PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Gen Tenryu (ranked 1421 p4p, 2369 weight class) and Diego Del Fuegos (ranked 210 p4p, 327 weight class). These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Tenryu
vs
Del Fuegos

182 cm
24
189
9 - 7 - 0

181 cm
25
201
8 - 6 - 1

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

Good wrestler
Excellent MT
Heavy handed

Brooklyn Apothecary
Brooklyn Threads

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 9 - 7 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Gen Tenryu!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 6 - 1, fighting out of New York, Diego Del Fuegos!
The judges for this bout are Phil Schofield, Sam Margolis and Paul Tew.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Del Fuegos gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Tenryu misses with a hook to the ribs.
Tenryu lands with a short shot to the head.
Del Fuegos blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Del Fuegos displaying some good clinch control by pressing Tenryu up against the cage.
Del Fuegos lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Tenryu backwards.
Del Fuegos lands a right hand that snaps the head of Tenryu backwards.
We've been informed that Del Fuegos 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.
Tenryu swings wildly with an uppercut but Del Fuegos uses good head movement to avoid it.
Tenryu tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Tenryu misses with a short punch on the inside.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Del Fuegos escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Tenryu misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Del Fuegos.
Del Fuegos throws out a counter right but Tenryu avoids it with no problem.
Tenryu throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Del Fuegos comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Tenryu digs a good hook to Del Fuegos's body.

Del Fuegos gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Del Fuegos throws a punch but it's blocked by Tenryu.
Del Fuegos can't break the clinch.
Tenryu goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Del Fuegos goes for a takedown attempt but Tenryu pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Tenryu checks the leg kick nicely there.
Tenryu swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Tenryu takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Del Fuegos connects with a right hand. Tenryu shakes it off.
Tenryu wants to clinch up but Del Fuegos keeps it at a distance.
Del Fuegos tries to counter by closing the distance.
A looping hook to the body misses from Tenryu. Del Fuegos does a little dance to reset his feet.
Tenryu tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Del Fuegos was well out of range. Poor timing from Tenryu.
Tenryu punishes Del Fuegos's body with a nice straight punch.
Tenryu scores with a jab to the head.

Del Fuegos gets in close and instigates a clinch.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Tenryu.
I was talking to Tenryu's coach per-fight and he was telling me that they'd been working on the clinch in the runup to this fight.

Del Fuegos escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Tenryu throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.

Del Fuegos takes the fight into the clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tenryu goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Stalling in the clinch from Tenryu.

Del Fuegos breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Tenryu misses with a wild body shot.
Del Fuegos looks to score with a jab to the body but Tenryu is just out of range.
Gen Tenryu seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Del Fuegos gets in close and instigates a clinch.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Del Fuegos.

Del Fuegos breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Tenryu scores with a shot to the body.

Del Fuegos takes the fight into the clinch.
Tenryu misses with a body punch.
Del Fuegos swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Tenryu tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Tenryu doesn't land with the attempted body shot.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tenryu misses with the head strike.
Tenryu lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Del Fuegos blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Tenryu doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Tenryu struggles to land a body shot inside as Del Fuegos controls his hands.
Del Fuegos has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Tenryu avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Tenryu misses with a hook from the clinch.
Tenryu tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Tenryu tries to work over Del Fuegos's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Del Fuegos is working Tenryu over against the cage.
Del Fuegos misses with a short punch on the inside.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
A head punch on the inside from Tenryu fails to land.
Del Fuegos doesn't land with the attempted body shot.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Tenryu creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Tenryu scores with a hook to the body.
Tenryu swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Del Fuegos is trying to break free.
Tenryu lands an uppercut.
Tenryu swings wildly with an uppercut but Del Fuegos uses good head movement to avoid it.
Del Fuegos is looking to take this one to the mat.
Gen Tenryu has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Diego Del Fuegos.
Del Fuegos tries to break the clinch but Tenryu is controlling the position.
Tenryu swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Tenryu working aggressively here.
Tenryu misses with some punches.
Tenryu lands a nice uppercut.
This has been an exciting period of action!
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Tenryu.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Tenryu.
Tenryu misses with a shot to the kidneys.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Gen Tenryu dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Del Fuegos swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.

Tenryu moves into the clinch.
Tenryu misses with a body punch.
Tenryu misses with a hook from the clinch.
Tenryu holding his opponent close, against the cage.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Tenryu.
Gen Tenryu has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Tenryu lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Del Fuegos or not.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Del Fuegos throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Tenryus head.
Nice body punch from Tenryu - that landed with a thud.
Del Fuegos working hard to break the clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Del Fuegos blocks a body shot from Tenryu.
Del Fuegos wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Tenryu lands with a light punch inside.
Del Fuegos looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Tenryu working some nice short punches in the clinch.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Tenryu.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tenryu content to slow the pace in the clinch.
The referee calls for Tenryu to work.
Tenryu tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Tenryu has not gone for a single takedown so far in this fight, which seems like a very strange tactic when you consider that he has the superior wrestling and BJJ.
Del Fuegos working aggressively here.
Del Fuegos is trying to break free.
Tenryu gets underhooks to prevent Del Fuegos's takedown attempt.
Del Fuegos tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Del Fuegos.
Tenryu misses with a short punch on the inside.
Tenryu swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Tenryu can't find room to land a body shot as Del Fuegos controls the action.
Del Fuegos blocking some punches.
Tenryu is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Del Fuegos can do to turn this around?
Tenryu tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Del Fuegos's elbow.
Tenryu scores with a hook to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Del Fuegos scores with a shot to the side of Tenryu's head.
Tenryu swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Tenryu working aggressively here.
Tenryu lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Del Fuegos backwards.
Del Fuegos lands a nice shot to the body.
Tenryu tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Del Fuegos wants a takedown.

