PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Fernando Zuzinho (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Diego Fernandez Rueda (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Fernando Zuzinho has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Zuzinho
vs
Fernandez Rueda

178 cm
18
157 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

195 cm
18
160 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Brawler
Cuts easily

BJJ White Belt
Brawler
Inexperienced

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Fernando Zuzinho!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Diego Fernandez Rueda!
The judges for this bout are Leandro Rodrigues, Mauricio Rocha and Alexandre Firmino.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Fernandez Rueda swats away the attempt to clinch by Zuzinho.
Zuzinho shoots in but no luck this time.
Fernandez Rueda is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.

Fernandez Rueda shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Zuzinho manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
Zuzinho wants to get back to his feet but Fernandez Rueda is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Fernandez Rueda is looking to stand up but Zuzinho won't let him.
Fernandez Rueda must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Fernandez Rueda is in close to Zuzinho's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Fernandez Rueda wanted to stand there but Zuzinho had control of the position.

Fernandez Rueda gets to his feet. Zuzinho looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!

Fernandez Rueda shoots in and bounces Zuzinho off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Fernandez Rueda decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.
Zuzinho is breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Fernandez Rueda's corner calls for a 1,2 combination and Fernandez Rueda duly obliges.
Some wild striking there from Fernandez Rueda.
Diego Fernandez Rueda seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Zuzinho lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Fernandez Rueda circles away quickly and effectively.

Fernandez Rueda drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Zuzinho is pushing Fernandez Rueda's head away, looking to escape. Fernandez Rueda manages to hold on to the position though.
Check out the look on Fernandez Rueda's face as he threw that strike - that's one determined fighter!
Fernandez Rueda connects with a decent looking elbow from side control that caused Zuzinho some visible discomfort.
Fernandez Rueda scoring with punches and elbows.
Fernandez Rueda scores with a couple of nice shots to the head there. The referee takes a look at Zuzinho to see if he's OK.

Fernandez Rueda decides to stand back up.

Fernandez Rueda scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
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!
Fernandez Rueda lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.

Zuzinho looking for submissions off his back.
Fernandez Rueda trying to control the action but Zuzinho is working from the bottom.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Fernandez Rueda wants to pass to mount but Zuzinho is defending the position.
Zuzinho on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Fernandez Rueda wants to stand up but Zuzinho has a hold of him and won't allow it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Fernandez Rueda decides to stand and escape the position.
Zuzinho fails with a takedown attempt.
A head kick misses from Fernandez Rueda.
Fernandez Rueda has his takedown stuffed

and Zuzinho counters by moving into the clinch.
Fernandez Rueda is trying to break the clinch but Zuzinho is controlling him.
Zuzinho is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Fernando Zuzinho. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Zuzinho has a couple of punches blocked by Fernandez Rueda.
Zuzinho is trying to drag Fernandez Rueda to the mat but Fernandez Rueda just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Fernandez Rueda has had enough of the clinch but Zuzinho keeps him there for the moment.
Fernandez Rueda is trying to break free.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Fernandez Rueda is trying to break free.

Zuzinho manages to pull guard.
Fernandez Rueda makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Zuzinho keeping moving, preventing Fernandez Rueda from controlling successfully.
Fernandez Rueda advances to half guard.
Fernandez Rueda lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Fernandez Rueda scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Zuzinho trying to control but Fernandez Rueda postures up.
Fernandez Rueda is trying to control. Zuzinho wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Zuzinho pushes Fernandez Rueda off looking to stand but Fernandez Rueda dives back in and keeps control.
Zuzinho trying to control but Fernandez Rueda postures up.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Diego Fernandez Rueda dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Fernandez Rueda scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.

Fernandez Rueda stands up.
Zuzinho shoots in but Fernandez Rueda avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Fernandez Rueda shoots in but Zuzinho avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Fernandez Rueda digs a good body shot into Zuzinho's ribs.
No luck for Fernandez Rueda with that takedown attempt.

Zuzinho closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Zuzinho thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Zuzinho wants to take a breather but Fernandez Rueda is having none of it.
Zuzinho prevents Fernandez Rueda from improving his position.
Diego Fernandez Rueda has got the better of the ground game so far.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Fernandez Rueda is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.

Zuzinho is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Zuzinho throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Zuzinho throwing shots but Fernandez Rueda is blocking nicely.
Fernandez Rueda keeping control of the position.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.

Fernandez Rueda drives through with a takedown into guard.
Zuzinho trying to control the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Zuzinho wants to get back to his feet but Fernandez Rueda is in a dominant position and won't allow it.

Zuzinho manages to escape and get back to his feet.

Zuzinho gets caught flat footed, as Fernandez Rueda shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Zuzinho is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Fernandez Rueda postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Zuzinho might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Zuzinho tries to land a sweep but no joy.

