PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Paulo Cruz (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and George Lighting (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Paulo Cruz could well score a knockout today. He has the power to get to George Lighting's chin.

Cruz
vs
Lighting

172 cm
23
145 lbs
3 - 2 - 0

185 cm
22
145 lbs
3 - 2 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
Good chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Paulo Cruz!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, George Lighting!
The judges for this bout are , Jack Bonds and .

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Cruz misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.

Lighting scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
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.
Lighting in side control, just content to control the action for now.
Cruz might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.

Lighting decides to stand up, so the ref orders Cruz to his feet.
A head kick misses from Cruz.
Cruz misses with a head kick.
Cruz throws a series of punches but Lighting avoids them all with ease.

Lighting closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
Lighting moves into full mount!
Lighting thowing strikes but they're hitting the gloves, not doing any damage.
Cruz knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Lighting on the ground.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cruz is trying to stand but he's not in a good position to be doing that! Lighting has taken his back!
Lighting punches the canvas rather than the man.
Cruz covering up well and avoiding damage.

Lighting is working hard for the rear naked choke here.
Lighting throwing sloppy strikes.
Cruz wants to get back to his feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Lighting is looking cool and calm here, just waiting for a good opportunity to attack and finish the fight from this dominant position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Cruz fending off the submission attempt from Lighting.

Lighting tightening his grip on Cruz, looking for the choke.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Lighting is staying calm and holding on to the back position, whilst working on a rear naked choke. Cruz is defending well though. Lighting let's go of the attempt for now.
What can Cruz do to escape this position? He's going to have to figure it out pretty quick if he wants to stay in the fight!
Cruz is trying to get back to his feet but Lighting has full control of the position and if anything, Cruz has just worked his way into a worse spot.

Lighting has the rear naked choke here! This is very bad for Cruz! Can he survive? No! He's out! Lighting gets to his feet and celebrates with his cornermen. He looks absolutely delighted. In the post fight interviews he takes time to thank his parents and everyone who has believed in him from the start. How sweet.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:03 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). George Lighting!