PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Ryan Gracie (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Antonio Rezende (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The crowd seem to be enjoying Rezende's choice of entrance music: Tropa de Elite - Tihuana. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Gracie
vs
Rezende

180 cm
25
185 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

178 cm
25
185 lbs
3 - 1 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent boxer
Good chin

BJJ White Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Ryan Gracie!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Antonio Rezende!
The judges for this bout are Daniel Cesar, Paulo Santos and Edson Gomes.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
The fighters circle momentarily. Gracie darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Gracie circles away from the clinch attempt.
Gracie comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Gracie circles away from the clinch attempt.
A punch combination from Gracie misses.
Gracie throws a low kick but it's checked well by Rezende.
Rezende is looking to clinch.
Rezende walks into a stiff left hand from Gracie.
Rezende throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Rezende slips a jab and a cross from Gracie.
Gracie throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Ryan Gracie seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Gracie avoids the head kick by Rezende.
Gracie rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Rezende moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Gracie avoids the head kick by Rezende.
Gracie connects with a single shot there.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Gracie throws a head kick that misses.
Gracie misses with a double jab.
Gracie throws a lazy head kick
and Rezende counters with a nice low kick that buckles Gracie's knee momentarily.
Gracie stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Rezende lands with a nice body kick.
Rezende ducks right into an uppercut from Gracie.
Gracie throws a series of punches but Rezende moves out of range.
Gracie lands with a shot to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gracie closes the distance and lands a one-two.
Gracie uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Rezende.
Gracie changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Gracie pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Gracie keeps the fight on the outside.
Gracie lands the left hand.
Gracie throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Gracie throws a right hand that Rezende ducks under and follows up with a left that Rezende also avoids with ease.
Gracie falls off balance throwing a combination
and Rezende counters with a slapping leg kick.
Gracie has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Rezende.
Gracie is breathing heavily.
Gracie wants to land a leg kick but Rezende is out of range.
Gracie throws a head kick that misses

and Rezende counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
This has been an exciting period of action!

Rezende decides to stand up and try his luck on the feet.
Rezende walks into a left hand.
Gracie scores with a punch to the head.
Rezende throws a head kick that Gracie semi-blocks.
Rezende wants to clinch up but Gracie keeps it at a distance.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A head kick misses from Rezende.
Rezende tries to clinch but Gracie is having none of it.
Rezende lands a head kick. Gracie smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
The fight stays on the outside here - Rezende looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Gracie swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Rezende.
Rezende lands a nice leg kick that just misses Gracie's sensitive parts.
Gracie bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.

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

Rezende pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Rezende tries to close the distance and clinch but Gracie swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Gracie works the jab nicely.
Rezende tries to move into range but Gracie moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Gracie is really peppering his opponent's head with punches.
Gracie scores with a punch to the head.
Gracie looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Gracie throws a sloppy head kick

and Rezende counters with a single leg into guard. Gracie didn't expect that.
Rezende is looking to stand up but Gracie won't let him.
Rezende missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gracie is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Rezende postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Rezende lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.

Gracie is working an open guard so Rezende takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.
Rezende throws a head kick that misses.
Rezende takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Rezende throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Gracie moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Gracie circles away from the clinch attempt.
Gracie throws a sloppy head kick
and Rezende counters with a head kick.

Rezende pushes Gracie up against the cage in a clinch.
Gracie changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Rezende fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Gracie tries to bum rush Rezende with a series of wild strikes but Rezende uses good footwork to avoid the assault.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Rezende has Gracie up against the cage in a clinch.
Gracie tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Rezende missing with knees to the body.
Rezende keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Gracie's efforts to push away.
Gracie blocks an elbow strike from Rezende.
Rezende pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the cage.
Gracie keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Rezende's efforts to push away.
Gracie wants to break free but Rezende has control.
Rezende with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Rezende has had enough of the clinch but Gracie keeps him there for the moment.
Gracie is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Rezende throws an elbow that misses.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Gracie lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Rezende or not.
Rezende throws a knee to the head but misses.
Rezende misses with a knee strike.
Gracie tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Rezende smiles and moves away.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ryan Gracie. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Gracie misses with a few strikes there.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Antonio Rezende dominated that round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Rezende fails in his attempt to clinch.
Gracie misses with a jab, cross combination.
Ryan Gracie is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Gracie throws a lazy head kick

so Rezende counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.

Gracie is working an open guard so Rezende takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.
A decent looking cross lands there for Gracie.
Rezende has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Gracie finds it's way round the side to connect with Rezende's head.
Rezende lands a nice leg kick that just misses Gracie's sensitive parts.
Rezende tries to clinch up but Gracie circles away and keeps his distance.
Rezende throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Gracie misses the shot to the body.
Gracie moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Gracie scores with the left hand. Rezende knows he should have avoided that one.
A head kick by Gracie misses

and Rezende counters with a single leg into guard. Gracie didn't expect that.
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!
Rezende wants to pass the guard but Gracie is keeping the position.
Rezende with a flurry of punches that miss.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Rezende in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Rezende must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rezende wants to stand but Gracie is controlling his posture from full guard.
Gracie looking to hit a scissor sweep but Rezende is one step ahead there.
Rezende trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Rezende trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.

