PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Tariq Ziyad (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Viktor Metzger (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Buckle up people - heeeeeeeeeere we go!

Ziyad
vs
Metzger

188 cm
23
191 lbs
7 - 1 - 0

181 cm
24
195 lbs
6 - 2 - 0

Powerful takedowns
Solid Muay Thai
Cardio machine

BJJ Blue Belt
Good kicks
Powerful

Golden Lilium
Knock Out Artistry

Virtual Fighter Clothing
Sublime Supplements

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the middleweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 7 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Tariq Ziyad!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Viktor Metzger!
The judges for this bout are William Peck, Dillan Fox and Yves DeLean.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Metzger looks for the body kick but Ziyad saw that one coming.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Ziyad is defended easily by Metzger.
Metzger misses with a straight left.

Ziyad throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Metzger was covering up waiting for the punch and Ziyad finishes the takedown easily into guard.
Ziyad postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Ziyad has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Metzger looking for a sweep. Not yet Metzger, not yet.

Ziyad is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! Metzger is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! Metzger has escaped and now he's on top!
Metzger wants to control from the top but Ziyad keeps moving.
Ziyad manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
Ziyad in mount throwing good strikes here, bouncing his opponent's head off the canvas.
Metzger really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Ziyad. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Metzger wants to control but Ziyad is having none of it.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Metzger might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Ziyad kaven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.
Ziyad lands a heavy elbow.
Metzger blocking the ground and pound.
Ziyad throwing sloppy strikes, which aren't doing any damage.
A nice elbow there by Ziyad.
Ziyad throwing strikes here but Metzger is writhing around nicely and avoiding any serious damage.

Ziyad wants to finish this one by submission but Metzger is holding onto his waist, trying to prevent any attacks from Ziyad.
Metzger is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Ziyad with some aggressive grappling here. He's looking for submissions here, rather than waiting for the opportunity to counter.
Metzger blocking the ground and pound.

Ziyad goes for an armbar but he's not got it… Metzger turns into him and now he's in Ziyad's guard.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Metzger trying to control the position from guard on top but Ziyad is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Metzger stopping the sweep attempt from Ziyad.
Metzger trying to control the position from guard on top but Ziyad is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ziyad keeping full guard, as Metzger tries to pass.
Ziyad looking to hit a scissor sweep but Metzger is one step ahead there.
Ziyad bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Metzger's guard.
Ziyad trying to control the position from guard on top but Metzger is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Metzger is trying to keep Ziyad in close.
Ziyad loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Ziyad throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Ziyad trying to control the position from guard on top but Metzger is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Metzger looking for a sweep. Not yet Metzger, not yet.
Ziyad loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Ziyad tries to free his leg and advance position but Metzger is retaining full guard.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Ziyad misses with a low kick as Metzger jumps back.
Metzger tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Ziyad was well out of range. Poor timing from Metzger.
Ziyad misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Metzger misses with a body kick.
Ziyad moves out of range of the body kick.

Ziyad gets the takedown into side control.
Ziyad in side control lands a decent elbow.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.

Ziyad looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Tariq Ziyad dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Ziyad misses with a takedown attempt - Metzger sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Ziyad shoots in but Metzger avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Metzger lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Ziyad changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Metzger tries to avoid it but Ziyad manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Metzger to the ground. Metzger escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Tariq Ziyad. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Metzger connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Metzger misses with a leg kick
and Ziyad counters with a low kick, right behind Metzger 's knee.
Metzger lands a nice looking kick to the body. Ziyad takes a step back to recover.
Metzger misses with a double jab.
Good work by Ziyad as he checks the leg kick.
Metzger takes a swing at Ziyad's ribcage but misses.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Metzger checks a leg kick.
Metzger defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Ziyad.
Metzger swings and misses with a hook to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ziyad moves out of range as Metzger throws a body kick.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Metzger.
Ziyad takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Metzger throws a head kick that misses.
Ziyad shoots in for a double leg but Metzger sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Metzger misses with an attempted mid kick.
Metzger throws a nice outside leg kick.
Metzger lands a right hook to the body.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Nice takedown defense from Metzger. No joy for Ziyad on that attempt.
Metzger tries a head kick but it misses.
Metzger feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Ziyad's calf.
Metzger throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Ziyad sees it coming and avoids it easily.
A nice inside leg kick there by Metzger. That's going to slow Ziyad down.
Ziyad takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Metzger shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Ziyad chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Metzger can pounce on him.
Viktor Metzger seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Metzger throws a nice inside leg kick.

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!
A head kick by Metzger misses
and Ziyad counters with a head kick.
Metzger misses with a head kick.
A bone on bone clash there as Ziyad blocks the leg kick.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Metzger.
Ziyad shoots in looking for a takedown. Metzger tries to sprawl out of it but Ziyad keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Metzger manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Ziyad closes this distance looking for a takedown but Metzger circles away.
Metzger throws a nice head kick!
Metzger tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Metzger is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Ziyad rather than just go for the knockout.
Ziyad tries a low kick but Metzger avoids it.
Metzger throws the kick towards the body but Ziyad avoids it.
Ziyad takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Metzger throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Ziyad looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Metzger is fending him off so far but Ziyad persists. Nope, Metzger circles away and we're back to standing.
Metzger lands a head kick. Ziyad smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
Tariq Ziyad is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Metzger throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Metzger cracks a nice hook into Ziyad's ribs.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Metzger moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Metzger just misses with a punch to the body.
Ziyad shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Metzger pinned against the cage. Metzger gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Ziyad takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Metzger thuds a mid kick into his opponent's body. That will wear on Ziyad if he has to take too many more of those.
Metzger throws a body kick that misses.
Viktor Metzger seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Metzger misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Metzger goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Metzger throws a head kick that looked like it stung.
Viktor Metzger is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Metzger misses with the body kick

and Ziyad counters by clinching up.
Metzger can't break the clinch.
Metzger has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Metzger wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Ziyad stops a takedown attempt from Metzger.
Ziyad gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Metzger.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
This has been an exciting period of action!

