PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Xiong Cheng Li (ranked 4657 p4p, 0 weight class) and Rodrygo Da Silva (ranked 2786 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Cheng Li
vs
Da Silva

179 cm
25
158 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

184 cm
25
159 lbs
2 - 4 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent MT
KO power

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent MT
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Xiong Cheng Li!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 4 - 0, fighting out of New York, Rodrygo Da Silva!
The judges for this bout are Dean Styles, Russell Pearce and Jonathan Paton.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Da Silva shoots in looking for a takedown. Li tries to sprawl out of it but Da Silva keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Li manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Li throws a sloppy head kick
and Da Silva counters with a one-two to the body.
Da Silva misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.

Da Silva rushes Li and presses him up against the cage.
Da Silva looking for a takedown.
Xiong Cheng Li has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Rodrygo Da Silva.
Da Silva prevents Li from breaking the clinch.

Li breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Li throws a head kick but Da Silva moves out of range.
Li tries a head kick but it misses.
Da Silva throws a counter combo.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
No joy there for Li, who threw a few shots but didn't land.

Da Silva feints and as Li raises his hands in defense, Da Silva changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Da Silva slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Da Silva trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Da Silva passes Li's right leg, so he's now in half guard.

Li kicks off Da Silva and gets to his feet.
Da Silva fails in his attempt to clinch.
Da Silva looks for a takedown but Li sprawls well.
Da Silva blocks a head kick by Li.
Li throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.

It looks like Rodrygo Da Silva has been cut.
Li throws a head kick but Da Silva moves out of range.
Li throws a combination. Da Silva tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
Li tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Li is breathing heavily.
Li tries a head kick but it misses.
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!
Li misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Li throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Da Silva pulls out of a head kick attempt.
It looked like Li was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.
Da Silva misses with a jab, cross combination.
Da Silva lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Da Silva throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Li.
A head kick misses from Li.
A head kick misses from Li.
Da Silva tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Li defends well and Da Silva ends up having to push Li into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Li throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.

Li tries to keep at a distance but Da Silva has taken the fight into the clinch.

Da Silva breaks from the clinch.
Da Silva cracks Li with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Li throws a sloppy head kick and Da Silva moves out of range easily.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Li is trying to break the clinch but Da Silva is controlling him.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Da Silva is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Li pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Da Silva slowing the pace effectively.
Da Silva throws an elbow that misses.
Da Silva just leaning against Li, taking a breather.

Li's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Li tries a head kick but it misses.
Li pulls out of a head kick attempt.
A jab from Li misses.
Li leaves Da Silva with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Da Silva tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Li defends well and Da Silva ends up having to push Li into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
A head kick misses from Li.
Li leaves Da Silva with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Li throws a lazy head kick
and Da Silva counters with a leg kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Da Silva lands a nice looking kick to the body. Li takes a step back to recover.

Da Silva drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Da Silva is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
Da Silva forces his way into half guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Da Silva takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.
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 Xiong Cheng Li will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Rodrygo Da Silva's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Da Silva blocks a head kick by Li.
Li throws a head kick but Da Silva moves out of range.
A punch combination from Da Silva misses.
Da Silva shoots in for a double leg but Li sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Li tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Li throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped

and Da Silva holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Da Silva keeps control of Li as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.

Da Silva breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Da Silva shoots in for a takedown but Li shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Li misses with a two punch combination.
Da Silva dives in and grabs Li's left leg, looking for a takedown. Li pushes down on Da Silva's head and hops out.
Xiong Cheng Li has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Rodrygo Da Silva.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Li misses with a wild combination.
Li throws a head kick but Da Silva moves out of range.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Li tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Xiong Cheng Li is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Da Silva throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Da Silva is trying hard to land a takedown here. Li sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Da Silva avoids the head kick by Li.
Li throws a sloppy head kick and Da Silva moves out of range easily.
Li takes one on the chin but seems OK.
A big right from Li misses.
Xiong Cheng Li seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Da Silva shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Li but Li pushes him off and we're back to square one.
A head kick misses from Li.
Da Silva is looking for the big counter here.

