PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Tsuyoi Empi (ranked 5818 p4p, 24889 weight class) and Angel Hernandez (ranked 477 p4p, 508 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Empi
vs
Hernandez

200 cm
22
280
1 - 1 - 0

200 cm
21
240
0 - 2 - 0

Decent wrestler
Great elbows
Very strong

BJJ Blue Belt
Dangerous knees
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Tsuyoi Empi!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 2 - 0, fighting out of New York, Angel Hernandez!
The judges for this bout are Roosa Järviläinen, Marco Blurström and Arvi Lind.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Empi tries to close the distance and clinch up but Hernandez swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Hernandez throws a sloppy head kick and Empi moves out of range easily.
Empi scores with a nice body kick.

Empi gets a clinch.
Empi throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Hernandez blocks it with crossed arms.
Hernandez looking to slow down the pace here.
Empi definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.

Empi's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.

Empi clinches up with Hernandez and pushes him back against the cage.

Empi pulls guard successfully.

Empi has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Hernandez can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Hernandez looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Empi is adopting a defensive guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hernandez trying to control but Empi is working from the bottom.
Empi pulls Hernandez in to control the position.
Empi continues to stall.
Hernandez prevents Empi from getting back to his feet.
Empi on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Empi tries to get out of the position.
Empi is pulling down on Hernandez's head. It's preventing any offense from Hernandez, at least for the moment.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.

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.
Empi tries for a takedown but Hernandez sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Angel Hernandez seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Hernandez lands a nice looking body shot.
Some wild striking there from Empi.
Hernandez throws a low kick but Empi moves out of range easily.
Empi blocks the body kick.
Empi avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Hernandez takes a swing at Empi's ribcage but misses.
Hernandez keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Hernandez scores with a jab to the body.
Hernandez throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Empi's head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hernandez throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Empi checks a leg kick.
Hernandez scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Empi throws a leg kick that misses.
Hernandez lands a jab to Empi's midsection.
Empi checks a low kick from Hernandez.
Hernandez uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Empi.
Hernandez lands with a good body shot.
Empi keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Hernandez misses with a kick to the body.
Empi tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Hernandez swivels and escapes.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Tsuyoi Empi. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Hernandez fakes the leg kick and cracks Empi in the body.
Hernandez scores with a jab. Empi acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Hernandez is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Empi rather than just go for the knockout.
Empi moves out of range of the body kick from Hernandez.
Hernandez scores with a hook to the body. Empi takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Empi wants to clinch up but Hernandez keeps it at a distance.
Hernandez throws a body punch but Empi moves out of range.
Hernandez throws a head kick but Empi moves out of range.
Empi seem to be loading up, looking for a big counter.
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!
Hernandez misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Hernandez throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Hernandez lands a leg kick that knocks Empi off balance momentarily.
Empi doesn't manage to clinch there - Hernandez circles away.
Hernandez misses with a leg kick.
Empi tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Hernandez swivels and escapes.
Hernandez motions for Empi to come forward. Hernandez throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Empi shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Hernandez as he jumps to the side.
Hernandez was about to counter that last move with a leg kick but changes his mind.
Hernandez is looking to score with low kicks.
Empi moves out of range of the body kick.
Hernandez lands with a cross.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Angel Hernandez dominated that round.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.

Empi moves out of range of the body kick from Hernandez.
Tsuyoi Empi is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Empi throws a body punch but Hernandez moves out of range.
Hernandez shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
A low kick lands for Hernandez.
Hernandez feints and then cracks Empi's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Empi down.
Hernandez lands with a thumping leg kick.
Hernandez bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Empi's head backwards.

Empi pushes Hernandez up against the cage in a clinch.
Hernandez gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Empi.
Hernandez landing knees to the head.

It looks like Tsuyoi Empi has been cut.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hernandez is looking to break free of the clinch but Empi has double underhooks.
Hernandez managing to block the knees to the body from Empi.
Hernandez leaning his opponent against the cage.

Empi breaks from the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hernandez misses with a body kick.
Hernandez tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Nice takedown defense from Hernandez. No joy for Empi on that attempt.
Empi looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Tsuyoi Empi. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Hernandez throws a leg kick but Empi sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Empi checks a low kick from Hernandez.
Jab by Hernandez.
Empi wants to clinch up but Hernandez keeps it at a distance.
Hernandez connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Hernandez lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.

