PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Nate Diaz (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Artem Ivanov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Diaz comes to the cage accompanied by Tupac Last Muthafucka Breathin. Ivanov has chosen undead as his entrance music. 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.

Diaz
vs
Ivanov

183 cm
26
155 lbs
4 - 1 - 0

175 cm
25
150 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Basic striking
Experienced

BJJ Purple Belt
Brawler
Solid chin

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 4 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nate Diaz!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Artem Ivanov!
The judges for this bout are George Francis, Robert Twigg and Wesley Smith.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Diaz with a lazy takedown attempt
and Ivanov counters with a stiff right hand.
Ivanov tries to clinch there but Diaz circles away.
Diaz fails with the takedown

and Ivanov counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Ivanov.
Diaz wants a takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Nate Diaz. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Ivanov manages to break the clinch.
Diaz shoots and misses
letting Ivanov counter with a right hand.
Ivanov moves to clinch but Diaz breaks away

and Diaz decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Ivanov's guard.
Ivanov keeping moving, preventing Diaz from controlling successfully.

Diaz 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.
Diaz stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Ivanov swivels though and keeps the full guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Diaz postures up.
Ivanov is adopting a defensive guard.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
Diaz passes easily into side control. Nice work.
Ivanov tries to escape but Diaz is in control.

That's two 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.
Ivanov looks gassed!

Diaz tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Ivanov struggling a bit here.

Diaz is trying to get an arm triangle but Ivanov is defending well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ivanov tries to control but Diaz manages to take his back.
Ivanov looking to stop the rear naked choke attempt by controlling the hands.
Diaz is not going to allow Ivanov to sit and survive in this position.

Ivanov fending off the submission attempt from Diaz.
Ivanov has the hand control, trying to stop the rear naked choke.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Diaz has one arm under Ivanov 's neck. Ivanov is controlling the other arm well. He's just looking to survive right now. Diaz manages to get his arm free though and Ivanov is in a world of trouble! Diaz sinks in the hooks and squeezes! Ivanov turns purple and then goes limp. The referee steps in to end the bout!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:35 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Nate Diaz!