PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Vanna Phommathep (ranked 6265 p4p, 6302 weight class) and Pablo Graves (ranked 682 p4p, 686 weight class). Pablo Graves is the more experienced fighter, so let's see if that makes a difference tonight.

Phommathep
vs
Graves

172 cm
25
170
0 - 1 - 0

182 cm
18
179
0 - 1 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Basic striking
Granite chin

Good takedowns
Counter fighter
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Vanna Phommathep!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Pablo Graves!
The judges for this bout are Peter Branson, Michael Johnstone and Dirk Anderson.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Graves tries to pull guard but Phommathep forces him back to his feet, against the cage.

Phommathep jumps into guard, dragging Graves to the mat.

Phommathep working for a triangle but Graves defends it easily.

Graves avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Phommathep definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.

Phommathep has an omoplata and is looking to use it perhaps as a submission or perhaps to transition. Graves is in a bit of discomfort here, but he's managed to free himself and has dived into side control! That didn't work out too well for Phommathep.
Phommathep is looking for a sweep.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Graves tries to move to mount but Phommathep blocks the move with his legs.
Phommathep tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Graves wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.

Graves working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Phommathep is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Graves's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.

Phommathep looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Graves tries to pass the half guard into mount. Phommathep knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.

Phommathep actively working from the bottom here.
Graves seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Phommathep does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.

Graves is looking for a kimura but Phommathep is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Graves to get the leverage.
Phommathep regains full guard. Nicely done.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.

Phommathep is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Graves is aware though and is defending well.
Graves really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Phommathep. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Graves trying to control but Phommathep is working from the bottom.

Phommathep has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Graves can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Graves wants to control from the top but Phommathep keeps moving.
Phommathep keeping full guard, as Graves tries to pass.

Phommathep looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.

Phommathep looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.

Phommathep looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Phommathep has managed to work for a loose triangle. I think Graves should be able to defend this one pretty easily though. Oh, Phommathep has tightened it up now! Graves should have reacted faster there - he's in big trouble and yes, he's tapped out! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:23 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle). Vanna Phommathep!
An out of breath Vanna Phommathep thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.