PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Alfredo Amarena (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Alex Barletta (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Alex Barletta will no doubt be trying to keep this one on the feet, where he has a distinct advantage.

Amarena
vs
Barletta

185 cm
18
215 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

185 cm
18
220 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter striker
Granite chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Granite chin

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 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of New York, Alfredo Amarena!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Alex Barletta!
The judges for this bout are Jorge Garcia, Jonathan Paton and David Schapiro.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Barletta swinging wildly here.
Amarena takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Barletta leaves Amarena with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.

Barletta shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in full mount! That's better than Barletta was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
Amarena keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
Amarena regains half guard.
Amarena gets back to full guard.
Barletta really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Amarena. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.

Amarena working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Barletta doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Barletta manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!

Amarena has his foot on Barletta's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Barletta works his way back into a safe position though.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Barletta trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

Amarena has his foot on Barletta's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Barletta works his way back into a safe position though.
Barletta is looking to work some ground and pound but Amarena has wrist control.

Amarena is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Barletta is aware though and is defending well.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Amarena looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

Amarena is looking for a triangle but Barletta pushes his legs off easily.
Amarena is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Amarena is on top in guard.

Amarena drops back, looking for a kneebar! Barletta looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Barletta looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Barletta!
Amarena is looking to regain half guard here but Barletta keeps moving and retains side control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Amarena dodges the ground and pound from Barletta.
Amarena is looking for a sweep.
Barletta throws a knee to the body but it doesn't do much damage.
Amarena manages to get back to half guard.

Amarena looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Barletta wants to stand up but Amarena has a hold of him and won't allow it.
Amarena is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Amarena is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Barletta's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Barletta's back!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Barletta wants to escape the position.
Barletta trying to control the hands but Amarena breaks the grip.
You can see the frustration on Barletta's face… He knows he is in trouble unless he improves his position sooner rather than later.
Amarena doesn't have the hooks in and Barletta manages to turn into his guard.

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

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:53 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Alfredo Amarena!
An out of breath Alfredo Amarena thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.