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PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Jie Liu (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Gerard Esqueda (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Liu comes to the cage accompanied by The Cinematic Orchestra ft. Roots Manuva - All Things To All Men. Esqueda has chosen Cant del Barça as his entrance music. The fight MMA fans around the world have waited their entire lives for!
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| 173 cm
29
162 lbs
24 - 8 - 1 |
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179 cm
29
169 lbs
21 - 9 - 2 |
Abu Dhabi Champ
World class boxer
Insanely flexible |
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Excellent grappler
World class MT
Granite chin |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of
24 - 8 - 1, fighting out of Montreal, Jie Liu!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of
21 - 9 - 2, fighting out of Montreal, Gerard Esqueda!
The judges for this bout are James Ackerman, Sam Margolis and Phil Schofield.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Liu checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Esqueda thows a body shot but no joy.
Esqueda tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Liu was well out of range. Poor timing from Esqueda.
Esqueda looks to score with a jab to the body but Liu is just out of range.
Liu misses with an uppercut.
Esqueda fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Liu checks it well.
Liu sizes up Esqueda with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Liu pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Esqueda keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Esqueda looks to throw the jab but Liu is out of range.
Esqueda connects with a solid leg kick.
Esqueda lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Liu moves out of range of the body kick from Esqueda.
Liu misses with a straight right.
Esqueda connects with a nice looking jab.
Liu swings for the body but Esqueda moves out of range.
Liu is looking to land body kicks.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Esqueda connects with the punch.
Nice defenses there by Liu.
Liu tries a head kick but it misses.
Liu scoring well with a low kick there.
Liu changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Esqueda tries to avoid it but Liu manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Esqueda to the ground. Esqueda escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Esqueda dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Esqueda lands with an uppercut that bounces Liu off the cage and back into range.
Esqueda checks a leg kick.
Liu shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Esqueda sprawls well. Esqueda wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Liu gets slowly back to his feet.
Esqueda lands a glancing blow to the side of Liu's head.
Liu tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Esqueda takes a swing at Liu's ribcage but misses.
Esqueda throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Liu on the side of the head.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Esqueda tests Liu's chin there with a solid looking shot.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Esqueda digs a good body shot into Liu's ribs.
Liu will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Esqueda throws a looping overhand right but Liu ducks down to avoid it.
Esqueda cracks a nice hook into Liu's ribs.
Esqueda lands a nice shot to the body.
Esqueda scores with a jab.
Esqueda ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Liu moves away.
A leg kick checked by Liu.
Esqueda throws a leg kick which misses Liu's front leg but catches the back leg as Liu tries to avoid it.
A bone on bone clash there as Liu blocks the leg kick.
Liu lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Liu lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
A slapping leg kick lands for Liu.
Esqueda avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Esqueda misses with a kick to the body.
Liu shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
Ground and pound from Liu.
Liu thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Esqueda trying to hold on to Liu's head to control him but Liu postures up.
Esqueda is trying to avoid being dragged into an even worse position than he's already in but Liu is staying active.
Esqueda is pressing down on Liu's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Liu throws a big elbow that misses.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Esqueda keeping full guard, as Liu tries to pass.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Liu accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Liu looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
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!
Liu got a little sloppy there for a moment and Esqueda has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Liu has managed to get both his arms back between Esqueda's legs - danger averted.
Esqueda looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Liu accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Liu missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Gerard Esqueda dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!
Esqueda moves out of range of the leg kick from Liu.
Liu ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Esqueda moves away.
A left lands for Esqueda.
Liu with a nice cross.
Liu tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Liu is looking to chop away at Esqueda's legs.
Esqueda takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Liu shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Esqueda but Esqueda pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Esqueda misses with an uppercut
and Liu decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Esqueda's guard.
Esqueda is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Esqueda missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Liu tries to roll over but Esqueda keeps him under control.
Liu is working hard here to advance position.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Ground and pound from Esqueda.
Esqueda missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Esqueda frees up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Liu is desperately trying to improve his position but Esqueda has a good base and remains in mount.
Esqueda dominating with strikes here.
Liu tries to reverse the position but Esqueda maintains control.
Esqueda looking to ground and pound his opponent to a finish here.
Esqueda landing punches.
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!
Liu tries to hold on but Esqueda pushes him away.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Esqueda looking to control but Liu is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Esqueda throwing shots from mount but they're not landing.
