PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Taka Masahuku (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Russ Reaper (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Masahuku comes to the cage accompanied by Saltarello by Dead Can Dance. Russ Reaper will no doubt be looking to use his reach advantage to good effect.

Masahuku
vs
Reaper

175 cm
25
283 lbs
8 - 4 - 0

196 cm
26
280 lbs
6 - 8 - 0

Powerful takedowns
Counter striker
Very strong

BJJ Purple Belt
Decent boxing
Knockout power

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 8 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Taka Masahuku!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 8 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Russ Reaper!
The judges for this bout are William Peck, Trevor Gratis and Yves DeLean.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Masahuku takes the fight into the clinch.
Masahuku is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
A bit of stalling here from Reaper.
Reaper working aggressively here.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Reaper as Masahuku tries to tie him up.

Reaper decides to pull guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Masahuku looking to pass the guard.
Masahuku trying to control but Reaper is working from the bottom.
Masahuku might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Reaper manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Masahuku manages to get himself to full guard.

Reaper drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and Masahuku dives on top into guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Reaper working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Masahuku doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Masahuku manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Masahuku postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Masahuku sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Masahuku stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Reaper swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Masahuku has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Masahuku wants to control from the top but Reaper keeps moving.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

The ref stands the fighters back up because Taka Masahuku just wasn't active enough.
Reaper avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Reaper tries to clinch but Masahuku moves away

and Masahuku counters by clinching up.
Reaper throws a punch but it's blocked by Masahuku.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Reaper drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.

Masahuku pulls guard successfully.
Reaper won't allow Masahuku to sweep him here.
Masahuku wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Masahuku controls Reaper momentarily but Reaper frees himself.
Reaper must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Masahuku lands some strikes from the bottom.
Masahuku not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Masahuku lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Reaper!
Masahuku connects with a couple of good shots from mount.

It looks like Russ Reaper has been cut.
Reaper is trying to escape the mount.

Masahuku looking for an armbar but decides to keep the dominant position instead.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Masahuku has control of Reaper's right arm, working for a kimura. It's a bit of a token attempt though and Reaper regains control of the situation pretty easily.

Masahuku is giving the impression that he's looking to ground and pound but he switches suddenly into a beautiful far side armbar! Reaper is forced to tap! Great finish!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:28 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Taka Masahuku!