PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a super heavyweight MMA rules bout between Philippe Merchant (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Shaun Maloney (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Maloney has chosen enter sandman-metallica as his entrance music. I'm sure you'll be fascinated to know that I was talking to some pointless Z list celebrity before the fight and he thought that Shaun Maloney was going to win. Let's see if he was right.

Merchant
vs
Maloney

185 cm
18
220 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

190 cm
26
205 lbs
3 - 2 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Basic striking
Very quick

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent boxer
Heavy handed

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the super heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Philippe Merchant!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 2 - 0, fighting out of London, Shaun Maloney!
The judges for this bout are Steven Brown, Paul Tew and James Atkins.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Merchant gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Maloney.
Maloney throws a series of punches but Merchant moves out of range.
Merchant defending well as Maloney loads up on a big left hand.
Maloney misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Merchant tries to score a power double leg takedown but Maloney sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Merchant somewhat.
Maloney throws an overhand right that lands on Merchant's shoulder, as Merchant tries to avoid the shot.
Decent striking displayed by Maloney there.
Merchant closes this distance looking for a takedown but Maloney circles away.
Merchant takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Maloney throws a series of punches but Merchant avoids them all with ease.
Maloney misses with a straight left.
Merchant loads up on a big right hand but Maloney slips the punch.
Maloney catches Merchant with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Maloney throws a nice looking combination but Merchant bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Maloney cracks Merchant with an open hand slap.
Maloney throws a hook to the side of Merchant's head but Merchant sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Maloney throws a right hand that Merchant ducks under and follows up with a left that Merchant also avoids with ease.
Shaun Maloney seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Merchant shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Merchant is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Maloney has managed to free his arm - good work.
Merchant looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.

Merchant is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Maloney has managed to free his arm - good work.

Merchant wants to work for an arm triangle but Maloney is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.

Merchant seems to be working for a kimura but Maloney defends the submission attempt.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Maloney is trying to stand back up but Merchant is controlling him

Merchant is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Maloney defends it well.
Maloney pushes Merchant off looking to stand but Merchant dives back in and keeps control.
Merchant is trying to control. Maloney wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.

Merchant seems to be looking for submissions.
This has been an exciting period of action!

Merchant is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Maloney is just riding it out for now. Merchant eventually gives up the hold.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Merchant is working for a submission of some sort.
Maloney is looking to improve his position.

Merchant seems to be looking for submissions.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Merchant trying to work for an americana but Maloney has managed to regain full guard.

Merchant has gone for a leg lock! Maloney slips out almost immediately though and dives into Merchant's guard.

Merchant is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Merchant looking for a triangle here. Maloney is fighting it but it looks tight! Merchant pulls the arm across and this one won't last much longer! Nope, Maloney is tapping out - this one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:54 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle Choke). Philippe Merchant!
A very excited looking Philippe Merchant made sure he remembered to thank all the fans both in the arena and on the internet. He said all the coolest people spend all day on MMA websites, which got a big reaction.