PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Tane Henderson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Maricue Russel (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.

Henderson
vs
Russel

182 cm
37
198 lbs
23 - 5 - 0

190 cm
25
200 lbs
10 - 7 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Very quick

Olympic wrestler
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 23 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Tane Henderson!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 10 - 7 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Maricue Russel!
The judges for this bout are , Frank Antenori and Don Winkell.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Henderson scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
Russel is trying to control but can't.
Henderson takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.

Russel looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Henderson not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Russel has found himself in a tricky position here. He's been working his transitions in training so let's see if he can work his way out of it.
Russel taking some punishment here, with Henderson in his half guard.

Russel is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Henderson pulls his head out easily.
Russel wants to control but Henderson is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Henderson thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Henderson thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Henderson missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Henderson throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Russel is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Henderson scores with a couple of nice shots.
Henderson throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
The fighters are battling for position here. Russel manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Russel preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Russel tries to land a sweep but no joy.

Russel is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Henderson is aware though and is defending well.
Henderson throws an elbow that misses. Russel uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Henderson's guard. Nice move by Russel!
Henderson wants to hit a switch here but Russel passes into full mount! Oh no, disaster for Henderson there!
Henderson knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Russel on the ground.
Russel lands an elbow that was bordering on illegal but the referee lets it go with a warning.
Henderson is trying desperately to improve position.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Henderson takes a big shot to the head but keeps on trying to improve his position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Henderson keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Russel looking to finish Henderson with some ground and pound. This is bad for Henderson!
Russel with a couple of short strikes.
Henderson tries to hold on but Russel pushes him away.
Russel has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Russel with the ground and pound from mount.
Russel punishing his opponent with strikes.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Russel landing strikes from the mount.

Henderson is rocked!
A big strike lands for Russel! That's really hurt Henderson and he's turned his back - Russel keeps firing away and the ref dives in to stop the fight! Russel jumps to his feet to celebrate the victory!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:45 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Maricue Russel!
After winning the bout, Maricue Russel thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.