PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Renan Liddell (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Marcelo Rios (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Fingers crossed for an exciting fight - I'm sure both fighters are looking for a nice under the table bonus!

Liddell
vs
Rios

185 cm
21
190 lbs
4 - 3 - 0

190 cm
22
193 lbs
3 - 2 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter striker
Granite chin

Good takedowns
Basic striking
Intelligent

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 4 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Renan Liddell!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Marcelo Rios!
The judges for this bout are Luis Engracia, Thiago Cunha and Alexandre Firmino.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Rios throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Liddell was covering up waiting for the punch and Rios finishes the takedown easily into guard.

Rios is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.

Rios drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Rios jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.

Liddell working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Rios doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Rios manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Rios trying to control but Liddell is working from the bottom.
Rios is looking to advance position but Liddell has hit a scissor sweep - now he's on top in mount!

Liddell working to secure an arm triangle but it's not happening for him just yet.
Rios is desperately trying to improve his position but Liddell has a good base and remains in mount.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Liddell tries to control but Rios wriggling away.
Rios tries to reverse the position but Liddell maintains control.

Liddell looks like he's working for a submission but he's not found anything just yet.
Rios tries to get back to half guard but can't.

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.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Rios looks gassed!
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Liddell forces the positional change into back control.
Liddell keeps control of the position as Rios tries to break free.
Rios is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Rios manages to reverse the position and now he's in Liddell's guard. Nice work there by Rios.
Rios looking to pass the guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

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

Rios drops back, looking for a kneebar! Liddell looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Liddell looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Liddell!
Liddell trying to control the position but Rios is working away.
Rios is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Liddell off and has taken his back!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.

Rios is working for the choke. He's slipped one arm under the chin. Liddell has to defend the other arm for all he's worth... but Rios has managed to get that arm free too and he's tightening the choke! Liddell taps out and looks absolutely disgusted with himself. Rios doesn't care though - he's delighted!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:26 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Marcelo Rios!