PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Gabriel Zagorno (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Rafael Marquez (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Fingers crossed for an exciting fight - I'm sure both fighters are looking for a nice under the table bonus!

Zagorno
vs
Marquez

165 cm
20
140 lbs
7 - 1 - 0

162 cm
21
144 lbs
6 - 3 - 0

Good takedowns
Counter striker
Experienced

Good takedowns
Basic striking
Knockout power

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the bantamweight 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 Las Vegas, Gabriel Zagorno!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Rafael Marquez!
The judges for this bout are Daniel Franklin, Alan Glass and Wesley Smith.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Marquez throws a right hand that Zagorno ducks under and follows up with a left that Zagorno also avoids with ease.
Marquez tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Marquez wants to clinch.
Marquez ducks under a wild hook from Zagorno.
Sloppy strikes from Marquez. Those never looked like landing.
Zagorno swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Zagorno will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Zagorno throws a right hand that misses
and Marquez counters with a series of strikes. Zagorno will be more careful next time no doubt.
Marquez looks to land a combination but Zagorno avoids it well.
Rafael Marquez seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Marquez avoids a punch combination nicely.
Zagorno throws a low kick but it's checked well by Marquez.
Marquez tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Zagorno was well out of range. Poor timing from Marquez.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A slow jab from Zagorno misses its intended target.
Zagorno throws a poor cross that misses
and Marquez connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Marquez throws a right hand that Zagorno ducks under and follows up with a left that Zagorno also avoids with ease.

Zagorno throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Marquez was covering up waiting for the punch and Zagorno finishes the takedown easily into guard.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.
Marquez wants to sweep here but Zagorno controlling him for the moment.
Marquez is controlling Zagorno's posture.
Zagorno postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Zagorno trying to control but Marquez is working from the bottom.
Zagorno slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up, due to lack of activity on the part of Gabriel Zagorno.
Marquez just misses with a punch to the body.
Marquez misses with a jab to the body
and Zagorno counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.

Zagorno feints and as Marquez raises his hands in defense, Zagorno changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Marquez manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Zagorno manages to get himself to full guard.
Zagorno looking for a sweep. Not yet Zagorno, not yet.
Zagorno not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Marquez pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Zagorno is keeping the position for now.
Marquez wants to control from the top but Zagorno keeps moving.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Zagorno working for a triangle but Marquez defends it easily.
Zagorno wants to sweep but no luck.
Zagorno not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Marquez pushes down on Zagorno's leg and manages to get into half guard.

Marquez is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Zagorno defends it well.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Zagorno wants to control but Marquez is keeping busy and won't allow it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Zagorno tries to roll over but Marquez keeps him under control.
Marquez slows the pace down in half guard.
Marquez is pressing down on Zagorno's thigh, looking to free his foot. Zagorno is holding on for now.
Zagorno wants to control but Marquez is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Zagorno wants to improve his position but Marquez is controlling well.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Marquez is trying to improve position by moving to mount. Zagorno has hold of his neck though and manages to move into guard! All of a sudden, Marquez is in a lot of trouble! Zagorno is straining to finish and he's done it! Marquez taps out! Amazing!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:55 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Guillotine). Gabriel Zagorno!
Gabriel Zagorno retains his bantamweight title!