|
|
PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Joko Diaz (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Louis Rodriguez (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The crowd seem to be enjoying Rodriguez's choice of entrance music: Jackin It In San Diego. The fight MMA fans around the world have waited their entire lives for!
 |
|
 |
| 164 cm
28
144 lbs
8 - 2 - 0 |
|
180 cm
26
135 lbs
4 - 1 - 0 |
Good takedowns
Counter striker
Granite chin |
|
BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent MT
Solid chin |
|
| |
|
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
8 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Joko Diaz!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of
4 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Louis Rodriguez!
The judges for this bout are Paulsen Ambrosius, Nard Betker and Paul Aken.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Diaz shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Rodriguez as he jumps to the side.
Diaz tries to check the leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Diaz throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Rodriguez was covering up waiting for the punch and Diaz finishes the takedown easily into guard.
Diaz passes Rodriguez's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Rodriguez looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Diaz scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Diaz wants to control but Rodriguez is keeping him busy.
Rodriguez gets full guard.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Diaz wants to pass the guard but Rodriguez is keeping the position.
Diaz thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Rodriguez wants to sweep here but Diaz controlling him for the moment.
Diaz looking to sit in guard and control but Rodriguez gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Rodriguez wants to get up but he can't break Diaz's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.
Rodriguez wants to control from the top but Diaz keeps moving.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Rodriguez is looking to work some ground and pound but Diaz has wrist control.
Rodriguez is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
Diaz lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Rodriguez!
Diaz content just to control the position here.
Diaz putting on the heat here with some good ground and pound!
Diaz won't let Rodriguez get back to his feet... He wants to keep the fight where it is for now.
Diaz can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Rodriguez is looking to escape.
Diaz lands a couple of nice shots there from mount.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rodriguez defends a decent attempt at a guillotine from Diaz.
Diaz won't let Rodriguez get back to his feet... He wants to keep the fight where it is for now.
Diaz goes for an armbar but Rodriguez turns quickly into his guard - lovely anticipation from Rodriguez.
Rodriguez must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Diaz throws some sloppy strikes off his back.
Diaz wants to sweep but no luck.
Rodriguez throws a strike but Diaz rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
Rodriguez 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.
Diaz might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rodriguez is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Diaz trying to control the position from guard on top but Rodriguez is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Diaz trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Diaz wants to control from the top but Rodriguez keeps moving.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Joko Diaz dominated that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!
Rodriguez throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Diaz sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Rodriguez looks to score with a jab to the body but Diaz is just out of range.
Diaz shoots in and drives through. Rodriguez sprawls well.
Rodriguez looks to land a left hand but Diaz moved out of range nicely.
Diaz moves out of range as Rodriguez strikes.
Rodriguez feints a jab promting Diaz to slip. Rodriguez then demonstrates his capabilities by jabbing again. Diaz slips again and ducks right into an uppercut.
Rodriguez misses with a looping left.
Diaz staying out of range there.
Rodriguez tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Diaz lands a right hook to the body.
Rodriguez lands with a nice body punch.
Nice takedown defense from Rodriguez. No joy for Diaz on that attempt.
Rodriguez scores with a jab. Diaz acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Rodriguez misses with a right hand
and Diaz counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Rodriguez is looking to escape.
Diaz is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Rodriguez has managed to free his arm - good work.
Rodriguez is looking to improve his position.
Diaz trying to work for an americana but Rodriguez has managed to regain full guard.
Diaz trying to control but Rodriguez is working from the bottom.
Diaz passes into half guard.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rodriguez trying to control but Diaz postures up.
Rodriguez wants to improve his position but Diaz is controlling well.
Diaz is trying to control. Rodriguez wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Diaz is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Joko Diaz overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Diaz prevents Rodriguez from improving his position.
Diaz is working hard to pass the guard. He's done it - he's now in full mount! Trouble for Rodriguez!
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rodriguez sneaks a leg back under and regains half guard and is working straight away to try and get back to guard. He hasn't managed just yet though.
Rodriguez is trying to get back to full guard.
Still in half guard, Diaz seems content to control.
Diaz not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Diaz is trying to control. Rodriguez wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Diaz is thwarting Rodriguez's attempts to control the position.
Rodriguez manages to get to full guard.
Diaz slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Diaz moves into full mount!
Diaz prevents Rodriguez from getting the reversal.
Diaz wants to control the pace but Rodriguez is squirming around nicely.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Diaz dominating with strikes here.
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!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Diaz tries to control but Rodriguez wriggling away.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Joko Diaz dominated that second 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.
Diaz tries to sprawl but Rodriguez drives through with a takedown into half guard.
Diaz has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Rodriguez is working away from the top position though.
Rodriguez thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Diaz manages to get to full guard.
Rodriguez drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but Diaz manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Rodriguez has Diaz in his guard.
Diaz stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Rodriguez swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Diaz stays in close to Rodriguez's body and controls the position.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Diaz wants to pass the guard but Rodriguez is keeping the position.
Diaz drops back looking for a leg! Rodriguez is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Rodriguez manages to kick Diaz off! Diaz jumps back into Rodriguez's guard.
Diaz pushing down on Rodriguez's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Diaz is keen to just control but Rodriguez is a slippery customer.