Fernandez Rueda gets to his feet - Zuzinho follows without any prompting.

Zuzinho takes the fight into the clinch.
Zuzinho wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Fernandez Rueda avoiding damage as Zuzinho throws knees to the body.
Zuzinho looking for a takedown.
Zuzinho tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Fernando Zuzinho. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Fernandez Rueda has had enough of the clinch but Zuzinho keeps him there for the moment.
Fernandez Rueda stops a takedown attempt from Zuzinho.
Fernandez Rueda stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.
Zuzinho stops a takedown attempt from Fernandez Rueda.
Zuzinho lands a good knee to the midsection. Fernandez Rueda won't want to take too many of those.
Zuzinho tries to break the clinch but Fernandez Rueda is controlling the position.
Fernandez Rueda trying to stall but Zuzinho improves his position.

Zuzinho breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Zuzinho shoots in but no luck this time.

Fernandez Rueda shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Zuzinho's guard.
Fernandez Rueda throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Zuzinho works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Fernandez Rueda tries to stand but Zuzinho is controlling from the bottom.
Zuzinho bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Fernandez Rueda's guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Fernandez Rueda keeping full guard, as Zuzinho tries to pass.
Fernandez Rueda is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Fernandez Rueda keeping full guard, as Zuzinho tries to pass.
Zuzinho missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Fernandez Rueda 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.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Zuzinho postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Diego Fernandez Rueda showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Zuzinho throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Fernandez Rueda.
Fernandez Rueda throws a series of punches but Zuzinho moves out of range.
Fernandez Rueda is trying hard to land a takedown here. Zuzinho sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.

Zuzinho is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Fernandez Rueda's half guard.
Fernandez Rueda wants to get back to his feet.
Fernandez Rueda has his hands clasped together around Zuzinho's back. He's all about the action.
Zuzinho not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Fernandez Rueda really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Zuzinho. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Zuzinho is keen to just control but Fernandez Rueda is a slippery customer.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Zuzinho throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Fernandez Rueda keeping hold of Zuzinho's head, controlling as best he can.
Zuzinho with the ground and pound but Fernandez Rueda uses the opportunity to regain guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Fernandez Rueda working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Zuzinho.
Fernandez Rueda working a defensive guard here.
Zuzinho wants to control from the top but Fernandez Rueda keeps moving.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Zuzinho tries to clinch up.
Fernandez Rueda shoots in for a double leg but Zuzinho sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.

Fernandez Rueda feints and as Zuzinho raises his hands in defense, Fernandez Rueda changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
Fernandez Rueda working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Fernandez Rueda looking to sit in guard and control but Zuzinho gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Zuzinho trying to control but Fernandez Rueda is working from the bottom.
Zuzinho postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Zuzinhois looking to pass into half guard but Fernandez Rueda pushes him away with his feet and jumps on top - now Fernandez Rueda is in guard.
Zuzinho wants to get back to his feet but Fernandez Rueda is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Zuzinho has momentary wrist control but Fernandez Rueda slips an elbow through the middle.

Zuzinho pushes Fernandez Rueda off for just long enough to get back to his feet. Very athletic spring there.
Fernandez Rueda throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped

and Zuzinho counters with a single leg into guard. Fernandez Rueda didn't expect that.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Zuzinho scoring with punches to the head and body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Zuzinho stands up from Fernandez Rueda's guard - Zuzinho perhaps looking for a knockout.
Zuzinho dodges the punch combination from Fernandez Rueda.
Zuzinho wants to clinch.

Fernandez Rueda gets a takedown into half guard.
Zuzinho trying to control from the bottom.
Fernandez Rueda prevents Zuzinho from standing back up.
Fernandez Rueda slips a nice elbow through Zuzinho's hands, connecting with Zuzinho's forehead.

Fernandez Rueda postures up and decides to stand up, from the half guard. The ref calls for Zuzinho to stand up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Zuzinho is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Fernandez Rueda's half guard.
Zuzinho thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Fernandez Rueda's head.
Zuzinho prevents Fernandez Rueda from improving his position.
Zuzinho is trying to get back to his feet now but his leg is trapped.
Zuzinho thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Diego Fernandez Rueda is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

Fernandez Rueda kicks Zuzinho off and gets back to his feet.

Zuzinho takes the fight into the clinch.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Zuzinho jumps guard but Fernandez Rueda stands there with Zuzinho around his waist. Zuzinho gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Fernando Zuzinho has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Fernandez Rueda is looking to break free of the clinch but Zuzinho has double underhooks.

And that's the end of the fight!
Fernando Zuzinho showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Fernandez Rueda has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Leandro Rodrigues scores the fight 28:29
Judge Mauricio Rocha scores the fight 28:29
Judge Alexandre Firmino scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Diego Fernandez Rueda!