PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Vincent Cluster (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Alen Zalac (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Vincent Cluster has the edge in experience - let's see if he can make that count tonight.

Cluster
vs
Zalac

193 cm
24
200 lbs
1 - 2 - 0

185 cm
20
210 lbs
0 - 2 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid Muay Thai
KO power

BJJ Blue Belt
Decent boxing
Granite chin

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 1 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Vincent Cluster!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Alen Zalac!
The judges for this bout are Ryoma Takatsuka, Paul Gruel and Micheangelo Fripello.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Cluster moves into the clinch successfully.

Zalac successfully pulls guard.

Cluster is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! Zalac is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! Zalac has escaped and now he's on top!

Cluster is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Zalac is aware though and is defending well.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Cluster is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Zalac is aware though and is defending well.
Cluster bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Zalac's guard.

Zalac keeping moving, preventing Cluster from controlling successfully.
Cluster trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Zalac being controlled here, momentarily.
Cluster trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cluster pushes down on Zalac's leg and manages to get into half guard.

Cluster is trying to work for a kimura but Zalac is defending well.

Cluster is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Cluster working over Zalac with some ground and pound. Zalac looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Zalac is not content to let Cluster control the position.

Cluster postures up and decides to stand up, from the half guard. The ref calls for Zalac to stand up.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Zalac throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Cluster on the side of the head.
Cluster is looking to clinch but Zalac is avoiding it.
A punch combination from Zalac misses.
As Zalac tries to get set, Cluster tries to push him back and clinch up but Zalac manages to avoid the attempt.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Cluster.

Cluster gets tackled into the cage by Zalac. Zalac maintains the clinch.
Cluster goes for a takedown attempt but Zalac pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.

Zalac rushes Cluster and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cluster tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Zalac avoids it.
Zalac is defending well against a takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Vincent Cluster. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Cluster lands a body shot in the clinch.

Zalac wants the takedown. Cluster is fighting it off but Zalac persists and manages to bring the fight to the ground, ending up in Cluster's guard against the cage.

Cluster manages to wriggle out and sneak his way back up to his feet, so the fighters are now clinched up against the cage.
Our sources have told us that Cluster has been working on his knees in the buildup to the fight.
Zalac's coach down at MM eh Academy was telling us pre-fight that they have been working on Zalac's balance. Obviously they view that as a key factor in the outcome of this fight.
Cluster goes for a takedown in the clinch but Zalac prevents it.

Cluster escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Zalac scores with a three punch combo!
A jab from Zalac misses.
Cluster is looking to counter the offense by Zalac and move into the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
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!
Zalac throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped

and Cluster holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Zalac looks winded!
A short body shot lands from Cluster as the two fighters clinch.
Zalac gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Cluster.
Cluster goes for a takedown in the clinch but Zalac prevents it.
Cluster goes for a takedown in the clinch but Zalac prevents it.
Zalac is pressed up against the cage. Cluster has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Zalac down to the mat. Zalac avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.

Zalac moves into the clinch successfully.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Alen Zalac will probably get the nod.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Zalac closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Cluster to the mat! Cluster manages to get full guard.
Zalac throwing strikes from guard but Cluster blocks nicely.

Cluster had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Zalac defends it easily.

Cluster working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Zalac doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Zalac manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Zalac landing some decent shots from guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Cluster is on top in guard.

Cluster trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Cluster stands and steps away. Zalac gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.
Zalac looks to score with a jab to the body but Cluster is just out of range.
Cluster is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from Zalac.
Zalac is breathing heavily.
Zalac looks to land a left hand but Cluster moved out of range nicely.
Cluster is looking for a counter combo.

Cluster gets tackled into the cage by Zalac. Zalac maintains the clinch.
Cluster can't get the takedown.
Cluster has Zalac pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Zalac manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.

Cluster breaks from the clinch.
Zalac throws a good cross that connects.
Zalac throws an overhand right that lands on Cluster's shoulder, as Cluster tries to avoid the shot.

Cluster rushes Zalac and presses him up against the cage.

Cluster decides to pull guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Cluster looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Zalac must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Cluster looking for a sweep. Not yet Cluster, not yet.
Zalac trying to control but Cluster is working from the bottom.

Cluster throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Zalac accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Cluster working a defensive guard here.
Vincent Cluster overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Cluster doesn't do any damage with a couple of strikes from the bottom.
Cluster lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

Cluster postures up in Zalac's guard and throws a big left but Zalac blocks it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cluster wants to control from the top but Zalac keeps moving.
Cluster working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Zalac's head.
Cluster is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.

Zalac throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Zalac looking to control.
Cluster trying to control but Zalac is working from the bottom.
Cluster pushing down on Zalac's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.

Cluster stands up from half guard.
Zalac throws a series of punches but Cluster avoids them all with ease.

Cluster gets caught napping as Zalac dives in and scores a takedown. Cluster manages to retain guard.

Cluster has scooted to the edge of the canvas and used the cage to get back to his feet. Zalac has stuck on his opponent and is forcing him back against the cage.
Cluster tries to score a body lock takedown but Zalac shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Vincent Cluster. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Cluster tries for a takedown but Zalac manages to get underhooks.
Zalac takes an elbow to the forehead.
Cluster is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Zalac is defending well.
Cluster is looking for a takedown.
Cluster is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.

Zalac gets a nice trip takedown into half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Vincent Cluster will probably get the nod.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

Nice shot by Zalac.
Cluster moves out of range of the strikes.
Cluster appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Cluster drops his hands momentarily and Zalac takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.

Zalac drives through with a takedown into Cluster's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.

Cluster uses the cage to get back to his feet.

Cluster clinches with his opponent.
Cluster lands a shot to the body.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Cluster pulls guard.

Cluster has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Zalac can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.

Cluster looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cluster pulls Zalac in close to his closed guard and prevents Zalac from doing any damage or advancing position.
Cluster looking for a sweep. Not yet Cluster, not yet.

Cluster looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Cluster managing to control the position.
Cluster controls Zalac momentarily but Zalac frees himself.
Cluster keeping moving, preventing Zalac from controlling successfully.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Zalac with a nice head shot there.
Cluster looking to control.

Cluster is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Zalac defends well.

Cluster looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Zalac landing with the ground and pound.
Zalac lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Zalac scoring with some ground and pound.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Cluster had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Zalac defends it easily.

Cluster is looking for a triangle but Zalac pushes his legs off easily.
Cluster is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.

Zalac clinches with his opponent.
Zalac is pressed up against the cage. Cluster has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Zalac down to the mat. Zalac avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Cluster misses with a takedown
and Zalac counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Zalac manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Cluster on his heels. He'll look to pass Cluster's guard now, I'm sure.
Zalac lands a couple of elbows.
Zalac landing with the ground and pound.
Cluster lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

Cluster trying to control but Zalac is working from the bottom.
Cluster looking to pass the guard.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Cluster accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.

Cluster drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and Zalac dives on top into guard.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Alen Zalac.
I think Zalac 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 Ryoma Takatsuka scores the fight 28:29
Judge Paul Gruel scores the fight 28:29
Judge Micheangelo Fripello scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Alen Zalac!