PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Frank Lucas Iv (ranked 3176 p4p, 2190 weight class) and Zigor Azarola (ranked 262 p4p, 186 weight class). Azarola has chosen Million Shattered Swords by Witchrot as his entrance music, which hasn't gone down very well with the crowd. There are an array of beautiful celebrities at ringside tonight! I wonder if any of them paid for their tickets.

Lucas Iv
vs
Azarola

168 cm
30
148
10 - 17 - 0

160 cm
21
144
4 - 5 - 0

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Very quick

Good wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank

Conviction

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 10 - 17 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Frank Lucas Iv!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Zigor Azarola!
The judges for this bout are Frank Dennis, Chris Downing and Wesley Smith.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Azarola lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Azarola misses with a punch on the inside.
Lucas Iv throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Azarola misses with a punch to the body.
Azarola swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Azarola keeps control of Lucas Iv as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Lucas Iv drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Our sources have told us that Lucas Iv has been working on his elbows in the gym.
A shot in the inside from Lucas Iv.
Still in the clinch, Azarola scores with a nice short uppercut.
Azarola cracks Lucas Iv with a nice body shot.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Lucas Iv is looking to take this one to the mat.
A left hand lands to the body for Lucas Iv.
Lucas Iv wants a takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Frank Lucas Iv. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Azarola blocks a body shot from Lucas Iv.
Azarola scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Lucas Iv leaning his opponent against the cage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lucas Iv is looking to take this one to the mat.
Lucas Iv tries to stall but Azarola uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Azarola tries a body shot but Lucas Iv blocks it.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Lucas Iv.
Lucas Iv is trying to maintain a safe position but Azarola gets an underhook and turns Lucas Iv into the cage.
Lucas Iv tries to score a body lock takedown but Azarola shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Azarola lands a shot to the body.
Lucas Iv swings wildly with an uppercut but Azarola uses good head movement to avoid it.
Nice body punch from Azarola - that landed with a thud.
A short right from Azarola.
Lucas Iv misses with a body punch.
Azarola goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Lucas Iv blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Lucas Iv misses with a punch to the body.
Azarola stops a takedown attempt from Lucas Iv.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A nice left hand lands by Azarola.
Lucas Iv changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Azarola fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Azarola lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Azarola stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Lucas Iv uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Azarola.
Lucas Iv misses with an uppercut.
Azarola lunges at Lucas Iv with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Lucas Iv's hand.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Azarola lands with an overhand left.
Azarola thumps Lucas Iv with a low kick.
Azarola lands a jab.
Azarola cracks Lucas Iv with a right hand to the side of the head.
The crowd cheers as Azarola lands an impressive looking overhand right. Lucas Iv doesn't seem phased though.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Azarola stuffs the takedown.
Azarola swings widly with a right hand

and Lucas Iv moves into the clinch.
Azarola lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Lucas Iv or not.
Azarola digs a right hand into Lucas Iv's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Lucas Iv's gas tank.
Azarola lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Lucas Iv backwards.
Lucas Iv wants a takedown.
Lucas Iv goes for a takedown attempt but Azarola pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Lucas Iv is breathing heavily.
Azarola pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Lucas Iv half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Nice uppercut lands for Azarola. That snapped Lucas Iv's head back.
Azarola with a hook.
Lucas Iv fails to land the takedown.
Lucas Iv misses with a wild body shot.
Azarola cracks Lucas Iv with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Lucas Iv misses with a shot to the body
and Azarola counters with a straight right hand.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Lucas Iv takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Azarola cracks Lucas Iv with a good jab.
A chopping leg kick lands by Azarola.
Azarola misses with a hook

so Lucas Iv counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
Lucas Iv stops Azarola from standing up.
Azarola pulls Lucas Iv in close to prevent any damage.
Lucas Iv wants to control from the top but Azarola keeps moving.
Azarola is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Azarola avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Zigor Azarola dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Good work by Lucas Iv as he checks the leg kick.
Lucas Iv tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Azarola swivels and escapes.
Azarola moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Azarola throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Azarola throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Azarola lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Lucas Iv on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Azarola. Azarola obviously looking to wear him down.
Azarola stuffs the takedown.
Azarola throws a mid kick that lands with a slap.
Azarola moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Azarola is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Azarola wants to clinch
and Lucas Iv counters with a lovely shot to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Azarola tries to land a front kick but Lucas Iv steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Zigor Azarola seems to be getting the better of the standup.

