PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a super heavyweight MMA rules bout between Luis Maestre (ranked 249 p4p, 93 weight class) and Tan Zan (ranked 10 p4p, 1 weight class). Both these guys have really solid chins. Will we see a standup war or will they both decide that a knockout is unlikely and try to win the fight elsewhere?

Maestre
vs
Zan

225 cm
29
300
21 - 8 - 0

172 cm
36
164
27 - 6 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
World class boxer
Good gas tank

Savage Fightwear
Hardcore Alchemy

Voodoo Nutrition
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 21 - 8 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Luis Maestre!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 27 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Tan Zan!
The judges for this bout are Chris Downing, Gwen Towbar and Tiny Johnson.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A combination from Maestre does no damage.
Maestre throws an ugly left hook that misses
enabling Zan to counter with a crisp jab.
Zan scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Zan lands a right hook to the body.
Zan ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
A jab from Maestre misses.
Maestre throws a right and a left that both miss.
Zan misses with an uppercut. Maestre saw that one coming.
A jab from Zan finds it's way through Maestre's defenses.
Maestre moves out of range as Zan strikes.
Zan throws a jab when Maestre was well out of range.
Maestre misses with a hook
and Zan counters with a lovely shot to the body.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Maestre with a hook.
Zan cracks Maestre with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Zan throws a body shot but no joy.
Maestre ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Zan moves away.
Maestre's corner calls for a 1-2. Maestre obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Maestre lands with a cross.
Zan swings for the body but Maestre moves out of range.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Maestre moves out of range as Zan strikes.
Maestre misses with a hook.
Maestre slips a jab from Zan.
Maestre looks to land a combination but Zan avoids it well.
Zan uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Maestre.
Maestre is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Zan.
Zan throws a right and a left that both miss.
Maestre slips under a jab.
An attempted straight right counter from Maestre misses the target.
Zan misses the jab.
Zan lands with a hook. Maestre tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Maestre misses with a body punch
and Zan makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
The fighters circling - Zan throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Maestre missing with a left hand there. Zan was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Maestre moves out of range as Zan strikes.
Zan throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Maestre sees it coming and avoids it easily.

Zan moves into the clinch successfully.

Maestre pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Maestre throws a lazy right hand but Zan sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Zan throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
A slow jab from Zan misses its intended target.
Zan throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Maestre slips a straight right by Zan.
Maestre is looking to counter punch.
Zan looks to throw the jab but Maestre is out of range.
Maestre swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Maestre loads up on a big right hand but Zan slips the punch.
Maestre thows a left - swing and a miss!
Zan scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Zan works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Maestre throws a right hand that misses
enabling Zan to counter with a crisp jab.
Maestre is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.
Zan throws a looping overhand right but Maestre ducks down to avoid it.
Maestre fails to land with a series of punches.
Zan misses with a wild body shot.
A quick step to the side and Maestre tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
Zan slips a straight right by Maestre.
Maestre steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Zan.
Donk. Zan catches Maestre right on the button with a cross.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Maestre swings widly with a right hand
letting Zan counter with a right hand.
Maestre keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Zan connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Maestre momentarily.
Zan missing with a left hand there. Maestre was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Zan throws a lazy right hand but Maestre sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Zan misses with a body shot.
Zan cracks Maestre with a good jab.
Zan swings for the body but Maestre moves out of range.
Maestre misses with a combination
and Zan counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Zan throws a poor cross that misses
and Maestre counters with a series of strikes. Zan will be more careful next time no doubt.
Zan is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Maestre.
Maestre jabs Zan to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Maestre seems to be moving with more speed, compared to his last bout. He must have been working on that in the gym.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
A telegraphed right hand from Zan misses the target.
A looping hook to the body misses from Maestre. Zan does a little dance to reset his feet.
Maestre misses the jab.
Zan misses with a body shot.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Zan throws out a token jab with nothing on it.

Zan moves into the clinch.

