PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Vanapa Animai (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Darby Gordon (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Animai kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genius that is Here comes the hotstepper. Gordon has chosen United Booty Foundation as his entrance music. Darby Gordon has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Animai
vs
Gordon

186 cm
32
212 lbs
20 - 12 - 0

190 cm
29
217 lbs
13 - 7 - 0

Powerful takedowns
Solid boxing
Very strong

Good wrestler
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 20 - 12 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Vanapa Animai!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 13 - 7 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Darby Gordon!
The judges for this bout are Josh West, Colin Fray and Jeff Smith.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Animai tries for a takedown but Gordon sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Animai looks for a takedown but Gordon sprawls well.
Gordon lands a nice leg kick that just misses Animai's sensitive parts.
Gordon takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Gordon scores with a leg kick.

Animai scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
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.
You can see the frustration on Gordon's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Animai blocks the strikes from Gordon.
Gordon tries to bench press Animai off him but Animai keeps the position.

Animai is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Gordon is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.

Animai tries for a kimura but Gordon is defending well.

Animai working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
Gordon manages to work his way to half guard, despite Animai's best efforts.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gordon keeps control of the position for the meantime.
Gordon wants to get back to full guard.
Gordon wants to control but Animai is keeping busy.

Gordon is defending against the submission attempts here by Animai.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Gordon trying to control here.

Gordon looking for submissions off his back.
Gordon is pressing down on Animai's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Animai pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Gordon is keeping the position for now.
Animai would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.

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

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:30 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle Choke). Darby Gordon!
During a confident post fight interview, Darby Gordon thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.