PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Djimon Mahama (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Daegal Howling (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.

Mahama
vs
Howling

170 cm
26
154 lbs
9 - 2 - 0

179 cm
25
155 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Solid boxing
Experienced

BJJ White Belt
Decent boxing
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the featherweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 9 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Djimon Mahama!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Daegal Howling !
The judges for this bout are Frank Antenori, Timothy Bukovac and Don Winkell.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Howling misses with a wild combination.
Howling throws a series of strikes that have Mahama backpedaling.
Mahama fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Mahama shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.

Mahama gets a double leg takedown into Howling 's guard.

Mahama thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.

Mahama drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Mahama jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Howling has a closed guard, preventing Mahama from standing up.

Mahama drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Mahama jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Mahama throws a big elbow that misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mahama postures up.
Mahama wanted to stand there but Howling had control of the position.

Mahama drops back looking for a leg! Howling is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Howling manages to kick Mahama off! Mahama jumps back into Howling 's guard.
Howling has his hands on Mahama's head, controlling the position.
Howling keeping full guard, as Mahama tries to pass.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Mahama drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Mahama jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.

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

Mahama looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.

Howling got a little sloppy there for a moment and Mahama has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Howling has managed to get both his arms back between Mahama's legs - danger averted.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Mahama wants to sweep but no luck.

Mahama looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.

Mahama looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Mahama is breathing heavily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Howling wants to pass the guard but Mahama is keeping the position.

Mahama is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Howling trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

Mahama pushes a forearm under Howling 's chin to create some space. He's escaped his hips and pivoted quickly for an armbar! Can he extend the arm? Yes, Howling is tapping out! Damn, that was fast!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:05 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Djimon Mahama!
Djimon Mahama retains his featherweight title!
During a confident post fight interview, Djimon Mahama thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.