Esqueda looking to ground and pound his opponent to a finish here.
Esqueda raining down shots from the mount!
Liu bucks up and manages to get a nice reversal! He's in guard on the top - nicely done!
Liu pushes down on Esqueda's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Liu missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Esqueda wants to improve his position but Liu is controlling well.
Esqueda is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Esqueda lands one or two decent shots to the body here. Although from his own half guard, he's not going to be causing too much damage.
Esqueda is staying active underneath Liu, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Liu missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Esqueda is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Esqueda is doing well to control the position and prevent Liu from advancing to side control.
Liu seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Esqueda does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Esqueda is trying to control but can't.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Esqueda misses the shot to the body.
Liu throws a chopping leg kick but Esqueda manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Esqueda bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Esqueda lands with an uppercut that bounces Liu off the cage and back into range.
Good leg kick by Esqueda there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Liu bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Esqueda looks to score with a jab to the body but Liu is just out of range.
Liu feints and as Esqueda raises his hands in defense, Liu changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Liu tries to free his leg and advance position but Esqueda is retaining full guard.
Liu looking to sit in guard and control but Esqueda gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Liu wants to improve his position but instead Esqueda has moved into half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Gerard Esqueda showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!
Esqueda uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Liu.
Esqueda dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Liu fails with a takedown attempt.
A jab from Esqueda finds it's way through Liu's defenses.
Esqueda ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Liu chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Esqueda can pounce on him.
Liu shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Esqueda pinned against the cage. Esqueda gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Liu misses with a wild body shot.
Esqueda bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Liu swings away with a leg kick that misses.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Liu takes a swing at Esqueda's ribcage but misses.
Esqueda tried to score with a low kick but Liu checks it.
Esqueda tries to work over Liu's front leg with a kick but Liu checks it.
Liu misses with a head kick.
Esqueda takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Esqueda scores with a shot to the body.
Esqueda cracks a nice hook into Liu's ribs.
Liu throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Liu pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
A jab from Liu misses.
Gerard Esqueda is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Liu takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Esqueda throws a quick inside leg kick.
Esqueda throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Esqueda throws a good cross that connects.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Liu steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Esqueda.
Esqueda throws a big shot that misses.
Liu shoots in for a double leg but Esqueda sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jie Liu. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Liu avoids the body shot from Esqueda.
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!
Esqueda bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Liu's head.
Liu fails to land the takedown.
Esqueda throws a quick inside leg kick.
Liu takes one to the chin there.
Esqueda tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Liu was well out of range. Poor timing from Esqueda.
Liu goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Esqueda scores with a nice head shot.
Liu goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Liu looks to throw the jab but Esqueda is out of range.
Esqueda misses with a body shot.
Liu throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Esqueda getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Liu gets off balance looking for a body kick
and Esqueda counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Esqueda.
Esqueda postures up.
Esqueda distracts Liu with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Liu working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Esqueda.
Esqueda works over Liu with some ground and pound from guard.
Liu seems to have improved his submission grappling technique since last time we saw him. Let's see if he can pull off a submission.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Liu has Esqueda pulled in close to control his posture.
Liu 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.
Liu keeping moving, preventing Esqueda from controlling successfully.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Liu looking for a sweep. Not yet Liu, not yet.
Liu looking to sweep using the butterfly guard but Esqueda puts pay to that idea as he passes nicely into half guard.
Esqueda wants to pass to mount but Liu is defending the position.
Esqueda frees up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Esqueda lands a couple of good shots and Liu has given up his back, trying to escape the position!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Esqueda scores with strikes from the back.
Esqueda connects with a series of strikes and the referee is calling for Liu to escape the position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Gerard Esqueda really dominated that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!
Esqueda clobbers Liu with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Esqueda looks to land a body kick but Liu moved away.
A nice leg kick lands there from Liu.
Esqueda just misses with a punch to the body.
Esqueda lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
Liu throws the kick towards the body but Esqueda avoids it.
Liu misses with a jab to the body
and Esqueda counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
Liu is not content to let Esqueda control the position.
Esqueda might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Liu haven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.
Esqueda wants to pass the guard but Liu is defending well.
Liu avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Esqueda.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Liu won't allow Esqueda to pass to mount.
Liu moves into full guard.
Liu lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Esqueda!