Empi fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Hernandez sprawls well initially but Empi persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Hernandez trying to hold on to Empi's head to control him but Empi postures up.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Hernandez is defending against the submission attempts here by Empi.
Empi slows the pace down in half guard.
Hernandez wants to control but Empi is keeping busy and won't allow it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Empi thows a huge punch but Hernandez dodges it nicely.
Empi missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
Empi passes the half guard and he's now in mount! Big trouble for Hernandez!

Empi stands up from mount. Strange move.
Hernandez feints and then cracks Empi's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Empi down.
Good leg kick by Hernandez.
Hernandez misses with a low kick.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Empi checks a leg kick.
Empi doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Hernandez counters with an outside leg kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hernandez throws a wild body kick that Empi sees coming a mile off.
Hernandez scores with a push kick.
Empi is looking to clinch.
Empi fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Hernandez avoids it really well and circles away.
Hernandez fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Empi is out of range.
Empi appeared to be looking to counter that last move with a leg kick.
Empi closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Angel Hernandez is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Hernandez connects with a high kick.
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!
Empi fails with a takedown attempt.
Hernandez appeared to try and counter that last move with a leg kick.
Empi is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Hernandez scores with a spinning back kick!
Empi throws a head kick but Hernandez moves out of range.
Empi throws a sloppy head kick and Hernandez moves out of range easily.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Angel Hernandez showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Tsuyoi Empi's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

Empi takes a push kick to the midsection and stumbles backwards.
Angel Hernandez seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Empi misses with a head kick.
Hernandez lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Empi takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Hernandez has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Empi fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Empi tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
A jab lands there for Hernandez.
Hernandez scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hernandez throws a body kick, spinning off balance
and Empi counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Hernandez thinking.
Hernandez throws a head kick that Empi semi-blocks.
Hernandez lands a head shot.

Empi is rocked!
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Hernandez misses with a body kick.
Hernandez pushes Empi away with a front kick.
A head kick misses from Hernandez.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hernandez lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
The step up in weight doesn't seem to be a problem for Hernandez. He's performing admirably here against the bigger man.
Hernandez throws a chopping leg kick but Empi manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Empi misses with a jab, cross combination.
Hernandez throws a leg kick that misses.
Hernandez throws a mid kick that lands with a slap.
Hernandez thuds a mid kick into his opponent's body. That will wear on Empi if he has to take too many more of those.
Empi shoots in for a takedown but Hernandez shows good takedown defense.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Hernandez with a nice calf kick.
Empi fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Tsuyoi Empi. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Empi chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Hernandez can pounce on him.
Hernandez slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Hernandez throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hernandez lands with an uppercut that bounces Empi off the cage and back into range.
Empi closes this distance looking for a takedown but Hernandez circles away.
A low kick lands for Hernandez.
Empi will be looking to protect his midsection after taking some solid kicks to the body.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Hernandez wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Hernandez misses with a body kick.
Hernandez lets loose with a powerful body kick. Empi will feel that in the morning.
Empi moves out of range of the body kick.
Empi appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Hernandez, as that shot connected.
Hernandez lets loose with a powerful body kick. Empi will feel that in the morning.
Hernandez throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Empi appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Hernandez lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Hernandez connects with a looping right hand.
Hernandez connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Hernandez.
Empi takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Empi has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Hernandez.
Empi blocks a leg kick.
Empi looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Empi takes a jab right on the kisser.
Angel Hernandez is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Hernandez stuffs the takedown.
Hernandez was about to counter that last move with a leg kick but changes his mind.
Empi falls off balance throwing a combination
and Hernandez counters with a left and a right that stings Empi.
Hernandez throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
Hernandez looks to land a body kick but Empi moved away.
Empi is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Empi stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Hernandez.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Empi misses with a takedown attempt
and Hernandez counters with a nice kick to the body.
An inside leg kick from Hernandez misses.
Empi gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Hernandez counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Hernandez looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Empi checks a leg kick.
Hernandez bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
Hernandez throws a body kick that misses.
Empi on the wrong end of a kick to the body.
Hernandez bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
A slapping leg kick lands for Hernandez.
Hernandez lands a leg kick that knocks Empi off balance momentarily.
Empi fails with a takedown attempt.

And that's the end of the fight!
Angel Hernandez comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Hernandez 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 Roosa Järviläinen scores the fight 26:30
Judge Marco Blurström scores the fight 26:30
Judge Arvi Lind scores the fight 26:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Angel Hernandez!