PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Cross A Zoo (ranked 314 p4p, 901 weight class) and Boris Matusov (ranked 46 p4p, 144 weight class). Buckle up people - heeeeeeeeeere we go!

A Zoo
vs
Matusov

183 cm
26
179
16 - 7 - 0

190 cm
29
175
24 - 11 - 0

Good wrestling
World class MT
Insanely flexible

Excellent grappler
Basic striking
Good gas tank

Ma Balls Is Hot Clothing
HELLBENT

Altitude Clothing
Sydney Fight Gear

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the welterweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 16 - 7 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Cross A Zoo!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 24 - 11 - 0, fighting out of London, Boris Matusov!
The judges for this bout are Thiago Cunha, Edson Gomes and Luis Engracia.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Matusov tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but A Zoo swivels and escapes.
Matusov shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says A Zoo as he avoids it easily.
Matusov is trying hard to land a takedown here. A Zoo sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
A Zoo half committed to a counter leg kick.
Cross A Zoo has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Boris Matusov.
A Zoo throws a nice outside leg kick.
Matusov shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as A Zoo sprawls well. A Zoo wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Matusov gets slowly back to his feet.
A Zoo lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!

A Zoo rushes Matusov and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.

Matusov pulls guard successfully.

Matusov is looking for a triangle here but A Zoo uses the submission attempt to pass into side control.
Matusov is looking to reverse the position.
A Zoo content to control the pace. The referee will try and keep them active though.
Matusov is positioning himself to get back to half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Matusov tries to slip a leg under to move to half guard but A Zoo presses down on the leg and jumps into full mount!
Matusov regains half guard.
A Zoo trying to control the pace.
Matusov wants to get back to full guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Matusov gets back to full guard.
Matusov tries to land a sweep but no joy.

Matusov has his foot on A Zoo's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. A Zoo works his way back into a safe position though.
A Zoo slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.

Matusov isolates an arm and boxes in a triangle. A Zoo stacks Matusov 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 A Zoo!
Matusov struggling a bit here.
Matusov is trying to work for a sweep but A Zoo has mounted him!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Matusov manages to regain half guard. Good work.
Matusov wants to get back to full guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Matusov trying to control but A Zoo postures up.
Matusov is looking to get back to full guard here but A Zoo has managed to pass to side control instead.
Matusov is looking to slip a leg under and get half guard but A Zoo is one step ahead and moves to full mount!
A Zoo looking to control and managing it successfully.
Matusov is in all sorts of trouble here.
Matusov tries to hold on but A Zoo postures up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Matusov is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
A Zoo looking to control and managing it successfully.
Matusov tries to get back to half guard but can't.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Cross A Zoo dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

A kick lands to the mid section there for A Zoo.
Cross A Zoo is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

A Zoo moves into the clinch.
Matusov is looking to take this one to the mat.
Matusov is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but A Zoo is defending well.
A Zoo is pressed up against the cage. Matusov has hold of a leg and is looking to drag A Zoo down to the mat. A Zoo avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Cross A Zoo has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Boris Matusov.
Nice takedown defense from A Zoo. No joy for Matusov on that attempt.
A Zoo appeared to be looking to counter that last move with a leg kick.

Matusov shoots in and bounces A Zoo off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
A Zoo looking for a sweep. Not yet A Zoo, not yet.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now A Zoo is on top in guard.

Matusov is looking for a triangle but A Zoo pushes his legs off easily.
Matusov is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Matusov wants to control the position but A Zoo says "no thanks buddy" and passes to half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Matusov is trying to get back to full guard.
Matusov gets full guard.
Matusov 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.
A Zoo sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Matusov has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.

Matusov looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Cross A Zoo overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Matusov wants to control but A Zoo passes easily into half guard.
A Zoo prevents Matusov from improving his position.

Matusov looking for submissions off his back.
Matusov tries to get to full guard but A Zoo has control of the leg.

Matusov looking for submissions off his back.
Matusov wants to get back to full guard.
A Zoo knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Matusov on the ground.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A Zoo wants to pass to mount but Matusov is defending the position.
Matusov moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Matusov wants to sweep here but A Zoo controlling him for the moment.
A Zoo tries to free his leg and advance position but Matusov is retaining full guard.
A Zoo stopping the sweep attempt from Matusov.

Matusov has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but A Zoo can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.

Matusov throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Matusov is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
Matusov wants to sweep here but A Zoo controlling him for the moment.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.
A Zoo displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Matusov.
Matusov shoots in and drives through. A Zoo sprawls well.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Matusov tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Matusov darts in looking for a takedown but A Zoo gets double underhooks and turns Matusov into the cage.
As Matusov tries to get set, A Zoo tries to push him back and clinch up but Matusov manages to avoid the attempt.
Matusov shoots in but doesn't get the takedown

and A Zoo counters by clinching up.
A Zoo lands an elbow just above Matusov 's eye.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Cross A Zoo dominated that second round.
That's time! Back to the action!

A Zoo is looking to land body kicks.
And Matusov tries to counter it with a takedown but A Zoo pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Matusov shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as A Zoo sprawls well. A Zoo wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Matusov gets slowly back to his feet.

Matusov drives through with a takedown into A Zoo's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
A Zoo can't keep his opponent in guard - Matusov advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Matusov is trying to control the action in half guard but A Zoo is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Matusov tries to pass to full mount but A Zoo defends it.

