PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Stanley Delacruz (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Joe Reealopubo (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Reealopubo is bouncing up and down as he enters the arena, backed by Chop Suey. Stanley Delacruz has the edge in experience - let's see if he can make that count tonight.

Delacruz
vs
Reealopubo

202 cm
24
140 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

180 cm
24
145 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter fighter
Cuts easily

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Stanley Delacruz!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Joe Reealopubo!
The judges for this bout are Darius Henderson, Summer Carpenter and Winston Howard.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Reealopubo has closed the distance and engaged Delacruz in a clinch.
Reealopubo landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Reealopubo with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Delacruz fails to pull guard.
Delacruz drops down looking for an ankle pick but Reealopubo pulls his leg out and moves away.

Delacruz gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Delacruz really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Delacruz tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Delacruz is looking to stand back up... there's a bit of a scramble and Reealopubo dives into side control.
The strikes coming from Reealopubo are missing the target in this wave of attacks.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Delacruz sneaks out the side door and pushes Reealopubo away - he's back to his feet. The crowd show their appreciation for the escape.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Reealopubo leaves Delacruz with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Stanley Delacruz. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Reealopubo closes the distance and clinches.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Reealopubo with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Delacruz fails to pull guard.

Reealopubo escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.

Reealopubo has taken the fight to the clinch.
Reealopubo misses with a knee strike.
Reealopubo connects with a nasty looking knee right to Delacruz's face.

Reealopubo manages to break the clinch.

Reealopubo darts in and clinches Delacruz up against the cage.
Reealopubo connects with a nasty looking knee right to Delacruz's face.
Reealopubo looking to throw knees to the head but Delacruz is blocking nicely.
Delacruz managing to block the knees to the body from Reealopubo.
Reealopubo misses with a knee to the head.

Delacruz successfully pulls guard.
Delacruz has a butterfly guard looking to sweep but Reealopubo has passed into side control.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Delacruz is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Reealopubo off and has taken his back!
Delacruz will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Reealopubo preventing the rear naked choke attempt from Delacruz.

Delacruz looking for the RNC.

Delacruz is remaining active here, looking for the choke. The more discerning members of the crowd will appreciate his efforts.
Reealopubo is trying to get back to his feet but he's not managed it yet.

Reealopubo defending nicely against the rear naked choke attempt.

Reealopubo manages to stand up with Delacruz still on his back. Eventually Delacruz drops to his feet and we're back in the standing position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Reealopubo closes the distance and pushes Delacruz back into the cage.
Delacruz trying to land knees to the body.
Reealopubo with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Reealopubo landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Reealopubo connects with a nasty looking knee right to Delacruz's face.
Delacruz tries for a takedown but Reealopubo manages to get underhooks.
Reealopubo looking to throw knees to the head but Delacruz is blocking nicely.
Reealopubo looks winded!
Delacruz managing to block the knees to the body from Reealopubo.

Reealopubo breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.

Delacruz gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.

Delacruz is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Delacruz working a defensive guard here.
Reealopubo stops Delacruz from standing up.
Delacruz is looking to sweep but instead, Reealopubo has passed into half guard.
Delacruz is not content to let Reealopubo control the position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Joe Reealopubo dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Reealopubo gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Reealopubo looking to throw knees to the head but Delacruz is blocking nicely.
Delacruz tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Reealopubo avoids it.
Reealopubo unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Delacruz tries to pull guard but Reealopubo forces him back to his feet, against the cage.

Reealopubo escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.

Reealopubo clinches with his opponent.
Delacruz tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Delacruz on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
A knee to the head by Reealopubo.

Delacruz is rocked!
Reealopubo with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Oh Delacruz is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Reealopubo with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Reealopubo with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Reealopubo misses with a knee to the head.
Reealopubo tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Reealopubo tries to land a knee to the head but Delacruz blocks with his arms.
Reealopubo has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Reealopubo tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Joe Reealopubo seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Reealopubo tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Reealopubo is breathing heavily.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Reealopubo looking to throw knees to the head but Delacruz is blocking nicely.
Delacruz tries to break the clinch but Reealopubo is controlling the position.
Delacruz tries to pull guard but Reealopubo forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Stanley Delacruz. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Reealopubo with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Reealopubo misses with a knee strike.
Delacruz jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Reealopubo walks away with a smile on his face. Delacruz gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Delacruz tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Reealopubo swivels and escapes.

Reealopubo closes the distance and pushes Delacruz back into the cage.
Delacruz tries to throw a body punch but Reealopubo avoids it by throwing Delacruz back against the cage.
Reealopubo misses with a knee strike.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Delacruz jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Reealopubo walks away with a smile on his face. Delacruz gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.

Reealopubo shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Delacruz is trying to defend but Reealopubo finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.

Delacruz pushes Reealopubo off and gets back to his feet.