Esqueda is looking to get to half guard.
Liu with the ground and pound from mount.
Liu controlling his opponent.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Esqueda tries to reverse the position but Liu maintains control.
Liu landing shots from mount.
Liu lands a shot to the body, followed up by a shot to the exposed head of his trapped opponent.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Liu scoring with some good ground and pound from mount here. Will he manage to finish Esqueda?
Esqueda is looking to get to half guard.
Liu looking to control but Esqueda is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Liu lands a shot to the body, followed up by a shot to the exposed head of his trapped opponent.
Liu lands a big shot there that rocks Esqueda but he's holding on and managing to survive for now.
It looks like Gerard Esqueda has been cut.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Liu swings around for an armbar but it's a sloppy attempt and Esqueda is now in Liu's guard. A big mistake from Liu there, giving up the dominant position!
Esqueda trying to control but Liu is working from the bottom.
Esqueda passes easily into side control. Nice work.
Esqueda wants to lay and pray for a moment but Liu keeps working.
Esqueda looks up at the clock and then as Liu takes his cue and looks up at the clock too, Esqueda smacks him right in the chops with a big elbow! How rude!
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Liu on the wrong end of some ground and pound.
Liu is looking to regain half guard here but Esqueda keeps moving and retains side control.
Esqueda working the ground and pound but he's contacting the mat, not the fighter.
Liu sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.
Esqueda has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Esqueda thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Liu trying to hold on to Esqueda's head to control him but Esqueda postures up.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Esqueda is looking to take a break and control but Liu is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Gerard Esqueda has got the better of the ground game so far.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Esqueda thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
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 Jie Liu will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Gerard Esqueda's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.
Liu explodes with a nice body kick and back out of range. Nice work.
Liu misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Liu connects with a single shot there.
Liu tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
A jab from Liu misses.
Liu looks to land a left hand but Esqueda moved out of range nicely.
Esqueda bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Esqueda uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Liu.
Liu keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Liu throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Esqueda.
Esqueda throws the kick towards the body but Liu avoids it.
Esqueda throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Liu looks to land a body kick but Esqueda moved away.
Liu throws a head kick that misses.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Esqueda bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Liu's head backwards.
Liu throws a lazy uppercut
and Esqueda counters with a nice single leg takedown and he's in Liu's guard now.
Esqueda working some strikes from top position.
Liu keeping full guard, as Esqueda tries to pass.
Liu keeping moving, preventing Esqueda from controlling successfully.
Liu looking to hit a scissor sweep but Esqueda is one step ahead there.
Esqueda keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Liu's head.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Liu working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Esqueda.
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!
Esqueda slips nicely into half guard.
Liu wants to control but Esqueda is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Liu is in a bad position, trying to hold on for dear life but he is really struggling to maintain any sort of control.
Jie Liu has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Liu avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Esqueda.
Liu wants to control the action here but instead Esqueda manages to pass to full mount!
Liu wants to control but Esqueda is having none of it.
Esqueda pausing momentarily but resumes with a couple of decent strikes that do a bit of damage.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Liu wants to hold on but Esqueda pushes him away.
Gerard Esqueda is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Esqueda controlling the position easily from mount.
Esqueda trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Esqueda controlling from mount.
Liu tries to reverse the position but Esqueda maintains control.
Esqueda takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
The ref stands the fighters back up. Gerard Esqueda was stalling too much, according to the referee.
Liu fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Esqueda looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Esqueda.
Esqueda misses with a body shot.
Esqueda throws a body punch but Liu moves out of range.
Liu fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Esqueda on the side of the head.
Esqueda misses with a body punch
so Liu counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Liu is in close to Esqueda's body, working some short punches and elbows.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Liu scoring with some ground and pound.
Esqueda utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Gerard Esqueda.
Well Esqueda has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 James Ackerman scores the fight 45:50
Judge Sam Margolis scores the fight 46:50
Judge Phil Schofield scores the fight 46:50
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Gerard Esqueda!
Gerard Esqueda is the new lightweight champion!
Gerard Esqueda managed to slip a mention for his sponsors, $300, into his post fight interview.
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| S |
C
A |
G |
S |
C
B |
G |
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S |
C |
G |
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energy
A | B |
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hype
A | B |
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pop
A | B |
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mgr
A | B |
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FIGHT
RATING
100% |
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