PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Jimmy Backlund (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Martin Riggs (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Man, I cannot wait for this one!

Backlund
vs
Riggs

185 cm
22
170 lbs
3 - 3 - 0

180 cm
18
182 lbs
2 - 2 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Brawler
Experienced

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 3 - 0, fighting out of New York, Jimmy Backlund!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 2 - 0, fighting out of New York, Martin Riggs!
The judges for this bout are Steve Montenegro, Russell Pearce and Columbo Gatti.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Backlund drives through with a takedown into guard.
Backlund throws a big elbow that misses.
Backlund trying to control but Riggs is working from the bottom.
Backlund 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.
Riggs is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Riggs pulls Backlund in close to prevent any damage.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Backlund accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Riggs seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
Riggs wants to get back to his feet but Backlund is in a dominant position and won't allow it.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Riggs working for a triangle but Backlund defends it easily.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Backlund tries for a takedown but Riggs circles away easily
and Riggs counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Riggs throws out a powerful jab.
A combination from Riggs does no damage.
Backlund's corner calls for a 1, 2 combination and Backlund duly obliges.
Riggs stuns Backlund with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Backlund doesn't manage to clinch there - Riggs circles away.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Backlund checks a leg kick.

Backlund throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Riggs was covering up waiting for the punch and Backlund finishes the takedown easily into guard.

Backlund drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but Riggs manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Backlund has Riggs in his guard.

Backlund looks to be in better condition than last time we saw him fight. Obviously he's been working hard on his cardio.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Backlund is looking for a triangle but Riggs pushes his legs off easily.
Backlund is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Riggs really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Backlund. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Riggs controlling from the top position.
Riggs in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Backlund throws his legs up looking for a submission but Riggs uses it to pass to side control.
Riggs is looking to take a break and control but Backlund is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Backlund is looking for a sweep.
Riggs creates some space and throws a big elbow, but Backlund sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike.
Riggs throwing shots but missing, from side control.
Riggs takes a little break here. Backlund wants to take advantage but he is being controlled well.
Riggs trying to control the position but Backlund is working away.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
The referee tells the fighters to keep busy.

Riggs tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Backlund struggling a bit here.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Riggs is looking to take a break and control but Backlund is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

Riggs goes for an armbar here - this could be all over! But no, Backlund has escaped beautifully and is now on top in side control! Oh, that's unlucky for Riggs but great work by Backlund.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Jimmy Backlund will probably get the nod.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Backlund misses with a low kick as Riggs jumps back.
Riggs fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Backlund has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Riggs has done a lot of speed work in the buildup to this fight.
Backlund takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Backlund takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Riggs comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Backlund misses with a jab, cross combination.
Riggs lands a slapping body shot.
Backlund throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Backlund tries to clinch there but Riggs circles away.
Backlund tries to clinch but Riggs moves out of range.
Riggs stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Riggs wants it to stay on the feet.
Martin Riggs seems to be getting the better of the standup.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A combination from Riggs does no damage.
Backlund tries to close the distance and clinch up but Riggs swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Riggs lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Backlund walks into a jab.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Riggs instigates a clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Riggs will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Backlund up against the cage.
The crowd are getting on Riggs's back here. They're not happy about his lack of aggression in the clinch.

Riggs escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Backlund gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Riggs.
Riggs stuns Backlund with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Martin Riggs is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Backlund fails in his attempt to clinch.
Backlund gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Backlund rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Riggs moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Riggs throws a leg kick
letting Backlund counter with a right hand.
Riggs fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Riggs lands with a big right hook that stumbles Backlund - he's out on his feet here! Riggs follows up with another monster hook that separates Backlund from consciousness! Backlund falls, almost in slow motion to the canvas! Riggs stands and admires his work as the crowd go wild.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:59 of round 2, we have a winner by way of KO (Punches). Martin Riggs!