PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Crixus The Gaul (ranked 1516 p4p, 1524 weight class) and Nick Rodriguez (ranked 209 p4p, 210 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

The Gaul
vs
Rodriguez

199 cm
25
220
8 - 5 - 0

190 cm
26
220
8 - 5 - 0

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Olympic wrestler
Excellent MT
Good gas tank

HARDCORE Threads

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 8 - 5 - 0, fighting out of New York, Crixus The Gaul!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Nick Rodriguez!
The judges for this bout are Bruno Lombardi, Jorge Garcia and Alyssa Summers.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
The Gaul misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Rodriguez will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Rodriguez changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. The Gaul tries to avoid it but Rodriguez manages to keep hold of a leg and drag The Gaul to the ground. The Gaul escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Rodriguez shuffles to his left behind two crisp jabs. The Gaul eats them both and turns towards Rodriguez to reposition himself and eats a stinging right hand-left hook combo.
Rodriguez jabs at The Gaul's body.
The Gaul misses with a few strikes there.
And Rodriguez tries to counter it with a takedown but The Gaul pushes his down on his head and steps out.
The Gaul tries to clinch there but Rodriguez circles away.
We've been informed that Rodriguez has been sparring a lot of Muay Thai in the buildup to this fight so let's see if that has an impact on the result.
Rodriguez is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by The Gaul.
The Gaul looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Rodriguez is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Rodriguez throws a body punch but The Gaul moves out of range.
The Gaul misses with a double jab.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Rodriguez gets cracked there but stands up to it.

It looks like Nick Rodriguez has been cut.
Nice uppercut there from Rodriguez.
The Gaul closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.

The Gaul moves into range and clinches up with Rodriguez.
Rodriguez has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. The Gaul is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
The Gaul wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Rodriguez has him pressed against the cage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rodriguez changes levels and goes for a takedown here. The Gaul fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Crixus The Gaul has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Nick Rodriguez.
Rodriguez misses with a wild combination.
Rodriguez takes a head kick and shrugs it off.
The Gaul pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Rodriguez! But no joy.
The fight stays on the outside here - The Gaul looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Rodriguez now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
The Gaul moves in looking to clinch but Rodriguez pushes him off.
The Gaul lands a head kick. Rodriguez smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
Rodriguez cracks The Gaul with a good jab.

The Gaul drives through and clinches with Rodriguez against the cage.
Rodriguez changes levels and goes for a takedown here. The Gaul fights it off and pushes away nicely.
The Gaul is looking to clinch.
The Gaul takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Rodriguez lands a slapping body shot.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
The Gaul tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Rodriguez was well out of range. Poor timing from The Gaul.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Rodriguez scores with a takedown into The Gaul's guard.

The Gaul wriggles free and stands up.
Rodriguez lands with a good body shot.
Danga de danga de dang - Rodriguez scores with a four punch combination!
The Gaul doesn't manage to clinch there - Rodriguez circles away.
The Gaul throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
A nice side step and Rodriguez releases a counter shot to the body, but it doesn't find it's home.
The Gaul swinging wildly here.
Rodriguez misses with a few strikes there.
Crixus The Gaul is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Rodriguez avoids the head kick by The Gaul.
Rodriguez tries for a takedown but The Gaul sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Rodriguez catches The Gaul with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
A slow jab from Rodriguez misses its intended target.
Some wild striking there from The Gaul.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rodriguez ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Rodriguez scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Rodriguez throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
The Gaul fails with an attempt to clinch.
Rodriguez swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Crixus The Gaul seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
The Gaul sizes up Rodriguez with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
The Gaul looks for the body kick but Rodriguez saw that one coming.
Rodriguez avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
The Gaul tries to clinch but fails miserably

and Rodriguez counters with a single leg into guard. The Gaul didn't expect that.
Rodriguez looking to pass the guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Rodriguez trying to control the position from guard on top but The Gaul is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
The Gaul keeping full guard, as Rodriguez tries to pass.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The Gaul wants to stand and escape but Rodriguez is having none of it.

The Gaul has scooted to the edge of the canvas and used the cage to get back to his feet. Rodriguez has stuck on his opponent and is forcing him back against the cage.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

The Gaul breaks the clinch.
Rodriguez throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
The Gaul takes one on the button.
Rodriguez dives in and grabs The Gaul's left leg, looking for a takedown. The Gaul pushes down on Rodriguez's head and hops out.
The Gaul went nuts there looking for a big combo counter but none of the flurry connected.
The Gaul moves out of range as Rodriguez strikes.
The Gaul swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Rodriguez drops down looking to force a counter takedown but The Gaul defends it well.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Rodriguez stuns The Gaul with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Rodriguez throws a combination but it was largely blocked by The Gaul.
The Gaul cracks Rodriguez with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Rodriguez tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
The Gaul is looking to counter the offense by Rodriguez and move into the clinch.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Nick Rodriguez will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Nick Rodriguez's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

A head kick misses from The Gaul.
And Rodriguez tries to counter it with a takedown but The Gaul pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Rodriguez walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. The Gaul checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Rodriguez moves into range and connects with a jab.
The fight stays on the outside here - The Gaul looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Rodriguez misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Rodriguez throws a combination but it was largely blocked by The Gaul.