Diaz works his foot free and advances to mount.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rodriguez tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Diaz thuds his fist into the canvas! Oooouch!
Rodriguez tries to lock up and control but Diaz gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Diaz goes for an armbar but Rodriguez turns quickly into his guard - lovely anticipation from Rodriguez.
Rodriguez throwing strikes from guard but Diaz blocks nicely.
Diaz seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rodriguez wants to control from the top but Diaz keeps moving.
Rodriguez wants to stand but Diaz is controlling his posture from full guard.
Rodriguez is fighting to break Diaz's control of his arms but Diaz is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
Diaz lands a decent punch to the body there.
Rodriguez is stalling in the full guard.
Rodriguez in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Diaz is controlling Rodriguez's posture.
Rodriguez is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! Diaz is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! Diaz has escaped and now he's on top!
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Diaz postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Rodriguez is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Diaz, into his guard.
Diaz trying to keep a closed guard but Rodriguez is proving a slippery customer.
Rodriguez trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Diaz lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Rodriguez!
Diaz wants to control the pace but Rodriguez is squirming around nicely.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Joko Diaz clearly takes that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!
Rodriguez moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Diaz takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Diaz looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Rodriguez misses with a hook. Diaz ducked under it nicely.
Rodriguez tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in the close the distance. Diaz manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Diaz changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Rodriguez tries to avoid it but Diaz manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Rodriguez to the ground. Rodriguez escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Jab, jab by Diaz - just one landing.
Rodriguez clinches with his opponent.
Rodriguez has picked Diaz up - he's going for a ride! Rodriguez dumps his opponent to the mat with a thud and settles into half guard.
Diaz has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Rodriguez is working away from the top position though.
Diaz is looking for a sweep. Rodriguez is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Diaz trying to control but Rodriguez postures up.
Diaz is looking to improve his position.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Diaz controlling the leg, holding on to half guard.
Rodriguez is trying to work for a kimura but Diaz is defending well.
Rodriguez wants to work for an arm triangle but Diaz is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Diaz moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Rodriguez is looking to work some ground and pound but Diaz has wrist control.
Diaz pushes Rodriguez off and scrambles back to his feet.
Rodriguez feints and as Diaz raises his hands in defense, Rodriguez changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
Rodriguez is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Diaz managing to control the position.
Diaz tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Diaz looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Rodriguez wants to pass the guard but Diaz is keeping the position.
Rodriguez landing with the ground and pound.
Diaz has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.
Rodriguez throws an elbow that misses. Diaz uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Rodriguez's guard. Nice move by Diaz!
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Diaz is standing up over Rodriguez. Rodriguez looks to escape but Diaz dives into side control.
Diaz thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
Rodriguez wants to get back to his feet.
Diaz working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Diaz is putting a hurting on Rodriguez here, landing some big shots from side control.
Diaz landing a few strikes.
Rodriguez tries to buck Diaz off but Diaz is having none of it.
Diaz is trying to get an arm triangle but Rodriguez is defending well.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Rodriguez can't do much from the bottom here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
That was a close fourth round but I would say that Joko Diaz will probably get the nod.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!
Nice takedown defense from Rodriguez. No joy for Diaz on that attempt.
Rodriguez throws a hook but Diaz avoids it easily.
Rodriguez missing with a left hand there. Diaz was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Diaz with a lazy takedown attempt
and Rodriguez counters with a left and a right that stings Diaz.
Diaz gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Rodriguez to score an easy takedown into full guard.
Diaz looking for a sweep. Not yet Diaz, not yet.
Rodriguez trying to control but Diaz is working from the bottom.
Rodriguez trying to pass the guard. He's being very persistent here but Diaz manages to land a sweep and now he's on top!
Diaz wants to control from the top but Rodriguez keeps moving.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Diaz avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Rodriguez is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Diaz slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
Diaz wants to control but Rodriguez is keeping him busy.
Diaz tries to advance to mount but can't.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rodriguez is not content to let Diaz control the position.
Diaz tries to land with some ground and pound but misses.
Diaz working the ground and pound from side control.
Rodriguez wants to get back to his feet.
Diaz lands a nice forearm strike.
Diaz looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Diaz tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Diaz has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
Diaz working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
You can see the frustration on Rodriguez's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rodriguez dodges the ground and pound from Diaz.
Diaz looking to punish the body of his opponent here but Rodriguez is avoiding damage well.
Louis Rodriguez has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Diaz in side control, throwing shots but Rodriguez defends.
Diaz tries to score with some ground and pound. Rodriguez controls his posture well this time though and the shots don't do any damage.
Diaz is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Rodriguez is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
Diaz thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
And that's the end of the fight!
Joko Diaz showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Diaz, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.
Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Paulsen Ambrosius scores the fight 50:45
Judge Nard Betker scores the fight 50:46
Judge Paul Aken scores the fight 50:45
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Joko Diaz!
Joko Diaz is the new bantamweight champion!
Joko Diaz made sure to mention his sponsor, [EVO] Koffin Inc. *Laundry Available* in his post fight interview.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| S |
C
A |
G |
S |
C
B |
G |
|
S |
C |
G |
|
energy
A | B |
|
hype
A | B |
|
pop
A | B |
|
mgr
A | B |
|
FIGHT
RATING
79% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