Del Fuegos's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Del Fuegos takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Tenryu catches Del Fuegos with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Del Fuegos takes a swing at Tenryu's ribcage but misses.
Tenryu swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Tenryu throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Tenryu throws an off balance right hand
and Del Fuegos cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Tenryu waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Del Fuegos.
Del Fuegos throws the left hand but Tenryu avoids the punch easily.
Tenryu defending well as Del Fuegos loads up on a big left hand.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tenryu misses with a wild body shot.
Tenryu steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Del Fuegos.
Tenryu blocks a leg kick.
Tenryu wants to clinch up but Del Fuegos keeps it at a distance.
Del Fuegos cracks Tenryu with a right hand to the side of the head.
Del Fuegos looks to land a combination. Tenryu sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.

Del Fuegos forces Tenryu back against the cage and clinches.
Tenryu throws a punch but it's blocked by Del Fuegos.
Tenryu lands a nice uppercut.
Tenryu swings wildly with an uppercut but Del Fuegos uses good head movement to avoid it.
Tenryu keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Del Fuegos's efforts to push away.
Tenryu lands a nice shot to the body.
Del Fuegos is breathing heavily.
Del Fuegos can't break the clinch.
Tenryu tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Del Fuegos's elbow.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tenryu has a couple of punches blocked by Del Fuegos.
Del Fuegos tries to break the clinch but Tenryu is controlling the position.
Tenryu throws a punch but it's blocked by Del Fuegos.
A nice left hand lands by Del Fuegos.
A frustrated look appears on Del Fuegos's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Tenryu misses with the head strike.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Del Fuegos makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Tenryu pressing his opponent against the cage.
Tenryu can't find room to land a body shot as Del Fuegos controls the action.
Del Fuegos tries for a takedown. No joy.
Gen Tenryu has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Diego Del Fuegos.
Tenryu tries a body shot but Del Fuegos blocks it.
Del Fuegos lands a right hand that snaps the head of Tenryu backwards.
Del Fuegos tries to stall but Tenryu uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Tenryu misses with a hook from the clinch.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Gen Tenryu dominated that second round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

Tenryu misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Del Fuegos.
Del Fuegos pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Tenryu swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Del Fuegos shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Del Fuegos keeps the fight on the outside.
Diego Del Fuegos seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Del Fuegos is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Tenryu ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Del Fuegos moves away.
A looping hook to the body misses from Tenryu. Del Fuegos does a little dance to reset his feet.
Tenryu is looking to wear down Del Fuegos with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Del Fuegos takes a swing at Tenryu's ribcage but misses.
Tenryu tries to counter by moving into the clinch but Del Fuegos manages to circle out of the way.
Sloppy strikes from Del Fuegos. Those never looked like landing.
Tenryu steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Del Fuegos.
Tenryu waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Del Fuegos.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Del Fuegos closes the distance and pushes Tenryu back into the cage.
Tenryu lands with a short shot to the head.
Tenryu holding his opponent close, against the cage.
Del Fuegos swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Del Fuegos swings wildly with an uppercut but Tenryu uses good head movement to avoid it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tenryu goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Del Fuegos misses with a hook from the clinch.
Nice body punch from Tenryu - that landed with a thud.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Del Fuegos.
Del Fuegos trying to control the position but instead, Tenryu has worked for underhooks and has pushed Del Fuegos into the cage.
Tenryu lands a right hand that snaps the head of Del Fuegos backwards.
Del Fuegos blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Del Fuegos throws a punch but it's blocked by Tenryu.
Tenryu lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Del Fuegos or not.
Del Fuegos takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
Tenryu lands with a light punch inside.
Diego Del Fuegos has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tenryu lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Del Fuegos tries to break free but Tenryu pushes him back against the cage.
Tenryu swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Tenryu can't find room to land a body shot as Del Fuegos controls the action.
Del Fuegos is stalling here.
Del Fuegos takes a shot to the head.
Tenryu misses with a body punch.
Tenryu lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Del Fuegos backwards.

It looks like Diego Del Fuegos has been cut.
Del Fuegos has a couple of punches blocked by Tenryu.
Gen Tenryu is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Tenryu prevents a takedown attempt there.
Del Fuegos misses with some punches.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Del Fuegos is working for takedown but Tenryu is calmly controlling the position for now.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Del Fuegos.
Del Fuegos misses with a hook to the ribs.
Tenryu lands with a left to the head.
Tenryu blocks a couple of punches on the inside.

Del Fuegos breaks from the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Del Fuegos misses with a looping left.
Tenryu tries to clinch up but Del Fuegos circles away and keeps his distance.
Del Fuegos avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Tenryu blocks a jab.
Del Fuegos takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Tenryu thuds a left hand into Del Fuegos's body.
Tenryu misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Del Fuegos.
Del Fuegos replies with a solid counter kick to the body but Tenryu blocks it well.

Del Fuegos pushes Tenryu up against the cage in a clinch.
Tenryu working aggressively here.
Tenryu tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Del Fuegos misses with a body punch.
Tenryu controlling the action here for a moment.

And that's the end of the fight!
Gen Tenryu showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Tenryu, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 Phil Schofield scores the fight 30:27
Judge Sam Margolis scores the fight 30:27
Judge Paul Tew scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Gen Tenryu!