Maestre breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Maestre misses with a double jab.
Maestre slips under a jab.
Maestre throws a hook but Zan blocks it.
Maestre uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Zan.
Zan works Maestre's body with a nice hook.
Zan moves out of range as Maestre strikes.
Zan staying out of range there.
Zan misses with a looping left.
Zan tries to close the distance and clinch but Maestre swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Zan lands a nice shot to the body.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Zan scores with a jab. Maestre acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Zan just misses with a punch to the body.
Zan scores with a jab to the head.
Zan ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Maestre moves away.
Zan misses the jab.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Tan Zan dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Zan scores with a jab to the head.
A swing and a miss from Maestre.
Maestre ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Zan moves away.
Maestre looks to throw the jab but Zan is out of range.
Zan punishes Maestre's body with a nice straight punch.
Maestre misses with an uppercut
and Zan connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Tan Zan seems to be getting the better of the standup.
No joy there for Maestre, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Maestre keeps the fight on the outside.
Zan takes one to the side of the head.
Zan jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Maestre was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Maestre throws the left hand but Zan avoids the punch easily.
Maestre misses with a lunging right hand
and Zan counters with a right hand to the body.
Zan misses the jab.
Zan lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Luis Maestre is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Zan throws a jab but it's blocked by Maestre.
Maestre drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Zan punishes Maestre's body with a nice straight punch.
Zan connects with a good right hand that stumbles Maestre. Maestre circles away out of range and recomposes himself.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Maestre throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Maestre takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Zan scores with a body shot.
A big left from Zan misses.
Maestre uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Zan.
No joy there for Maestre, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
It seemed like Zan was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Zan throws a hook but Maestre avoids it easily.

Zan instigates a clinch.
Zan tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Zan working aggressively here.
Zan is leaning against Maestre and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Zan creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Maestre blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Zan blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Zan swings wildly with an uppercut but Maestre uses good head movement to avoid it.
Zan lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
A nice right hand lands inside from Zan.
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!
Zan tries to work over Maestre's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Zan lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Maestre misses with a punch on the inside.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Zan lands a left hand that snaps the head of Maestre backwards.
Maestre fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Zan tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Maestre's elbow.
Zan scores with a shot to the side of Maestre's head.
Maestre misses with a hook to the ribs.
Zan scores with a shot to the side of Maestre's head.
Zan lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Maestre backwards.
Zan fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Zan lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Maestre backwards.
Maestre misses with a punch on the inside.
Zan lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Maestre or not.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Zan scores with a nice hook to the head.
Maestre throws a punch but it's blocked by Zan.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Zan creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Zan has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Zan scores with a shoulder strike.
Zan lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Maestre backwards.
Maestre working hard to break the clinch.
Maestre throws a punch but it's blocked by Zan.
A hook to the body from Zan.
Zan lands a right hand that snaps the head of Maestre backwards.
Maestre working aggressively here.
Zan lands a left hand.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Maestre misses with a hook from the clinch.
Zan lands a shot to the body.
Zan lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Maestre scores with a shoulder strike.
Zan scores with a shot to the side of Maestre's head.
A short right from Zan on the inside.
Zan is working Maestre over against the cage.
A hook to the body from Zan.
Zan lands with a short shot to the head.
Zan lands with a short shot to the head.
Zan digs a right hand underneath Maestre's ribcage. Maestre let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Zan lands with a left to the head.
Maestre's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Zan makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Tan Zan seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
A right hook to the body lands for Zan.
Zan lands a body punch in the clinch.
Zan pushes Maestre back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Maestre misses with a short punch on the inside.
Zan lands a shot to the body.
A nice right hand lands inside from Zan.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Zan.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A short left from Zan.
Zan lands a hook that snaps the head of Maestre backwards.
Zan lands a right hand.
Zan lands a hook that snaps the head of Maestre backwards.
Zan works on Maestre's body with a couple of short punches.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Zan.
Zan digs a right hand into Maestre's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Maestre's gas tank.
A short uppercut from Zan.
A nice left hand lands by Zan.
Zan lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Maestre backwards.
Zan lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Zan pushes Maestre back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Zan is leaning against Maestre and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Zan scores with a shot to the side of Maestre's head.
Zan lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Maestre backwards.
Zan working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Zan lands with a short head shot on the inside.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Zan pushes Maestre back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.