Rezende got a little sloppy there for a moment and Gracie has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Rezende has managed to get both his arms back between Gracie's legs - danger averted.
Rezende lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Rezende makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.

Rezende stands up from Gracie's guard - Rezende perhaps looking for a knockout.
Rezende scores with a push kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rezende throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Gracie tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
The fight stays on the outside here - Rezende looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Gracie keeps the fight on the outside.
Gracie throws a chopping leg kick but Rezende manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Rezende tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Gracie paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Rezende tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Rezende has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.
Gracie throws a nice looking combination but Rezende bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Rezende looks to land a combination but Gracie avoids it well.
Rezende plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
Gracie misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
A head kick by Gracie misses
and Rezende counters with an inside leg kick.
Rezende throws a nice inside leg kick.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rezende is looking to clinch but Gracie is avoiding it.

Rezende darts in and clinches Gracie up against the cage.
Rezende tries to break the clinch but Gracie is controlling the position.
Rezende tries to break free but Gracie pushes him back against the cage.
Rezende throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Gracie blocks it with crossed arms.
Rezende keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Gracie's efforts to push away.
Gracie avoiding damage as Rezende throws knees to the body.
Gracie is trying to push Rezende away but Rezende has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Gracie jumps guard but Rezende stands there with Gracie around his waist. Gracie gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Gracie is trying to push Rezende away but Rezende has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Gracie goes for a takedown attempt but Rezende pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Rezende throws a head kick that half lands.
Rezende tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Gracie throws a series of punches but Rezende moves out of range.
Rezende tries to clinch but Gracie moves out of range.
Ryan Gracie is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Rezende is looking to clinch.
Gracie connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Rezende doesn't manage to clinch there - Gracie circles away.
Gracie scores with a jab. Rezende acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Rezende tries a head kick but it misses.
Rezende tries to clinch there but Gracie circles away.
Gracie lands a slapping body shot.
Gracie fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Rezende is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Rezende pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Rezende tries to clinch up but Gracie circles away and keeps his distance.
Rezende tries to clinch but Gracie moves out of range.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Gracie lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
Rezende feints and then cracks Gracie's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Gracie down.
Gracie is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Rezende keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Rezende slips a jab and a cross from Gracie.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Antonio Rezende 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. This is the final round!

Gracie misses with a low kick.
Good standup being displayed there by Gracie as he connects with a hook.
A shot to the liver by Gracie. Beautiful body shot.
A punch lands to the side of Rezende 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Rezende has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Gracie lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Rezende backs up against the cage.
Gracie swings for the body but Rezende moves out of range.
Gracie blocks a head kick by Rezende.
Gracie throws a shot to the body.
Rezende tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Gracie paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Rezende tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in the close the distance. Gracie manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Gracie moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.
Gracie lands with a nice body punch.
Rezende tries to clinch up.
Gracie throws a lazy head kick

and Rezende counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Gracie wants to control but Rezende is keeping busy.
Rezende takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rezende wants to free his trapped foot but Gracie is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Rezende missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Gracie gets back to full guard.
Gracie wants to sweep here but Rezende controlling him for the moment.
Rezende keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Gracie's head.
Gracie looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Gracie working a defensive guard here.
Rezende has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Gracie is proving hard to escape from.
Rezende really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Gracie. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Gracie can't keep his opponent in guard - Rezende advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.

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.
Rezende works his way into full mount!
Rezende is in the full mount, landing strikes.
Rezende lands an elbow that was bordering on illegal but the referee lets it go with a warning.
Rezende raining down shots from the mount!
Gracie is trying to escape the mount.
Rezende lands a shot to the body, followed up by a shot to the exposed head of his trapped opponent.
Rezende lands with some strikes.
A nice elbow there by Rezende.
Gracie is trying to escape the mount.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gracie tries to lock up and control but Rezende gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Rezende with the ground and pound from mount.
Rezende is in the full mount, landing strikes.
Rezende with good strikes from the mount here!
A nice elbow there by Rezende.
Rezende lands with some strikes.
Gracie tries to hold on but Rezende pushes him away.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Rezende landing strikes from the mount and Gracie is in trouble!
Rezende scoring with strikes but Gracie is staying in there.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Gracie's corner are shouting for him to stand up but that's bad cornering - how is he meant to stand up when he's mounted? He should be looking to improve his position on the ground before trying to stand back up.
Rezende raining down hammerfists from mount.
Gracie is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Rezende looking to ground and pound his opponent to a finish here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rezende putting on the heat here with some good ground and pound!
Gracie tries to hold on but Rezende postures up.
Gracie working to try and regain half guard.
Rezende dominating with strikes here.
Rezende scoring with strikes but Gracie is staying in there.
Rezende lands a heavy elbow.
Rezende with the ground and pound from mount.
Gracie takes a big shot to the head but keeps on trying to improve his position.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Rezende lands a big elbow.
Gracie is working to get back to half guard.
Ryan Gracie has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Antonio Rezende is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Rezende landing strikes, looking to finish!

And that's the end of the fight!
Antonio Rezende comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Rezende 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 Daniel Cesar scores the fight 27:30
Judge Paulo Santos scores the fight 27:30
Judge Edson Gomes scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Antonio Rezende!