PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Dustin Gaethje (ranked 5651 p4p, 4822 weight class) and Lucifer Morningstar (ranked 0 p4p, 577 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Gaethje
vs
Morningstar

174 cm
25
173
0 - 1 - 0

192 cm
18
180
0 - 0 - 0

Dangerous GnP
Solid boxing
Granite chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
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 Los Angeles, Dustin Gaethje!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Lucifer Morningstar!
The judges for this bout are Timothy Bukovac, Frank Antenori and Don Winkell.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Gaethje throws a sloppy head kick

and Morningstar moves into the clinch.
Morningstar tries to score a body lock takedown but Gaethje shows good agility there to stay on his feet.

Morningstar breaks the clinch.

Gaethje gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Morningstar to score an easy takedown into full guard.
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.
Gaethje has a closed guard, preventing Morningstar from standing up.

Morningstar drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Morningstar jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Morningstar has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Gaethje is proving hard to escape from.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Morningstar missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Morningstar got a little sloppy there for a moment and Gaethje has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Morningstar has managed to get both his arms back between Gaethje's legs - danger averted.
Gaethje avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Gaethje working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Morningstar.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Gaethje moves out of range of the strikes.

Morningstar has managed to clinch.
Morningstar has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Gaethje after a bit of a struggle.
Gaethje is looking for a takedown.

Morningstar jumps guard and drags Gaethje to the mat. He's obviously going to be looking for submissions off his back.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Gaethje drops back, looking for a kneebar! Morningstar looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Morningstar looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Morningstar!

Gaethje tries to slip a leg under to move to half guard but Morningstar presses down on the leg and jumps into full mount!
Gaethje tries to improve his position but instead Morningstar has taken his back!
Morningstar biding his time, looking for the opening.
Morningstar has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Gaethje can't escape the position.
Gaethje knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Morningstar on the ground.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gaethje is keeping busy.
Gaethje is trying to get back to his feet but he's not managed it yet.

Morningstar is working for the choke. I would put my money on him to finish from this position. He's rolled onto his back and has dragged Gaethje with him. Gaethje is trying to defend but Morningstar has an arm under the chin now! Gaethje grimaces and is forced to tap out!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:57 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Lucifer Morningstar!