Maestre is rocked!
Zan lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Maestre backwards.
Oh Maestre is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Zan blocking some punches.
Maestre seems to have got his legs back now.
A short uppercut from Zan.
Zan throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Tan Zan showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

Nice body punch from Zan.
Jab from Zan.
Zan misses with a body shot.
Maestre takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Decent striking displayed by Zan there.
Zan slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Maestre defending well as Zan loads up on a big left hand.
Maestre looks to land a left hand but Zan moved out of range nicely.
Maestre ducks under a wild hook from Zan.
Zan lands a slapping body shot.
Maestre uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Zan.
Zan uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Maestre.
Maestre throws a hook but Zan blocks it.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Zan throws a jab when Maestre was well out of range.
Zan fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Zan scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Maestre doesn't seem bothered though.
Maestre looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Maestre swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zan ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Maestre takes a jab right on the kisser.
Zan misses with a hook. Maestre ducked under it nicely.
Maestre doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Maestre throws a combination that misses
and Zan counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Zan dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Maestre takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Zan loads up on a big right hand but Maestre slips the punch.
Zan cracks Maestre with a good jab.
Maestre staying out of range there.
Zan misses with a looping left.
A counter left hand to the body from Maestre misses its target.
Zan connects with a single shot there.
Zan throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Zan throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Zan misses the jab.
Maestre throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Maestre throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Zan sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Zan wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Zan looks to land a right hand but Maestre moved out of range.
Zan lands with a shot to the body.
Maestre circles away from the clinch attempt.
Zan sizes up Maestre with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Zan staying out of range there.
The fighters circle momentarily. Zan darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Zan scores with a body shot.
Zan throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Zan works Maestre's body with a nice hook.
A jab from Zan finds it's way through Maestre's defenses.
Maestre misses with a straight left.
Zan uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Maestre.
Zan throws a hook to the side of Maestre's head but Maestre sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Zan throws a hard body shot but it just misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zan throws a hook but Maestre blocks it.
Zan scores with a sloppy right hand. Maestre should have avoided that one.
Maestre misses with a lunging right hand
and Zan counters with a nice uppercut.
Maestre uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Zan.
Zan lands with a shot to the body.
Zan staying out of range there.
Zan connects with a crisp jab.
Zan lands a nice shot to the body.
Zan scores with a jab to the body.
Tan Zan is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Zan with a hook.
Zan takes a swing at Maestre's ribcage but misses.
Maestre was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Maestre misses with a series of wild punches.
Maestre takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Zan staying out of range there.
A jab from Maestre misses.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Zan misses with an uppercut
and Maestre counters with a stiff right hand.
Zan misses with an uppercut. Maestre saw that one coming.
Maestre bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Zan throws a hook to the side of Maestre's head but Maestre sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Zan jabs Maestre right on the nose. Maestre blinks but takes it well.
Zan tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Maestre was well out of range. Poor timing from Zan.
Zan jabs Maestre right on the nose. Maestre blinks but takes it well.
Zan throws out a powerful jab.
Zan slips a straight right by Maestre.
Zan looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Nice uppercut there from Zan.
Zan lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Zan misses with a hook. Maestre ducked under it nicely.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Maestre looks to land a left hand but Zan moved out of range nicely.
A big left from Maestre misses.
Luis Maestre has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
A slow jab from Zan misses its intended target.
Zan tests Maestre's chin there with a solid looking shot.

And that's the end of the fight!
Tan Zan comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Zan has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 Chris Downing scores the fight 27:30
Judge Gwen Towbar scores the fight 27:30
Judge Tiny Johnson scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Tan Zan!
An out of breath Tan Zan thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.
The defeated Luis Maestre had this to say: 'I just lost to the best man on earth. 18-0 is something that very few fighters achieve. I look forward to watching this legend pave his way through history '.