PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Dustin Cruz (ranked 5083 p4p, 5996 weight class) and Ghoragdush Gro Kashug (ranked 591 p4p, 644 weight class). Man, I cannot wait for this one!

Cruz
vs
Gro Kashug

185 cm
25
170
0 - 0 - 0

175 cm
18
172
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
Very strong

Good takedowns
Counter fighter
Tends to cut

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight 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, Dustin Cruz!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Ghoragdush Gro Kashug!
The judges for this bout are Franklyn Lucas, Alyssa Summers and Anthony Taglia.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Cruz has taken the fight to the clinch.

Cruz manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Gro Kashug throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Cruz preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Cruz preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Gro Kashug throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Gro Kashug postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Gro Kashug trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Gro Kashug postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Cruz knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Gro Kashug on the ground.
Gro Kashug throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Cruz utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Gro Kashug throwing strikes from guard but Cruz blocks nicely.
Cruz avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Cruz is pulling down on Gro Kashug's head. It's preventing any offense from Gro Kashug, at least for the moment.
Gro Kashug missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Cruz working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Gro Kashug.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gro Kashug missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Gro Kashug throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Cruz utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Gro Kashug working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Cruz avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Gro Kashug postures up in Cruz's guard and throws a big left but Cruz blocks it.
Gro Kashug missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Gro Kashug working some strikes from top position.
Cruz preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Gro Kashug working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Gro Kashug postures up in Cruz's guard and throws a big left but Cruz blocks it.
Gro Kashug throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Cruz works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Gro Kashug trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Gro Kashug chips away with some ground and pound.
Gro Kashug loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Gro Kashug accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Gro Kashug throws a big right hand that misses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gro Kashug stops Cruz from standing up.
Gro Kashug postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Gro Kashug loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Gro Kashug missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Gro Kashug throwing strikes but missing.
Gro Kashug chips away with some ground and pound.
Gro Kashug lands a couple of digs.
Cruz utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Gro Kashug postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Gro Kashug throwing strikes but missing.

Cruz escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Gro Kashug gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Gro Kashug accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Cruz avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cruz working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Gro Kashug.
Gro Kashug slips nicely into half guard.
Gro Kashug throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Cruz blocking the ground and pound attempt from Gro Kashug.
Gro Kashug throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Cruz keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Gro Kashug throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Gro Kashug missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Gro Kashug missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Gro Kashug winds up and cracks Cruz with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Cruz blocking the ground and pound attempt from Gro Kashug.
Gro Kashug not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Cruz blocking the ground and pound attempt from Gro Kashug.
Gro Kashug thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Cruz's head.
Gro Kashug throwing shots but Cruz is blocking nicely.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Cruz avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Gro Kashug.
Gro Kashug sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Cruz defending well though.
Gro Kashug not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Gro Kashug thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Cruz's head.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Gro Kashug connects with a nice short shot to Cruz's temple.
Gro Kashug working Cruz over with strikes.
Gro Kashug missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Cruz blocking the ground and pound attempt from Gro Kashug.
Gro Kashug throwing shots but Cruz is blocking nicely.
Gro Kashug throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Gro Kashug is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Gro Kashug slips a nice elbow through Cruz's hands, connecting with Cruz's forehead.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Gro Kashug not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Gro Kashug not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Gro Kashug thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Cruz's head.
Gro Kashug thows a huge punch but Cruz dodges it nicely.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Ghoragdush Gro Kashug dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Cruz throws a lazy uppercut

and Gro Kashug counters with a single leg into guard. Cruz didn't expect that.
Gro Kashug throws a big right hand that misses.
Gro Kashug missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Cruz working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Gro Kashug.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Gro Kashug accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.

Cruz looking for a guillotine here but Gro Kashug defends easily.
Gro Kashug with a flurry of punches that miss.
Gro Kashug throwing strikes but missing.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Gro Kashug trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Gro Kashug throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Cruz works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Gro Kashug throws a big right hand that misses.
Cruz utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gro Kashug trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Gro Kashug missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Gro Kashug loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Gro Kashug throws a big elbow that misses.
Gro Kashug has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Gro Kashug missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Cruz on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Cruz tries to get out of the position.
Cruz tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Gro Kashug accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Gro Kashug trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Cruz avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Gro Kashug throws a big elbow that misses.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Gro Kashug accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Gro Kashug loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Gro Kashug trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Cruz working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Gro Kashug.
Gro Kashug missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Gro Kashug missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gro Kashug throwing strikes but missing.

