PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Cain Velasquez (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Velasquez has chosen Kryptonite as his entrance music. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Rodrigo Nogueira
vs
Velasquez

191 cm
35
260 lbs
24 - 10 - 0

185 cm
30
260 lbs
19 - 10 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent boxer
Insanely flexible

Olympic wrestler
World class boxer
Good gas tank

Project Mayhem

Conquer

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 24 - 10 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 19 - 10 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Cain Velasquez!
The judges for this bout are Ron Honeybunn, Summer Carpenter and John Mangel.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Velasquez falls off balance throwing a combination

and Rodrigo Nogueira counters with a shoot takedown. Velasquez fights it but they end up in guard.
Rodrigo Nogueira is looking to work some ground and pound but Velasquez has wrist control.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Velasquez lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

Rodrigo Nogueira is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Velasquez is aware though and is defending well.

Rodrigo Nogueira working for a triangle but Velasquez defends it easily.

Rodrigo Nogueira has his foot on Velasquez's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Velasquez works his way back into a safe position though.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rodrigo Nogueira working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Velasquez.
Velasquez working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Rodrigo Nogueira's head.
Velasquez is looking to work some ground and pound but Rodrigo Nogueira has wrist control.

Rodrigo Nogueira is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Rodrigo Nogueira 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.
Velasquez pushes down on Rodrigo Nogueira's leg and manages to get into half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rodrigo Nogueira is trying to get back to full guard.
Rodrigo Nogueira avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Velasquez.
Rodrigo Nogueira blocking the ground and pound attempt from Velasquez.
Velasquez wants to take a breather but Rodrigo Nogueira is having none of it.
Rodrigo Nogueira is in a tricky position but he's been working on his transitions down at The Shield, so we'll see if he gets out of it.
Velasquez winds up and cracks Rodrigo Nogueira with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Rodrigo Nogueira tries to roll over but Velasquez keeps him under control.

Rodrigo Nogueira actively working from the bottom here.
Velasquez is looking to advance position but Rodrigo Nogueira won't allow it.
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. Velasquez connects with a nice short shot to Rodrigo Nogueira's temple.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Velasquez lands with a punch from half guard.
Velasquez not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Velasquez throwing shots but Rodrigo Nogueira is blocking nicely.
Velasquez wants to lay and pray for a moment but Rodrigo Nogueira keeps working.
Velasquez working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.

Velasquez is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Rodrigo Nogueira is just riding it out for now. Velasquez eventually gives up the hold.
Rodrigo Nogueira is looking for a sweep. Velasquez is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Velasquez working Rodrigo Nogueira over with strikes.
Rodrigo Nogueira tries to roll over but Velasquez keeps him under control.
Velasquez takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.

It looks like Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira has been cut.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rodrigo Nogueira avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Velasquez.
Nice strikes from Velasquez there.

Velasquez wants to work for an arm triangle but Rodrigo Nogueira is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Velasquez prevents Rodrigo Nogueira from standing back up.

Rodrigo Nogueira looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Velasquez trying to pass the guard but Rodrigo Nogueira defending well.
Rodrigo Nogueira wants to control but Velasquez is keeping busy.
Rodrigo Nogueira is looking to improve his position.
Velasquez tries to stand and escape but Rodrigo Nogueira is controlling the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Velasquez lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.

Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira's cut is getting worse.

The referee calls the doctor in to look at Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira's cut. Oh no, the doctor has called an end to the bout!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:25 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Cut). Cain Velasquez!
A relieved looking Cain Velasquez thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.