PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Maj Taj (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ricardo Izecson dos Santos (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Ricardo Izecson dos Santos has the power to score a knockout today if he connects clean with Maj Taj's chin.

Taj
vs
Izecson dos Santos

190 cm
22
200 lbs
4 - 0 - 0

183 cm
23
200 lbs
5 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Solid boxing
KO power

BJJ Brown Belt
Counter striker
Granite chin

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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the light heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 4 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Maj Taj!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Ricardo Izecson dos Santos !
The judges for this bout are Aafke Stam, Radbod Blank and Patrick Alders.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Izecson dos Santos shoots in looking for a takedown. Taj tries to sprawl out of it but Izecson dos Santos keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Taj manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Taj scores with a decent looking hook.
Taj throws a head kick that half lands.

It looks like Ricardo Izecson dos Santos has been cut.
Izecson dos Santos misses with a takedown attempt - Taj sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Izecson dos Santos avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Taj scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Izecson dos Santos moves out of range of the body kick.
Izecson dos Santos misses with a takedown attempt - Taj sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Maj Taj has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ricardo Izecson dos Santos .
Taj swinging wilding here.
Izecson dos Santos keeps the fight on the outside.
Taj lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Izecson dos Santos scores with a takedown into Taj's guard.
Izecson dos Santos looking to pass the guard.
Izecson dos Santos is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Taj wants to stand and escape but Izecson dos Santos is having none of it.
Izecson dos Santos is looking to pass into half guard but Taj pushes him away with his feet and jumps on top - now Taj is in guard.
Izecson dos Santos is controlling Taj's posture.
Taj not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Izecson dos Santos keeping moving, preventing Taj from controlling successfully.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Izecson dos Santos bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Taj's guard.
Izecson dos Santos pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Taj is keeping the position for now.
Taj on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Taj tries to get out of the position.
Izecson dos Santos slips nicely into half guard.
Taj is not content to let Izecson dos Santos control the position.
Izecson dos Santos passes to full mount!
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Izecson dos Santos controlling his opponent.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Izecson dos Santos looking to control but Taj is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Izecson dos Santos is in a good position here but he's just trying to control... And he's not even managing to do that successfully.

Izecson dos Santos jumps to the side looking to secure the arm triangle…. Ooooh, that looks tight… Taj is gargling but he's managed to escape! Nice work there by Taj and Izecson dos Santos has given up the dominant position trying to land that submission.
Izecson dos Santos prevents Taj from escaping the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Izecson dos Santos trying to control the position but Taj is working away.
Izecson dos Santos tries to advance to mount but can't.
Taj is looking for a sweep.

Izecson dos Santos goes for an armbar! This could be all over! Wait, no, Taj rolls with the submission and now he's on top in Izecson dos Santos 's guard! Nice work there by Taj!
Izecson dos Santos looks gassed!
Izecson dos Santos is trying to keep Taj in close.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Izecson dos Santos working a defensive guard but Taj passes into half guard.
Taj is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Maj Taj dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Ricardo Izecson dos Santos 's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Izecson dos Santos takes one on the chin but keeps coming.

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

Taj breaks from the clinch.

Taj gets a clinch.

Izecson dos Santos turns his hips and lands a very nice judo throw into side control!
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Taj is looking to work his way out of this bad position but Izecson dos Santos is controlling him well.
Taj is trying to get back to half guard.
Taj stops Izecson dos Santos from passing to mount.

Izecson dos Santos tries for a kimura but Taj is defending well.
Taj prevents Izecson dos Santos from moving into mount.
Izecson dos Santos is breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Taj gives up the full mount - oops, sloppy defensive grappling there!
Taj is squirming around, avoiding Izecson dos Santos 's attempts to control the action.
Taj is looking to improve his position but Izecson dos Santos isn't that keen on the idea.
Taj is squirming around, avoiding Izecson dos Santos 's attempts to control the action.

Izecson dos Santos has hold of Taj's left arm, perhaps looking for a submission. The two fighters tussle over control of the isolated limb and Taj manages to get his arm back to his side and away from danger.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Izecson dos Santos takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
Taj is trying desperately to improve position.
Izecson dos Santos wants to control the pace but Taj is squirming around nicely.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Taj tries to improve position but can't.
Izecson dos Santos wants to control but Taj is keeping him busy.
Taj pushes Izecson dos Santos away and creates a bit of space to escape. He's almost out here... but no, Izecson dos Santos gets a good hold of his legs and remains firmly in side control.
Izecson dos Santos tries to cartwheel into mount but he doesn't manage it.
Taj tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Izecson dos Santos tries to advance to mount but Taj denies him.

That's four 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.
Izecson dos Santos wants to lay and pray for a moment but Taj keeps working.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.

