PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Damien Melendez (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Zangief Zangief (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.

Melendez
vs
Zangief

190 cm
32
271 lbs
10 - 13 - 0

201 cm
31
265 lbs
9 - 10 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Solid boxing
Very strong

Dangerous GnP
Good kicks
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 2 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 10 - 13 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Damien Melendez!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 9 - 10 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Zangief Zangief!
The judges for this bout are , Frank Antenori and Jack Bonds.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Melendez blocks the body kick.
Zangief takes a swing at Melendez's ribcage but misses.
Zangief looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Melendez avoids the clinch attempt nicely.

Zangief gets a double leg takedown into Melendez's guard.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
Melendez tries to land a sweep but no joy.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.

Zangief got a little sloppy there for a moment and Melendez has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Zangief has managed to get both his arms back between Melendez's legs - danger averted.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.

Melendez throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Zangief throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.

Melendez is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Zangief is in close to Melendez's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Zangief trying to control but Melendez is working from the bottom.
Zangief throws a big right hand that misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zangief lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Zangief is looking to work some ground and pound but Melendez has wrist control.
Zangief working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Zangief distracts Melendez with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Zangief trying to control the position from guard on top but Melendez is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Melendez is working for submissions here. He's thrown up his legs looking for a triangle but Zangief frees his head nicely. Oh but Melendez has switched to an armbar! Zangief is tapping furiously! Lovely submission there!

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