PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Diego Russell (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Khru Maokhamphiou (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Maokhamphiou is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: Metallica - Enter Sandman. Diego Russell has the edge in experience - let's see if he can make that count tonight.

Russell
vs
Maokhamphiou

186 cm
29
205 lbs
8 - 4 - 1

193 cm
25
214 lbs
4 - 0 - 1

Good wrestling
Brawler
Granite chin

BJJ White Belt
Lethal high kicks
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the light heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 8 - 4 - 1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Diego Russell!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 0 - 1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Khru Maokhamphiou!
The judges for this bout are Daniel Franklin, Alan Glass and Frank Dennis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Russell throws a head kick but Maokhamphiou moves out of range.
Russell looks for a takedown but Maokhamphiou sprawls well.
Jab by Maokhamphiou.
Russell circles away from the clinch attempt.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Russell.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Russell is defended easily by Maokhamphiou.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Diego Russell. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Russell fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging Maokhamphiou to the ground. Russell is now in Maokhamphiou's guard.
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.
Russell trying to control but Maokhamphiou is working from the bottom.
Russell postures up and lands a big shot to Maokhamphiou's brow.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Russell trying to control but Maokhamphiou is working from the bottom.
Russell sitting in guard, not really doing much.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Maokhamphiou can do anything to dispel that myth.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Maokhamphiou keeping full guard, as Russell tries to pass.
Maokhamphiou wants to stand and escape but Russell is having none of it.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Maokhamphiou utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Russell connects with a couple of short punches.
Russell is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Maokhamphiou keeping moving, preventing Russell from controlling successfully.
Russell has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Russell sitting in guard, not really doing much.

We're going to have a standup here because Diego Russell wasn't active enough for the referee's liking.
Russell fails with the takedown.
Maokhamphiou throws a right and a left that Russell avoids nicely.
Russell tries to clinch there but Maokhamphiou circles away.
Russell shoots in but Maokhamphiou avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Maokhamphiou throws a head kick that misses.

Russell closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Maokhamphiou quickly recovers to half guard.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Maokhamphiou avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Russell.
Russell thows a huge punch but Maokhamphiou dodges it nicely.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Russell wants to pass to mount but Maokhamphiou is defending the position.
Russell missing with the ground and pound from half guard.

Russell in half guard on the top. He's looking for a kimura... He's got it locked and he's managed to free his trapped foot. Maokhamphiou tries to escape but it's on too tight and he has to tap! Great BJJ skills there from Russell!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:35 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Diego Russell!
Diego Russell is the new light heavyweight champion!
Khru Maokhamphiou was interviewed post fight and said 'What can I say? He was a tough opponent and I hope to have another opportunity to fight him again in the future. Until then, I will take few days to reflect before training again. I'll be back stronger and that's a guarantee!'.