PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Frank Powers (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and John Cullen (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). 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.

Powers
vs
Cullen

178 cm
25
155 lbs
9 - 16 - 0

180 cm
23
145 lbs
0 - 2 - 0

Good wrestling
Brawler
Granite chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Determined

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 9 - 16 - 0, fighting out of London, Frank Powers!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 2 - 0, fighting out of London, John Cullen!
The judges for this bout are Steven Brown, James Ackerman and Donald Grub.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Cullen tries to clinch but Powers is having none of it.
Powers showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Cullen.
Good shot there by Powers.
Powers works Cullen's body with a nice hook.
Powers tries to score a power double leg takedown but Cullen sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Powers somewhat.
Cullen shoots in but Powers avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Powers fails with the takedown.
Cullen is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
Cullen fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Powers avoids it really well and circles away.
Cullen fails with an attempt to clinch.
Powers looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Cullen closes this distance looking for a takedown but Powers circles away.
Frank Powers has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of John Cullen.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Powers will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.

Powers closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Cullen did well to prevent Powers getting side control.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
Cullen wants to get back to full guard.
Cullen really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Powers. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Powers is taking a breather. Cullen says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.
Cullen gets back to full guard.
Powers trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Powers scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Cullen striking off his back but it's not causing Powers any problems.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Powers working some strikes from top position.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Powers accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cullen wants to stand and escape but Powers is having none of it.
Cullen looks gassed!
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Powers postures up in Cullen's guard and throws a big left but Cullen blocks it.
Powers content to stall in guard here.
Powers lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Powers looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Powers with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Powers passes easily into side control. Nice work.
Powers landing a few strikes.
Powers takes a little break here. Cullen wants to take advantage but he is being controlled well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Powers working the ground and pound from side control.
Powers landing with strikes to the head and body from side control.
Powers working the ground and pound.
Powers controls the position.

Powers has an Americana. Cullen didn't react quickly enough there and he's in big trouble now! He tries to squirm out but is forced to tap! Powers is delighted and gyrates in front of the ring girls. They seem to like the attention - it'll be interesting to see if Powers hooks up with any of them at the after show party.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:47 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Americana). Frank Powers!