PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Rui Rodrigo Germano (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Atlas Metaxas (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Germano kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genius that is HIM - Don't Fear The Reaper. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Rodrigo Germano
vs
Metaxas

182 cm
26
208 lbs
7 - 9 - 0

190 cm
23
220 lbs
2 - 4 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Excellent MT
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 7 - 9 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Rui Rodrigo Germano!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Atlas Metaxas!
The judges for this bout are Tiny Johnson, Gwen Towbar and Daniel Franklin.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Metaxas defending well as Germano loads up on a big left hand.
Metaxas takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Germano lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Metaxas moves out of range as Germano strikes.
Germano missing with a left hand there. Metaxas was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Metaxas scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Metaxas tries to clinch up.
A jab from Germano misses.
Germano shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Metaxas pinned against the cage. Metaxas gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Metaxas swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Germano tries to counter with a takedown but Metaxas is quick to defend against it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Metaxas swings for the body but Germano moves out of range.
Germano just misses with a punch to the body.
Germano scores with a nice right hand.
Metaxas uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Germano.
Metaxas with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Metaxas throws a shot to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Germano looks for a takedown but Metaxas sprawls well.
Metaxas appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Germano throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Germano closes the distance and clinches up with Metaxas, looking for a takedown. Germano pushes Metaxas against the cage but Metaxas circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Rui Rodrigo Germano. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Germano jabs at Metaxas's body.
Metaxas stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Metaxas wants it to stay on the feet.
Metaxas tries to counter with a clinch but Germano shakes him off and moves away.
Germano dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
A good leg kick by Metaxas.
Germano shoots in for a double leg but Metaxas sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Metaxas defending well as Germano loads up on a big left hand.
Metaxas counters with a body kick.
Germano throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Metaxas sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Metaxas uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Germano.
Metaxas looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Metaxas keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Germano keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Germano is looking light on his feet compared to last time was saw him fight.
Germano on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
Metaxas throws a head kick but Germano moves out of range.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nice defenses there by Metaxas.
Metaxas defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Germano.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Germano throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Metaxas counters with a nice low kick that buckles Germano's knee momentarily.
Germano tries to move into range but Metaxas moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.

It looks like Rui Rodrigo Germano has been cut.
Metaxas throws a sloppy head kick and Germano moves out of range easily.
Germano connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Metaxas's hands.

It looks like Atlas Metaxas has been cut.
Metaxas gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Metaxas tries to clinch up.
Germano shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Metaxas but Metaxas pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Germano avoids the body shot from Metaxas.
Germano looks to land a right hand but Metaxas moved out of range.
Germano works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Germano thows a left - swing and a miss!
Germano shoots for a double leg takedown but Metaxas sprawls well. He's pushed Germano's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Germano fails with a takedown attempt from distance.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Metaxas steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Germano.
Germano keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Metaxas just misses with a punch to the body.
Metaxas takes a swing at Germano's ribcage but misses.
Germano looks to land a left hand but Metaxas moved out of range nicely.
Germano throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Metaxas sees it coming and avoids it easily.
A big left from Germano misses.
Metaxas lands a jab to the nose.
Metaxas looks to score with a jab to the body but Germano is just out of range.
Metaxas throws a head kick that misses.

A big head kick from Metaxas and Germano is sent sprawling to the canvas!

Germano is rocked!
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Germano working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Metaxas doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Metaxas manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Oh Germano is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!
Metaxas wants to pass the guard but Germano is keeping the position.

Germano is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Metaxas defends well.
Germano seems to have got his legs back now.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Germano throws his legs up looking for a submission but Metaxas uses it to pass to side control.
Germano is looking to reverse the position.
Germano is working hard here to advance position.
Metaxas moving around in side mount but really he's just happy to control for now.
Germano is looking for a sweep.
Metaxas advances to full mount.
Metaxas looking to control but Germano is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Metaxas takes Germano's back.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Atlas Metaxas dominated that round.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.

Germano slips a jab from Metaxas.
Germano scores with a sloppy right hand. Metaxas should have avoided that one.
Metaxas has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Germano thows a left - swing and a miss!
Metaxas let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
Metaxas swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Germano lands a jab to the nose.
Metaxas wants to land a leg kick but Germano is out of range.
Germano moves out of range of the body kick.
No luck for Germano with that takedown attempt.
Metaxas throws a big counter head kick but Germano avoids it with no problem.
Metaxas takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Metaxas misses with a kick to the body.
Germano with a poor takedown
and Metaxas makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Germano throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Germano swings for the body but Metaxas moves out of range.
And Metaxas responds with a good body kick, but Germano manages to step out the way in time.
Germano avoids the head kick by Metaxas.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Metaxas rushes Germano and presses him up against the cage.
Germano goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Metaxas throws a punch but it's blocked by Germano.
Metaxas taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
Metaxas gets underhooks to prevent Germano's takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Rui Rodrigo Germano. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Germano's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Germano tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Metaxas's elbow.
Germano tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Metaxas's elbow.
Germano misses with a hook from the clinch.
Metaxas goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Metaxas takes a shot to the head.
Germano is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Metaxas to keep the fight standing.
Germano misses with a hook to the ribs.
Metaxas misses with a body punch.
Germano misses with some punches.
Germano tries a body shot but Metaxas blocks it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Germano is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Germano tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Metaxas misses with a hook from the clinch.
Germano jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Metaxas walks away with a smile on his face. Germano gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Metaxas uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Germano.
Metaxas just misses with a punch to the body.
Germano loads up on a big right hand but Metaxas slips the punch.
Germano jabs at Metaxas's body.
Germano lands a nice looking body shot.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Germano looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Metaxas wants to control but Germano is keeping busy.