Azarola moves into the clinch.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Azarola creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Azarola misses with a punch to the body.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Azarola tries to work over Lucas Iv's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Azarola doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Azarola.
Azarola misses with a body punch.
Lucas Iv misses with a punch to the body.
Azarola misses with a hook to the ribs.
Azarola stops a takedown attempt from Lucas Iv.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Frank Lucas Iv. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Azarola misses with a body punch.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Azarola.
Lucas Iv is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Azarola pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Lucas Iv working aggressively here.
Azarola tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Lucas Iv's elbow.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Azarola.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Azarola lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Lucas Iv or not.
Lucas Iv prevents a body shot from Azarola.
Zigor Azarola seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Lucas Iv blocks a body shot from Azarola.
A bit of stalling here from Azarola.
Lucas Iv misses with the head strike.
Azarola misses with the head strike.
Azarola digs a right hand into Lucas Iv's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Lucas Iv's gas tank.
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!
Azarola lands with a right to the head.
Azarola lands with a right to the head.
Lucas Iv struggles to land a body shot inside as Azarola controls his hands.
Lucas Iv tries to score a body lock takedown but Azarola shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Azarola tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Azarola misses with a punch on the inside.
Azarola pushes Lucas Iv back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
A nice right hand lands inside from Azarola.
Azarola can't find room to land a body shot as Lucas Iv controls the action.
Azarola pushes Lucas Iv back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Azarola is pressed up against the cage. Lucas Iv has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Azarola down to the mat. Azarola avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Azarola cracks Lucas Iv with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Azarola has been working his punching technique in the buildup to the fight and it appears to be paying off.
A telegraphed right hand from Azarola misses the target.
Azarola throws a front kick aimed at Lucas Iv's knee but Lucas Iv avoids it well.
Azarola connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Lucas Iv momentarily.
Lucas Iv moves out of range as Azarola strikes.
Lucas Iv ducks under a wild hook from Azarola.
Lucas Iv tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Zigor Azarola seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Lucas Iv takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Azarola throws a big shot that misses.
A decent looking cross lands there for Azarola.
Azarola throws a nice outside leg kick.
Lucas Iv takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Lucas Iv on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Azarola lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Lucas Iv changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Azarola tries to avoid it but Lucas Iv manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Azarola to the ground. Azarola escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Lucas Iv is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Nice sprawl there from Azarola as Lucas Iv shoots in.
Azarola digs a good body shot into Lucas Iv's ribs.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Azarola moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Lucas Iv steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Azarola.

Azarola clinches with his opponent.
Lucas Iv blocks a punch to the side of the head.
A body shot lands from Azarola.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Azarola lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Lucas Iv.
Azarola misses with the head strike.
Azarola being controlled against the cage.
Lucas Iv is looking to control Azarola's arms but Azarola gets an underhook and turns him. Now Lucas Iv has his back to the cage.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Zigor Azarola showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Lucas Iv takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Lucas Iv avoids the body shot from Azarola.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Lucas Iv crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Azarola - the referee stops the clock and Lucas Iv gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Azarola. Lucas Iv manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.
A lazy left from Azarola finds it's target.
Lucas Iv throws a shot from downtown. Azarola moves away and avoids it.
A cross from Azarola lands.
Azarola lands a jab to the head.
Good leg kick by Azarola.
Frank Lucas Iv is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

Lucas Iv clinches with his opponent.
Azarola has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Azarola lands a hook that snaps the head of Lucas Iv backwards.
Azarola lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Lucas Iv tries for a takedown. No joy.
A left hand lands to the body for Azarola.
Lucas Iv blocking some punches.
Lucas Iv drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Azarola gets the underhooks and prevents it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A right handed body shot lands from Azarola.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Lucas Iv misses with a hook to the ribs.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
Azarola struggles to land a body shot inside as Lucas Iv controls his hands.
Lucas Iv tries for a takedown but Azarola manages to get underhooks.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Frank Lucas Iv. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Lucas Iv is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Azarola is defending well.
Azarola lands a hook to the side of the head.
Lucas Iv looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Azarola throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Lucas Ivs head.
Lucas Iv trying to stall but Azarola improves his position.
Azarola struggles to land a body shot inside as Lucas Iv controls his hands.
Azarola works on Lucas Iv's body with a couple of short punches.
Lucas Iv has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Azarola scores with a hook to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Lucas Iv has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Azarola avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Azarola lands an uppercut.
Lucas Iv tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
A nice left hand lands by Azarola.
Azarola makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Azarola misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Azarola lands with a right to the head.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Lucas Iv tries to score a body lock takedown but Azarola shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Azarola lands a left hand that snaps the head of Lucas Iv backwards.
Azarola lands an uppercut.
Azarola blocks an elbow strike.
Azarola doesn't land with the attempted body shot.

Azarola is fighting off a takedown attempt but Lucas Iv is just too persistent for him and manages to trip Azarola to the mat. Azarola regains guard as soon as the fighters hit the mat.

Azarola has butterfly guard. He's looking to stand up here. He pushes Lucas Iv off him and springs to his feet nicely. The crowd applauds.
A solid leg kick lands there for Azarola.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lucas Iv slips under a jab from Azarola.
An inside leg kick lands from Azarola.
Azarola connects with a solid leg kick.
Azarola throws a shot to the body.
Azarola wants to clinch.
A looping hook to the body misses from Azarola. Lucas Iv does a little dance to reset his feet.
As Azarola looks to move away, Lucas Iv throws a big counter combo but Azarola just gets out of the way.
Lucas Iv takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Azarola doesn't manage to clinch there - Lucas Iv circles away.
The fight stays on the outside here - Azarola looks like he's thinking about clinching though.

Azarola closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Lucas Iv can't find room to land a body shot as Azarola controls the action.
A right handed body shot lands from Azarola.
Azarola lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.

Lucas Iv has hold of one of Azarola's legs. Azarola is fighting the takedown attempt but Lucas Iv gets the trip and lands the takedown into guard.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Azarola keeping moving, preventing Lucas Iv from controlling successfully.
Lucas Iv loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Lucas Iv content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Azarola looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Azarola can do anything to dispel that myth.
Azarola looking to control.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Lucas Iv's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Lucas Iv distracts Azarola with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Frank Lucas Iv has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Lucas Iv stopping the sweep attempt from Azarola.

Lucas Iv postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Azarola is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Lucas Iv, into his guard.

And that's the end of the fight!
Zigor Azarola comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Azarola 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 Frank Dennis scores the fight 26:30
Judge Chris Downing scores the fight 26:30
Judge Wesley Smith scores the fight 26:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Zigor Azarola!
Zigor Azarola decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.