PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Tyron Woodley (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Steven Bird (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Woodley comes into the arena with Seek & Destroy - Metallica blaring out of the sound system. 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.

Woodley
vs
Bird

175 cm
28
163 lbs
5 - 3 - 0

183 cm
22
161 lbs
3 - 4 - 0

Good wrestling
Basic striking
Good chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Tyron Woodley!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Steven Bird!
The judges for this bout are , Timothy Bukovac and Frank Antenori.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Woodley shoots in and gets a takedown into Bird's guard.
Woodley throws a strike but Bird rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
Bird wants to pass the guard but Woodley is keeping the position.
Bird missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Bird wants to stand and escape but instead Woodley has hit a sweep and he's now on top in guard.

Woodley avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Woodley throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Bird works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Woodley content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Bird utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Woodley knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Bird on the ground.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Woodley looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Bird not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Woodley is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
Woodley landing some decent shots from guard.
Woodley controlling from the top position.
Bird is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Woodley's jab looks to have found its range, popping Bird under the eye.
The fighters circle momentarily. Woodley darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Bird has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by Woodley.
Bird avoids the head kick by Woodley.
Bird jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Woodley lands with a right hand.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Woodley closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Bird did well to prevent Woodley getting side control.
Bird is trying to stand back up but Woodley is controlling him
Woodley lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Woodley working Bird over with strikes.
Woodley lands with a punch from half guard.
Bird wants to control but Woodley is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Woodley thows a huge punch but Bird dodges it nicely.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Woodley connects with a nice short shot to Bird's temple.
Bird is looking to control Woodley's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Bird avoid being mounted?
Woodley is nestled in close to Bird, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ground and pound from Woodley.
Woodley lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.

Bird is rocked!

Woodley seems to be working for a kimura but Bird defends the submission attempt.
Bird is still in real trouble! Can Woodley finish him?
Woodley working over Bird with some ground and pound. Bird looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Bird wants to get back to his feet.
Bird looks gassed!
Ground and pound from Woodley.
Woodley not doing much here.
Woodley lands a massive shot from half guard that has rocked Bird! More strikes land and this one is all over! Woodley jumps to his feet and is applauded loudly by the crowd!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:42 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Tyron Woodley!
An out of breath Tyron Woodley thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.