PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Tiago Gracie (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Jason Statham (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Tiago Gracie had real problems making weight for this fight. After initially coming in at 186.4lbs, he had two hours to make the official fight weight. He made it but it will have taken a lot out of him to cut those extra few pounds. These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Gracie
vs
Statham

190 cm
24
200 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

185 cm
23
198 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

Good takedowns
Brawler
Granite chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Very confident

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 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Tiago Gracie!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Jason Statham!
The judges for this bout are Shirou Masuda, Tatsuya Matsuyama and Shigeki Sano.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Statham fails with the takedown.
Statham wants to clinch up but Gracie keeps it at a distance.
Jason Statham seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Gracie closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Gracie lands in his opponent's guard.

Statham looks to be working for a triangle here. Oh, it looks like he might have it! Gracie has picked Statham up and slammed him! Statham can't keep hold of the triangle and Gracie manages to pass to side control!
Gracie fails to land a wild elbow strike.
Statham is looking for a sweep.
Gracie cracks Statham with a big elbow.
Statham avoids any damage from the ground and pound of Gracie.
Statham is looking to regain half guard here but Gracie keeps moving and retains side control.
Statham seems a little lost for a moment, as Gracie dominates the positioning.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gracie advances nicely into full mount.
Gracie forces the positional change into back control.

Gracie is working hard for the rear naked choke here.

Statham showing good submission defense here.
Will Gracie go for the finish here or will he try and keep control of the position?

Statham preventing the rear naked choke attempt from Gracie.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gracie not allowing Statham to control his hands.
Statham is keeping busy.
Gracie gets his hands free as Statham looks to control.
Gracie controlling the position well here. Statham rolled but Gracie kept the hooks locked in and stayed in the dominant position.

Statham is trying to defend against the choke here but Gracie has an arm under his chin. This one might not last much longer. Gracie Tightens the hold and Statham taps out furiously! Gracie displays superior BJJ to win the fight.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:03 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Tiago Gracie!