Taj darts in and clinches Izecson dos Santos up against the cage.
Izecson dos Santos wants a takedown.
Taj throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Izecson dos Santos s head.
A body shot lands from Taj.
A nice right hand lands inside from Taj.

That has opened up Ricardo Izecson dos Santos 's cut even more.

Taj pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Taj misses with a few strikes there.
Taj scoring well with a low kick there.

Taj moves into the clinch.
Taj prevents a takedown attempt there.

Taj pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.

Taj gets in close and instigates a clinch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Maj Taj dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Ricardo Izecson dos Santos 's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Taj!
A solid leg kick lands there for Taj.
Taj lands a nice shot that snaps Izecson dos Santos 's head back.
Izecson dos Santos changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Taj tries to avoid it but Izecson dos Santos manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Taj to the ground. Taj escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Taj lands a with a good body shot.
Taj lands a body shot.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Taj wants to clinch.
Taj tries to clinch up.
Izecson dos Santos takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Taj scores with a slapping inside leg kick.

Taj clinches.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Taj gets underhooks to prevent Izecson dos Santos 's takedown attempt.
Izecson dos Santos being controlled against the cage.

Taj breaks the clinch.
Taj is looking to take this fight into the clinch.

Taj closes the distance and clinches.
Taj lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Izecson dos Santos .
Taj scores with a nice hook to the head.
Taj lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Taj lands a right hand.

The cut above Ricardo Izecson dos Santos 's eye is starting to cause him problems now.
A short body shot lands from Taj as the two fighters clinch.

Taj pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Taj lands a nice leg kick that just misses Izecson dos Santos 's sensitive parts.
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!
Taj fails in his attempt to clinch.
Izecson dos Santos misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Maj Taj has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ricardo Izecson dos Santos .

Taj rushes Izecson dos Santos and presses him up against the cage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Taj pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Maj Taj seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Taj jabs at Izecson dos Santos 's body.

Taj has taken the fight to the clinch.
Izecson dos Santos wants a takedown but no success here.

Taj breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.

Taj moves into range and clinches up with Izecson dos Santos .
Taj is pressed up against the cage. Izecson dos Santos has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Taj down to the mat. Taj avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Taj connects with a solid leg kick.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Taj prevents a takedown attempt there.
Taj lands a left hand that snaps the head of Izecson dos Santos backwards.

Taj breaks from the clinch.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Izecson dos Santos crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Taj - the referee stops the clock and Izecson dos Santos gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Taj. Izecson dos Santos manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Taj lands with a nice combination. Izecson dos Santos backs away looking to recover.
Taj looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.

Taj rushes Izecson dos Santos and presses him up against the cage.
A nice left hand lands by Taj.

Ricardo Izecson dos Santos 's cut is absolute horrible now. This looks like something out of a horror film with blood covering both fighters.
Izecson dos Santos wants a takedown but no success here.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Taj.

Taj pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Taj tries to clinch up.
Both fighters circling a little - Taj finishes the exchange with a kick to the body.

Taj moves into the clinch successfully.

Taj breaks the clinch.
Taj lands with a hook. Izecson dos Santos tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Nice takedown defense from Taj. No joy for Izecson dos Santos on that attempt.

Taj forces Izecson dos Santos back against the cage and clinches.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A body shot lands from Taj.

Taj breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Left hook, right uppercut from Taj.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Taj moves into range and clinches up with Izecson dos Santos .
Taj lands a nice uppercut.

Taj breaks from the clinch.
Izecson dos Santos takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Maj Taj is winning the standup battle so far.
Taj tries to close the distance and clinch but Izecson dos Santos swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Taj throws a nice outside leg kick.
Taj is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Taj tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Izecson dos Santos paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Good standup being displayed there by Taj as he connects with a hook.
Maj Taj is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!

Taj gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Izecson dos Santos drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Taj gets the underhooks and prevents it.

Taj breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Maj Taj clearly takes that round.
The cut man is working on Ricardo Izecson dos Santos 's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Taj closes the distance and clinches.
Izecson dos Santos has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Taj avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Taj works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Taj scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Good body shot from Taj.
A short right from Taj on the inside.
Taj lands a left hand.

Taj breaks from the clinch.
Taj wants to clinch up but Izecson dos Santos keeps it at a distance.
Izecson dos Santos avoids the clinch attempt nicely.

Taj gets a clinch.
Taj lands a nice uppercut.

Taj's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Izecson dos Santos avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Izecson dos Santos shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Taj sprawls well. Taj wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Izecson dos Santos gets slowly back to his feet.
Izecson dos Santos is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Taj lands a head kick. Izecson dos Santos smiles back at him and beckons him forward.

The referee calls the doctor in to look at Ricardo Izecson dos Santos 's cut. Oh no, the doctor has called an end to the bout!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:15 of round 4, we have a winner by way of TKO (Cut). Maj Taj!
Maj Taj is the new light heavyweight champion!