PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Nikolai Drago (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Troy Downey (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Drago
vs
Downey

183 cm
19
200 lbs
4 - 1 - 0

190 cm
22
210 lbs
3 - 2 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Basic striking
Big heart

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Likes ground

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 4 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Nikolai Drago!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 2 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Troy Downey!
The judges for this bout are Sergei Dronov, Dmitry Maklakov and Viktor Lagutenko.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Nice takedown defense from Downey. No joy for Drago on that attempt.

Drago changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Downey looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.

Drago tries for a kimura but Downey is defending well.
Drago prevents Downey from escaping the position.
Drago fails to land a wild elbow strike.

Drago is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Downey is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
Downey sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.

Drago is trying to work for a kimura but Downey is defending well.
Drago works his way into full mount!

Drago working for a submission but Downey is keeping him at bay.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Drago fails to advance to Downey's back.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Drago goes for an armbar but he's fallen flat on his backside there and now Downey is on top in guard.
Downey slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
Downey is looking to take a break and control but Drago is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Drago sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.
Drago tries to roll over but Downey keeps him under control.
Drago is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Downey's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Downey's back!
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Drago keeps control of the position as Downey tries to break free.
Downey wants to get back to his feet.

Drago is working hard for the rear naked choke here.

Downey won't enjoy being in this position. Drago looking for the choke. Oh... he's slipped the arm under the neck - Downey is tapping - it's over boys! Drago picks up the submission victory!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:39 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Nikolai Drago!