Da Silva has Li up against the cage in a clinch.

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

Da Silva has closed the distance and engaged Li in a clinch.
Li wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Da Silva has him pressed against the cage.
Da Silva tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Li's elbow.
Li has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Li wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.

Da Silva manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.

Li gets to his feet. Da Silva looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!
Xiong Cheng Li is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Li takes a nasty kick to the mid section... That should keep him thinking. Does he try and block and risk a head kick landing?
Da Silva shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Li as he avoids it easily.
Li misses with a head kick.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Li displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Da Silva.
Li tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Da Silva is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
A left and a right from Li both land. Nice combination.

Da Silva moves into range and clinches up with Li.
Li has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Da Silva tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Li's elbow.
Da Silva is trying to pull guard but Li turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Da Silva wants a takedown.

Li escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Da Silva changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Li tries to avoid it but Da Silva manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Li to the ground. Li escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Da Silva blocks a head kick by Li.
Da Silva is clearly looking to counter with head kicks.
Li misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Da Silva is clearly trying to counter these attacks from Li with a body shot.
Da Silva blocks a head kick by Li.
Da Silva comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.

Da Silva closes the distance and clinches.

Li's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Li throws a hook but Da Silva avoids it easily.
Da Silva tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Li throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.

Da Silva moves into the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Da Silva breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Da Silva throws a leg kick which misses Li's front leg but catches the back leg as Li tries to avoid it.
Li pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Da Silva shoots for a double leg takedown but Li sprawls well. He's pushed Da Silva's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Da Silva tries to clinch up but Li circles away and keeps his distance.
Li misses with a head kick.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
A head kick misses from Li.
Li throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Li throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Da Silva with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Da Silva looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Li is fending him off so far but Da Silva persists. Nope, Li circles away and we're back to standing.
Li misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Li throws a head kick but Da Silva moves out of range.
A head kick misses from Li.

Da Silva gets in close and instigates a clinch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Xiong Cheng Li dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Rodrygo Da Silva's cut.
That's time! Li's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Li throws a head kick that misses.
Da Silva closes this distance looking for a takedown but Li circles away.
Li pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Li throws a head kick but Da Silva moves out of range.
Da Silva avoids the head kick by Li.
Horrible takedown attempt by Da Silva or perhaps it was just good defense by Li, which made it look bad.
Li appears to be looking for a big counter.
Da Silva fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Da Silva blocks a head kick by Li.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Li throws a hook to the side of Da Silva's head but Da Silva sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
A head kick misses from Li.
Da Silva lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
Li takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Li throws a sloppy head kick and Da Silva moves out of range easily.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Da Silva throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Li throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.

Da Silva darts in and clinches Li up against the cage.
Da Silva tries to score a body lock takedown but Li shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Xiong Cheng Li has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Rodrygo Da Silva.
Li is trying to break the clinch but Da Silva is controlling him.
Li wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Da Silva keeps control of Li as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.

Da Silva breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Li throws a right and a left that Da Silva avoids nicely.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Da Silva leaning his opponent against the cage.
A frustrated look appears on Li's face as he tries to break the clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Da Silva misses with a punch to the body.
Li working hard to break the clinch.

Li manages to break the clinch.
Da Silva blocks a head kick by Li.
Da Silva lands a high kick!

Li gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Da Silva showing good wrestling skills to control the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Da Silva sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Li's guard.
Rodrygo Da Silva has got the better of the ground game so far.
Da Silva thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.
Da Silva is continuing to stall.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.
Da Silva works his way into full mount!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Da Silva content just to control the position here.
Li blocking the ground and pound.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Poor strikes thrown by Da Silva there. More accuracy and less frantic strikes would help!
Rodrygo Da Silva has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Xiong Cheng Li is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

Da Silva looking to isolate an arm here. Li doesn't see it coming and as Da Silva extends the arm, he's forced to tap out! Nice submission by Da Silva!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:57 of round 3, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Rodrygo Da Silva!