Reealopubo instigates a clinch.
Reealopubo prevents a body shot from Delacruz.
Delacruz fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Reealopubo using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Delacruz has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Delacruz tries for a takedown. No joy.
Reealopubo tries to land a knee to the head but Delacruz blocks with his arms.
Reealopubo tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Reealopubo tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Reealopubo throws a knee to the head but misses.
Reealopubo tries to land a knee to the head but Delacruz blocks with his arms.
Reealopubo using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Delacruz has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Reealopubo using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Delacruz has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Delacruz seems to have got his legs back now.
Delacruz goes for a body shot but it's blocked.

Delacruz pulls guard successfully.
Delacruz wants to stand but Reealopubo is controlling the position.

Delacruz has managed to wall walk up one of the corner posts to get back to his feet. Reealopubo is pushing him up against the cage, looking to control the position.
Knees to the body from Reealopubo.
Reealopubo looking to throw knees to the head but Delacruz is blocking nicely.

Delacruz pulls guard effortlessly.

Delacruz had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Reealopubo defends it easily.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Delacruz has his foot on Reealopubo's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Reealopubo works his way back into a safe position though.

Delacruz is working an open guard so Reealopubo takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Delacruz jumps guard but Reealopubo turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Reealopubo avoiding damage as Delacruz throws knees to the body.
Reealopubo is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Delacruz is defending well for now.
Reealopubo misses with a knee strike.

Delacruz drags the fight down to the ground.
Delacruz manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Reealopubo manages to get himself to full guard.

Hammerfist, elbow! yells Delacruz's corner. There ya go! There ya go!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Reealopubo has a closed guard, preventing Delacruz from standing up.

Delacruz gets to his feet - Reealopubo follows without any prompting.
Stanley Delacruz is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Reealopubo slaps away a takedown attempt from Delacruz, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Reealopubo is trying to avoid his opponent's strikes and get into the clinch.

Reealopubo clinches with his opponent.
Delacruz is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Reealopubo is defending well for now.
Reealopubo throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Delacruz blocks it with crossed arms.
Delacruz is looking to take this one to the mat.

Reealopubo escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Delacruz fails with the takedown.

Reealopubo manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Delacruz on his heels. He'll look to pass Delacruz's guard now, I'm sure.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Joe Reealopubo showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Reealopubo has managed to clinch.
Delacruz tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Reealopubo tries to land a knee to the head but misses.

Delacruz drags the fight down to the ground.
Delacruz is looking to stand back up but Reealopubo counters by passing into half guard. Oops... bit sloppy there by Delacruz.
Delacruz is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Delacruz moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Delacruz is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Reealopubo won't allow Delacruz to sweep him here.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Reealopubo stands and steps away. Delacruz gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

Reealopubo closes the distance and pushes Delacruz back into the cage.
Delacruz is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Reealopubo to keep the fight standing.
Delacruz struggles to land a body shot inside as Reealopubo controls his hands.
Reealopubo using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Delacruz is trying to pull guard but Reealopubo has him pressed against the cage.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Stanley Delacruz. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Reealopubo tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Reealopubo unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Reealopubo connects with a nasty looking knee right to Delacruz's face.
Delacruz avoiding damage as Reealopubo throws knees to the body.
Reealopubo lands a knee to the head.
Reealopubo working hard to break the clinch.
Nice body punch from Delacruz - that landed with a thud.

Delacruz manages to pull guard.

Delacruz is looking for a triangle but Reealopubo pushes his legs off easily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Delacruz is looking to stand back up... there's a bit of a scramble and Reealopubo dives into side control.
Stanley Delacruz overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.

Reealopubo decides to stand up, so the ref orders Delacruz to his feet.

Reealopubo has closed the distance and engaged Delacruz in a clinch.
Delacruz misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Reealopubo.
Reealopubo trying to land knees to the body.
Delacruz has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Reealopubo after a bit of a struggle.
Reealopubo putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Delacruz in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Reealopubo scores with a knee to the head.
Reealopubo gets underhooks to prevent Delacruz's takedown attempt.
Reealopubo tries to land a knee to the head but misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Delacruz breaks from the clinch.

Reealopubo takes the fight into the clinch.
Delacruz struggles to land a body shot inside as Reealopubo controls his hands.
Delacruz jumps guard but Reealopubo stands there with Delacruz around his waist. Delacruz gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.

Reealopubo breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.

Reealopubo closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Delacruz did well to prevent Reealopubo getting side control.
Delacruz looks like he's trying to stand up.
Delacruz is trying to get back to full guard.
Delacruz is looking to control Reealopubo's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Delacruz avoid being mounted?

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Delacruz is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Reealopubo's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Reealopubo's back!

Delacruz working for a choke but Reealopubo is defending well.

Delacruz is persistently looking for the submission but Reealopubo is defending it well.

Delacruz looking for the choke but no joy.

And that's the end of the fight!
Joe Reealopubo comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Reealopubo winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 Darius Henderson scores the fight 27:30
Judge Summer Carpenter scores the fight 27:30
Judge Winston Howard scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Joe Reealopubo!
Joe Reealopubo decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.