slowly back to his feet.
A counter left hand to the body from Minerva misses its target.
Minerva throws a low kick but Tambua avoids it.
Minerva throws a jab but it's blocked by Tambua.
Tambua looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Minerva quickly followed up with a counter body kick but doesn't connect.
A swing and a miss from Tambua.
Minerva displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Tambua.
Scott Minerva has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Mukinio Tambua.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Minerva turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Minerva keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
A punch lands to the side of Minerva 's head but he takes it in his stride.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tambua shoots in for a double leg but Minerva sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Tambua.
Tambua takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Minerva thows a left - swing and a miss!
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Tambua! But no joy.
Minerva feints and then cracks Tambua's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Tambua down.
Donk. Minerva catches Tambua right on the button with a cross.
Minerva throws a leg kick which misses Tambua's front leg but catches the back leg as Tambua tries to avoid it.
Minerva pivots, looking for a leg kick but Tambua is out of range and Minerva settles back down.
Minerva misses with a looping right.
Minerva scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Tambua checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
It seemed like Tambua was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Tambua might want to mix his strikes up a bit more. He's just going for head shots at the moment and that can become a bit predictable.
Tambua throws a lazy uppercut
enabling Minerva to counter with a crisp jab.
Minerva throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Minerva fakes the leg kick and cracks Tambua in the body.
Minerva misses with a looping right.
Minerva just misses with a punch to the body.
Tambua throws out a counter right but Minerva avoids it with no problem.
Minerva throws a shot from downtown. Tambua moves away and avoids it.
Tambua shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Minerva defends it nicely.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tambua goes for a double leg but Minerva avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Minerva continues to drive forward.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
A shot to the liver by Minerva. Beautiful body shot.
Minerva lands a glancing blow to the side of Tambua's head.
Tambua shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
A slow jab from Minerva misses its intended target.
Tambua throws a good cross that connects.
Minerva cracks Tambua with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Tambua slips a jab from Minerva.
Minerva misses with a looping right.
Minerva throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
A low kick from Minerva misses

and Tambua counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Minerva!

Tambua swings around for an armbar but Minerva sees it coming a mile off and turns beautifully into Tambua's guard.
Mukinio Tambua has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Minerva might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Minerva sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Minerva trying to stand up but can't free himself from Tambua's guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Tambua looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Minerva tries to stand but Tambua is controlling from the bottom.
Tambua 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.
Minerva trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

Tambua isolates an arm and boxes in a triangle. Minerva stacks Tambua on his neck as he steps over and passes to the side. He's now in a much more dominant position where he can look to do some serious damage. Nice move by Minerva!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Tambua being controlled for a moment.
Tambua is trying to improve his position.

Minerva decides to stand up, so the ref orders Tambua to his feet.
A nice combination there by Tambua.

It looks like Scott Minerva has been cut.
Tambua moves forwards but Minerva connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Tambua drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.

And that's the end of the fight!
Scott Minerva showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Minerva has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... 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 Eddie Farnsworth scores the fight 30:27
Judge Bruno Lombardi scores the fight 30:28
Judge Franklyn Lucas scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Scott Minerva!
During a confident post fight interview, Scott Minerva thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.