Metzger breaks the clinch.

Ziyad looking for a takedown here - he's got it.

Ziyad drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and Metzger dives on top into guard.

Ziyad looking for a guillotine here but Metzger defends easily.
Metzger wants to pass the guard but Ziyad is keeping the position.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Metzger postures up and lands a big shot to Ziyad's brow.
Ziyad avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Viktor Metzger showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Metzger throws a lazy head kick

and Ziyad counters with a shoot takedown. Metzger fights it but they end up in guard.
Ziyad trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Metzger looking for a sweep. Not yet Metzger, not yet.
Ziyad forces his way into half guard.
Ziyad thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Metzger preventing any damage for now, controlling his opponent's head.
Ziyad tries to pass to full mount but Metzger defends it.
Metzger wants to control but Ziyad is keeping busy.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ziyad throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Ziyad connects with a nice short shot to Metzger's temple.
Metzger is refusing to be controlled, as Ziyad sits in half guard.
Metzger tries to get to full guard but Ziyad has control of the leg.
Ziyad wants to pass the guard but Metzger is defending well.
Metzger blocking the ground and pound attempt from Ziyad.
Ziyad landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.

Ziyad seems to be looking for submissions.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Ziyad is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Metzger works his way to full guard. Good work.
Ziyad with a flurry of punches that miss.
Ziyad throwing strikes from guard but Metzger blocks nicely.
Ziyad pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Metzger is keeping the position for now.
Metzger trying to control the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ziyad being controlled here momentarily.
Ziyad trying to control but Metzger is working from the bottom.
Metzger utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Ziyad throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Metzger works some decent striking defense from the bottom.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Metzger swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.

Ziyad drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.

Ziyad is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Metzger is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Metzger is looking to reverse the position.

Ziyad is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Metzger has escaped the position, nice work there.

Ziyad goes for an armbar here - this could be all over! But no, Metzger has escaped beautifully and is now on top in side control! Oh, that's unlucky for Ziyad but great work by Metzger.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Metzger tries to land with some ground and pound but misses.
Metzger sitting in side control, looking to soften his opponent up with elbows and hammerfists but Ziyad is avoiding damage well and looking to escape the position.
Ziyad is trying to get back to half guard.
You can see the frustration on Ziyad's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Tariq Ziyad clearly takes that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Ziyad takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Metzger with a jab.
Metzger misses with the body kick

and Ziyad counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Ziyad.
Metzger avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Ziyad throws a big right hand that misses.
Ziyad won't allow Metzger to sweep him here.
Ziyad throwing strikes but missing.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Ziyad throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Metzger works some decent striking defense from the bottom.

Ziyad postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Metzger is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Ziyad, into his guard.
Ziyad looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Tariq Ziyad overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Metzger throwing strikes from guard but Ziyad blocks nicely.
Ziyad keeping full guard, as Metzger tries to pass.
Ziyad is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
Metzger is looking for a sweep. Ziyad is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

Ziyad is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Metzger is just riding it out for now. Ziyad eventually gives up the hold.

Ziyad is working for a kimura but Metzger is defending it quite comfortably.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Ziyad wants to lay and pray for a moment but Metzger keeps working.
Metzger keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Ziyad sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Metzger defending well though.

Metzger is defending against the submission attempts here by Ziyad.
Ziyad is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ziyad takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.

Ziyad is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Metzger doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Ziyad.
Metzger wants to get back to full guard.
Ziyad wants to control but Metzger is keeping him busy.

Ziyad is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Metzger is just riding it out for now. Ziyad eventually gives up the hold.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Metzger wants to improve his position but Ziyad is controlling well.
Ziyad not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Ziyad prevents Metzger from improving his position.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Metzger throws a low kick but it's checked well by Ziyad.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Tariq Ziyad had his way with Viktor Metzger in that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! This is the final round!

Metzger gets off balance looking for a body kick

and Ziyad counters with a nice double leg into side control. Metzger won't be happy with that.
Ziyad throwing strikes but missing, from side control.

Ziyad goes for an armbar! This could be all over! Wait, no, Metzger rolls with the submission and now he's on top in Ziyad's guard! Nice work there by Metzger!
Metzger stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Ziyad swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Metzger is looking to work some ground and pound but Ziyad has wrist control.
Metzger trying to control the position from guard on top but Ziyad is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Ziyad uses the cage to get back to his feet.
Metzger leaves Ziyad with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A jab from Metzger finds it's way through Ziyad's defenses.
Metzger tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Metzger ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
A looping hook to the body misses from Metzger. Ziyad does a little dance to reset his feet.
Ziyad moves out of range as Metzger throws a body kick.

Metzger gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Ziyad to score an easy takedown into full guard.
Metzger controlling the position.
Ziyad wants to pass the guard but Metzger is keeping the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Metzger seems keen to control Ziyad's posture.
Ziyad lands a couple of elbows.

Ziyad drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and Metzger dives on top into guard.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - an gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
Metzger has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Ziyad is proving hard to escape from.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Metzger's corner. There ya go! There ya go!

Ziyad has his feet on Metzger's thighs here. He's pushed Metzger off and worked for a very quick armbar from the bottom! He's flipped onto his stomach and he's cranking hard on the arm! Metzger screams in pain and taps out! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:05 of round 5, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Tariq Ziyad!
Tariq Ziyad retains his middleweight title!