Cruz has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Gro Kashug can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
Gro Kashug keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Cruz's head.
Gro Kashug working some strikes from top position.
Gro Kashug in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Gro Kashug working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Cruz working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Gro Kashug.
Gro Kashug with a flurry of punches that miss.
Gro Kashug throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Cruz works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Gro Kashug is working Cruz over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Ghoragdush Gro Kashug has got the better of the ground game so far.
Gro Kashug throwing strikes from guard but Cruz blocks nicely.
Gro Kashug loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gro Kashug is looking to work some ground and pound but Cruz has wrist control.
Gro Kashug throws a big elbow that misses.
Cruz looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Gro Kashug throwing strikes but missing.
Gro Kashug throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Cruz works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Gro Kashug working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Gro Kashug throws a big elbow that misses.
Gro Kashug scoring with some ground and pound.
Gro Kashug postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Gro Kashug lands a couple of digs.
Gro Kashug in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Gro Kashug throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Cruz works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Cruz has momentary wrist control but Gro Kashug slips an elbow through the middle.
Gro Kashug loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.

Cruz looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Cruz is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Cruz utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Gro Kashug throws a big elbow that misses.
Gro Kashug with a flurry of punches that miss.
Gro Kashug throwing strikes but missing.
Gro Kashug loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Gro Kashug postures up and lands a big shot to Cruz's brow.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Gro Kashug accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Gro Kashug with a flurry of punches that miss.
Gro Kashug throws a big right hand that misses.
Cruz working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Gro Kashug.
Cruz avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Ghoragdush Gro Kashug showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! And we move into the final round!

Cruz clinches with his opponent.
Gro Kashug tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Gro Kashug swings wildly with an uppercut but Cruz uses good head movement to avoid it.
Gro Kashug has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Gro Kashug misses with some punches.
Gro Kashug tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Cruz tries to stall but Gro Kashug uses the opportunity to gain a better position.

Cruz pulls Gro Kashug into guard.
Gro Kashug throws a big right hand that misses.
Gro Kashug trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Gro Kashug is looking to work some ground and pound but Cruz has wrist control.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Gro Kashug throws a big elbow that misses.
Gro Kashug missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Gro Kashug throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Cruz works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Cruz utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Cruz avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gro Kashug with a flurry of punches that miss.
Gro Kashug throwing strikes but missing.
Gro Kashug keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Cruz's head.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Gro Kashug accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Gro Kashug working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Gro Kashug is looking to work some ground and pound but Cruz has wrist control.
Gro Kashug missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Gro Kashug throwing strikes but missing.
Gro Kashug missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Gro Kashug working some strikes from top position.
Gro Kashug postures up in Cruz's guard and throws a big left but Cruz blocks it.
Gro Kashug throws a big right hand that misses.
Gro Kashug throwing strikes from guard but Cruz blocks nicely.
Gro Kashug throwing strikes from guard but Cruz blocks nicely.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gro Kashug working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Gro Kashug trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Gro Kashug throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Gro Kashug is looking to work some ground and pound but Cruz has wrist control.
Cruz working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Gro Kashug.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Gro Kashug accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Gro Kashug is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Gro Kashug throwing strikes but missing.
Gro Kashug throwing strikes from guard but Cruz blocks nicely.

Cruz throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Gro Kashug in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cruz utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Gro Kashug is looking to work some ground and pound but Cruz has wrist control.
Cruz has momentary wrist control but Gro Kashug slips an elbow through the middle.
Cruz avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Gro Kashug missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Gro Kashug is looking to work some ground and pound but Cruz has wrist control.
Gro Kashug with a flurry of punches that miss.
Cruz utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Gro Kashug trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Gro Kashug with a nice head shot there.
Gro Kashug throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Cruz utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Cruz avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gro Kashug throwing strikes from guard but Cruz blocks nicely.
Gro Kashug trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Gro Kashug's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Gro Kashug trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Cruz utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Cruz doesn't do any damage with a couple of strikes from the bottom.
Cruz working a defensive guard here.
Gro Kashug scoring with punches to the head and body.
Cruz preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Gro Kashug with a flurry of punches that miss.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Gro Kashug working some strikes from top position.
Gro Kashug missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Dustin Cruz has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Gro Kashug accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.

And that's the end of the fight!
Ghoragdush Gro Kashug comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Gro Kashug 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 Franklyn Lucas scores the fight 26:30
Judge Alyssa Summers scores the fight 27:30
Judge Anthony Taglia scores the fight 26:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Ghoragdush Gro Kashug!
After winning the bout, Ghoragdush Gro Kashug thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.