The Gaul clinches up with Rodriguez and pushes him back against the cage.
Our sources have told us that The Gaul has been working on his knees in the buildup to the fight.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
The Gaul misses with a short punch on the inside.
The Gaul gets underhooks to prevent Rodriguez's takedown attempt.
Rodriguez drops down looking for an ankle pick but The Gaul pulls his leg out and moves away.
Crixus The Gaul has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Nick Rodriguez.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
The Gaul throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
A decent looking cross lands there for Rodriguez.
The Gaul is on the wrong end of a nice combination from Rodriguez.
Rodriguez lands with a good body shot.
The Gaul tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Crixus The Gaul is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
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!
The Gaul throws a series of punches but Rodriguez avoids them all with ease.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rodriguez misses with a wild body shot.
A head kick misses from The Gaul.
The Gaul throws a right and a left that Rodriguez avoids nicely.
Rodriguez walks into a jab.
Rodriguez scores with a nice strike.

The Gaul clinches.
Rodriguez is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but The Gaul is defending well.
Rodriguez has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. The Gaul is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Rodriguez is looking for a takedown up against the cage. The Gaul gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.

Rodriguez is working on a single leg takedown against the cage. The Gaul can't fight it off and eventually Rodriguez manages to take the fight to the floor. The Gaul looks annoyed but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Rodriguez trying to control the position from guard on top but The Gaul is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rodriguez is in a good position here but he's just trying to control... And he's not even managing to do that successfully.
Rodriguez stops The Gaul from standing up.
Rodriguez content to stall in guard here.
Rodriguez stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. The Gaul swivels though and keeps the full guard.
The Gaul wants to get back to his feet but Rodriguez is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Rodriguez seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rodriguez wants to control from the top but The Gaul keeps moving.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
The Gaul throws a looping overhand right but Rodriguez ducks down to avoid it.
The Gaul on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
The Gaul tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
The Gaul cracks Rodriguez with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.

The Gaul has taken the fight to the clinch.
Rodriguez is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but The Gaul is defending well.
Rodriguez wants a takedown but no success here.

The Gaul pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Nick Rodriguez seems to be getting the better of the standup.
The Gaul misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
A swing and a miss from Rodriguez.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The Gaul throws the left hand but Rodriguez avoids the punch easily.
Rodriguez fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches The Gaul on the side of the head.
The Gaul takes a swing at Rodriguez's ribcage but misses.
The Gaul rushes in with a sloppy looking punch

and Rodriguez counters with a single leg into guard. The Gaul didn't expect that.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Rodriguez won't allow The Gaul to get back to his feet.
Rodriguez tries to free his leg and advance position but The Gaul is retaining full guard.
Rodriguez keeps trying to improve his position.
Nick Rodriguez has got the better of the ground game so far.
Rodriguez trying to move into half guard but instead The Gaul has managed to sweep!

And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Crixus The Gaul will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Nick Rodriguez's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. This is the final round!

Rodriguez lands a lovely overhand right.
The Gaul throws out a loose jab but Rodriguez uses good head movement to avoid it.
Rodriguez connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
The Gaul tries to clinch up.
Rodriguez slips under a jab from The Gaul.
Rodriguez throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.

The Gaul gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
The Gaul wants to break the clinch but can't.
The Gaul lands with a short head shot on the inside.
The Gaul stops a takedown attempt from Rodriguez.
The Gaul lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Rodriguez or not.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rodriguez blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Rodriguez is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Rodriguez drops down looking for an ankle pick but The Gaul pulls his leg out and moves away.
Crixus The Gaul has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Nick Rodriguez.
The Gaul lands with a shot to the body.
Rodriguez takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

That's one minute gone in the round.
The Gaul throws a series of punches but Rodriguez moves out of range.
The Gaul throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Rodriguez.
The Gaul takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
The Gaul tries to clinch there but Rodriguez circles away.
Rodriguez is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Rodriguez tries a head kick but it misses.
Rodriguez thuds a left hand into The Gaul's body.
A telegraphed right hand from The Gaul misses the target.
Rodriguez avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Rodriguez blocks a head kick by The Gaul.

The Gaul has taken the fight to the clinch.

The Gaul breaks from the clinch.
The Gaul moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
A big left from The Gaul misses.
The Gaul closes the distance looking to clinch

so Rodriguez counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Rodriguez tries to free his leg and advance position but The Gaul is retaining full guard.
Rodriguez works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Rodriguez wants to free his trapped foot but The Gaul is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Rodriguez trying to control from half guard but The Gaul is working away.
Rodriguez wants to pass the guard but The Gaul is defending well.
The Gaul keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Rodriguez is pressing down on The Gaul's thigh, looking to free his foot. The Gaul is holding on for now.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The Gaul is trying to stand up here but Rodriguez is controlling him well.
Rodriguez is pressing down on The Gaul's thigh, looking to free his foot. The Gaul is holding on for now.
Rodriguez seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but The Gaul does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.
The Gaul is looking to clinch but Rodriguez is avoiding it.
Rodriguez lands a nice looking body shot.

Rodriguez shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.
Rodriguez trying to mount his opponent but The Gaul defends it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rodriguez trying to control from half guard but The Gaul is working away.
Rodriguez trying to control from The Gaul's half guard. The Gaul has other ideas though and has regained full guard.
Rodriguez passes The Gaul's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Rodriguez stalling.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Crixus The Gaul.
I think The Gaul has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Bruno Lombardi scores the fight 29:28
Judge Jorge Garcia scores the fight 27:30
Judge Alyssa Summers scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by split decision... Nick Rodriguez!