PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Monte Franks (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Khabib Nokanedov (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.

Franks
vs
Nokanedov

193 cm
18
278 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

198 cm
18
245 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter fighter
Cuts easily

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Enjoys gardening

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Monte Franks!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of London, Khabib Nokanedov!
The judges for this bout are Andrew Berry, Colin Fotheringham and Richard Clark.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Nokanedov gets caught napping as Franks dives in and scores a takedown. Nokanedov manages to retain guard.
Franks missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Nokanedov working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Franks.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Franks accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Franks throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.

Franks drops back, looking for a kneebar! Nokanedov looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Nokanedov looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Nokanedov!
Nokanedov in side control, throwing shots but Franks defends.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Franks sneaks back into half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Franks desperately trying to maintain half guard.
Franks is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Nokanedov scores with a couple of nice shots.
Franks wants to control but Nokanedov is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Franks wants to get back to full guard.
Franks punching from the bottom.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Franks is doing well to control the position and prevent Nokanedov from advancing to side control.
Nokanedov working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.
Franks is looking to control Nokanedov's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Franks avoid being mounted?
Nokanedov missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Nokanedov not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Franks avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Nokanedov.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Franks trying to hold on to Nokanedov's head to control him but Nokanedov postures up.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Franks is trying to get back to full guard.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Nokanedov working the head and body with strikes.
Nokanedov looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.

Franks looking for submissions off his back.
Franks on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Nokanedov looks winded!
Nokanedov throws a big elbow that misses, also allowing Franks to regain full guard.
Franks trying to control the position.
Franks managing to control the position.
Nokanedov throws a big elbow that misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Franks not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Franks 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.
Nokanedov trying to control the position from guard on top but Franks is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Nokanedov looking to pass the guard.
Nokanedov throwing strikes but missing.
Nokanedov showing good wrestling skills to control the position.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Nokanedov shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Franks but Franks pushes him off and we're back to square one.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Franks lands a two punch combo.
Franks checks a low kick from Nokanedov.

Franks moves into range and clinches up with Nokanedov.

Nokanedov has Franks pressed up against the cage. He's trying to work for a single leg takedown. Nokanedov pulls back from the cage and twists to the side, sending Franks tumbling to the mat - Nokanedov dives into Franks's guard.
Franks looking to control.
Franks is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Franks 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. Nokanedov tries to escape but it's on too tight and he has to tap! Great BJJ skills there from Franks!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:57 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Monte Franks!