PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between BJ Penn (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Rayray McDonald (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.

Penn
vs
McDonald

175 cm
22
167 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

171 cm
19
155 lbs
3 - 3 - 0

Good takedowns
Basic striking
Good chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Granite 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 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of New York, BJ Penn!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 3 - 0, fighting out of New York, Rayray McDonald!
The judges for this bout are Eddie Farnsworth, David Schapiro and Chad Campbell.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Nice sprawl there from McDonald as Penn shoots in.
McDonald gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily

and Penn counters with a shoot takedown. McDonald fights it but they end up in guard.
McDonald wants to get back to his feet but Penn is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Penn slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
McDonald is working hard to escape and get back to his feet. After a battle for position, Penn asserts his dominance and retains side control.
McDonald prevents Penn from improving position.
McDonald tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Penn works to advance to full mount. McDonald defends for a few seconds but eventually he succumbs.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
McDonald tries to lock up and control but Penn gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Penn moves to the back.

Penn is looking to finish the fight by rear naked choke. McDonald knows exactly what he's got planned though, so he's defending well. Maybe a few strikes would soften McDonald for a finish.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Penn tightening his grip on McDonald, looking for the choke.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Penn looking for the choke but no joy.

Penn looking for the RNC.
Penn is breathing heavily.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Penn is remaining active here, looking for the choke. The more discerning members of the crowd will appreciate his efforts.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
McDonald trying to control but he's just got himself in more trouble.
Penn trying to control momentarily.
McDonald tries to break free.
Will Penn go for the finish here or will he try and keep control of the position?

McDonald fending off the submission attempt from Penn.

Penn working for the choke.
Penn softening up his opponent with strikes here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Penn is staying calm and holding on to the back position, whilst working on a rear naked choke. McDonald is defending well though. Penn let's go of the attempt for now.
McDonald rolls, trying to escape but Penn keeps control of the position.

Penn patiently working for the choke. Which fighter will keep their nerve here?

Penn has his opponent's back and is working for the choke.
Penn is hanging on to McDonald's back as he tries to escape.

Penn has his arm under McDonald's chin here. Game over son! Penn squeezes tightly and McDonald is forced to tap out!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:04 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). BJ Penn!