Matusov seems to be looking for submissions.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A Zoo is staying active underneath Matusov, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
A Zoo is trying is best to control the position here.
Matusov is keen to just control but A Zoo is a slippery customer.
A Zoo is looking to improve his position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Matusov is looking to take a break and control but A Zoo is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
A Zoo tries to get to full guard but Matusov has control of the leg.
Matusov is looking to advance position but A Zoo won't allow it.
A Zoo is concentrating on defense, preventing Matusov from advancing position.
A Zoo trying to control but Matusov postures up.
A Zoo is controlling Matusov's trapped leg to prevent Matusov from advancing to side control.
A Zoo trying to control but Matusov postures up.
Matusov is looking to take a break and control but A Zoo is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
A Zoo wants to control but Matusov is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Matusov is trying to control the action in half guard but A Zoo is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.

Matusov is sneakily working for an arm triangle but A Zoo sees it coming and defends easily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
A Zoo controlling the leg, holding on to half guard.
A Zoo is looking to improve his position.
A Zoo makes his way to full guard. A much better position for A Zoo.
Matusov stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. A Zoo swivels though and keeps the full guard.
A Zoo wants to sweep here but Matusov controlling him for the moment.
A Zoo pulls Matusov in to control the position.
A Zoo keeping moving, preventing Matusov from controlling successfully.
Matusov is fighting to break A Zoo's control of his arms but A Zoo is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
Matusov trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Matusov advances position into side control!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A Zoo is holding Matusov down, trying to stall.
A Zoo wants to control but Matusov postures up.

Matusov is trying to get an arm triangle but A Zoo is defending well.

Matusov tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Matusov has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
A Zoo can't do much from the bottom here.
Matusov passes to full mount! That's big trouble for A Zoo!
A Zoo is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
Matusov wants to control the pace but A Zoo is squirming around nicely.
A Zoo holds on, trying desperately to control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A Zoo keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
Matusov trying to control but A Zoo is having none of it.
A Zoo is wriggling around trying to escape.
Matusov connects with a couple of good shots from mount.
A Zoo is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.

Matusov working for a guillotine from mount but A Zoo is in no mood to give up.
A Zoo tries to hold on but Matusov postures up.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Matusov prevents A Zoo from getting the reversal.
A Zoo tries to hold on but Matusov postures up.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Boris Matusov really dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

A Zoo walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Matusov checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.

Matusov shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in A Zoo's guard.
A Zoo is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Matusov wants to improve his position but A Zoo is controlling well.
A Zoo is thwarting Matusov's attempts to control the position.
Matusov wants to get back to full guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Matusov is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but A Zoo pulls his head out easily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Matusov is trying to get back to full guard.
Matusov gets back to full guard.
A Zoo engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Matusov 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.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.

Matusov working away from the bottom but not quite defensive enough there because A Zoo has passed into half guard!

Matusov is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but A Zoo pulls his head out easily.
Matusov tries to get to full guard but A Zoo has control of the leg.
Matusov is trying to control but A Zoo passes into side control!
Matusov tries to bench press A Zoo off him but A Zoo keeps the position.
Matusov keeps trying to improve his position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A Zoo gets to mount! Matusov was on the offensive and wasn't defending properly.
Matusov slips a leg in and gets back to half guard.
Matusov has a hand on A Zoo's thigh, trying to get back to full guard. A Zoo takes advantage of the position though and mounts him!
Matusov tries to improve his position but instead A Zoo has taken his back!
Matusov tries to escape but A Zoo has the hooks in and won't let him break free.
Matusov turns into A Zoo and is now in his guard.
A Zoo controlling Matusov's posture.
Matusov wants to control from the top but A Zoo keeps moving.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Matusov tries to free his leg and advance position but A Zoo is retaining full guard.
A Zoo tries to land a sweep but no joy.

A Zoo is edging up against the cage. He's using the cage to get back to his feet. Nice work there - the fighters are clinched.
A Zoo lands a left hand that snaps the head of Matusov backwards.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Still in the clinch, A Zoo scores with a nice short uppercut.
A Zoo lands a left hand.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
A Zoo lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Matusov has A Zoo pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. A Zoo manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
A Zoo makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Matusov wants a takedown.
Matusov is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
A Zoo lands an elbow just above Matusov 's eye.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Cross A Zoo had his way with Boris Matusov in that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

A Zoo clinches with his opponent.
Matusov goes for a takedown attempt but A Zoo pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.

Matusov dives in and scores a takedown into A Zoo's guard.
Matusov preventing the sweep.
A Zoo pulls Matusov in close to his closed guard and prevents Matusov from doing any damage or advancing position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Matusov is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Matusov trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Matusov trying to control but A Zoo is working from the bottom.
A Zoo trying to control the position here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Matusov loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Matusov trying to control but A Zoo is working from the bottom.
Matusov throwing strikes from guard but A Zoo blocks nicely.
A Zoo can't keep his opponent in guard - Matusov advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
A Zoo is trying is best to control the position here.
Matusov is keen to just control but A Zoo is a slippery customer.
A Zoo tries to roll over but Matusov keeps him under control.

Matusov is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
A Zoo tries to get to full guard but Matusov has control of the leg.
Matusov is keen to just control but A Zoo is a slippery customer.
Boris Matusov has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Cross A Zoo is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A Zoo keeping hold of Matusov's head, controlling as best he can.
Matusov trying to mount his opponent but A Zoo defends it.
A Zoo pushes Matusov off looking to stand but Matusov dives back in and keeps control.
A Zoo wants to control but Matusov is keeping busy and won't allow it.

Matusov is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Matusov wants to pass the guard but A Zoo is defending well.

Matusov is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, A Zoo has managed to free his arm - good work.
Matusov trying to mount his opponent but A Zoo defends it.

Matusov is working for a submission here. He's got hold of the far side arm and he's looking for a kimura. He's cranking on the arm and he's got it! A Zoo is tapping out! Ouch, that looked like it hurt!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:18 of round 5, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Boris Matusov!
Boris Matusov is the new welterweight champion!