Germano seems to be looking for submissions.
Metaxas wants to control but Germano is keeping busy and won't allow it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Germano is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Metaxas has managed to free his arm - good work.
The fighters are battling for position here. Metaxas manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Germano trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Metaxas is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Germano stands and throws Metaxas's legs to the side, diving into side control.
Metaxas regains half guard.

Germano is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Metaxas keeping control of the position.
Rui Rodrigo Germano overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Metaxas tries to roll over but Germano keeps him under control.
Metaxas felt the need to train up his defensive grappling in the buildup to the fight. Presumably he was expecting to be in a difficult position like this, so let's see if he can get out of it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Metaxas moves into full guard.
Germano is looking to work some ground and pound but Metaxas has wrist control.
Metaxas pulls Germano in close to prevent any damage.
Metaxas looking to control.
Metaxas pulls Germano in close to his closed guard and prevents Germano from doing any damage or advancing position.
Germano with a flurry of punches that miss.
Metaxas has Germano pulled in close to control his posture.
Metaxas working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Germano.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Rui Rodrigo Germano dominated that second round.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
That's time! Germano's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Germano takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Germano dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Germano shoots in for a takedown but Metaxas shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Metaxas tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Metaxas avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Metaxas misses with a two punch combination.
Rui Rodrigo Germano seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Metaxas blocks a jab.
Metaxas throws a push kick but Germano slaps the foot to one side.
Germano shoots in but Metaxas avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Metaxas throws a push kick but Germano slaps the foot to one side.
Germano changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Metaxas tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Germano manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Germano shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Metaxas as he jumps to the side.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Rui Rodrigo Germano. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Metaxas ducks right into an uppercut from Germano.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nice uppercut lands for Metaxas. That snapped Germano's head back.

Metaxas instigates a clinch.
Germano working aggressively here.
A shot in the inside from Metaxas.
Metaxas can't find room to land a body shot as Germano controls the action.
Metaxas misses with a hook to the ribs.
Germano softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Germano tries a body shot but Metaxas blocks it.
Metaxas lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Germano is trying to maintain a safe position but Metaxas gets an underhook and turns Germano into the cage.
Metaxas lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Germano tries to work over Metaxas's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Metaxas prevents a body shot from Germano.
A right handed body shot lands from Germano.
Germano tries a body shot but Metaxas blocks it.
A nice left hand lands by Metaxas.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Germano tries to work over Metaxas's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Metaxas lands a body shot.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Metaxas blocks an uppercut.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Metaxas lands a left hand that snaps the head of Germano backwards.
Germano is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Metaxas lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.

Rui Rodrigo Germano's cut is getting worse.
Germano misses with some punches.
A right hook to the body lands for Metaxas.
Metaxas misses with a hook to the ribs.
Metaxas fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Metaxas takes a shot to the head.
Germano is pushing Metaxas up against the cage, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.
Germano tries a body shot but Metaxas blocks it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Metaxas tries to throw a body punch but Germano avoids it by throwing Metaxas back against the cage.
Germano lands a body punch.
Germano misses with some punches.
Germano tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Germano prevents a body shot from Metaxas.
Atlas Metaxas seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Germano misses with some punches.
Metaxas misses with a body punch.
Germano lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Germano misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Metaxas as Germano tries to tie him up.
Metaxas misses with the head strike.
Nice body punch from Metaxas.
Good body shot from Germano.
A right hand to the body from Metaxas.
Germano goes for a takedown in the clinch but Metaxas prevents it.
Germano tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Metaxas is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
Germano tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Germano is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Metaxas is defending well.
Germano tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Metaxas's elbow.
Still in the clinch, Metaxas scores with a nice short uppercut.
Metaxas tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Germano's elbow.
Germano blocking some punches.
Germano scores with a shot to the side of Metaxas's head.
Germano lands an uppercut.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Germano.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Metaxas tries to work over Germano's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Metaxas throws a head punch that misses.
Germano throws a punch but it's blocked by Metaxas.
Germano tries to score a body lock takedown but Metaxas shows good agility there to stay on his feet.

And that's the end of the fight!
Atlas Metaxas comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Metaxas has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Tiny Johnson scores the fight 28:29
Judge Gwen Towbar scores the fight 28:29
Judge Daniel Franklin scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Atlas Metaxas!
Atlas Metaxas thanked the fans post fight for their support.