PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a super heavyweight MMA rules bout between John Atoya (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Marat Sanayev (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). John Atoya could well score a knockout today. He has the power to get to Marat Sanayev's chin.

Atoya
vs
Sanayev

203 cm
26
302 lbs
3 - 1 - 0

188 cm
22
291 lbs
8 - 9 - 1

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent MT
Granite chin

BJJ Brown Belt
Brawler
Good gas tank

Big Bear Nutrition 160Q
Worldwide Nutrition (160q)

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the super heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, John Atoya!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 9 - 1, fighting out of Montreal, Marat Sanayev!
The judges for this bout are Wesley Smith, Cecil Peabody and Chris Downing.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Atoya throws the left hand but Sanayev avoids the punch easily.
Sanayev doesn't succeed with the takedown

and Atoya counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Atoya.

Sanayev jumps into guard, dragging Atoya to the mat.
Atoya connects with a couple of short punches.

Sanayev has his foot on Atoya's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Atoya works his way back into a safe position though.
Atoya has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.

Sanayev throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Sanayev working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Atoya.

Sanayev escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Atoya gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Sanayev has momentary wrist control but Atoya slips an elbow through the middle.
Atoya with a flurry of punches that miss.
Atoya trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Sanayev has his feet on Atoya's thighs here. He's pushed Atoya off and worked for a very quick armbar from the bottom! He's flipped onto his stomach and he's cranking hard on the arm! Atoya screams in pain and taps out! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:55 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Marat Sanayev!
After the fight, Marat Sanayev was humble in paying tribute to his opponent but made it clear he wants to go on to bigger and better things. It seemed to go down well with the crowd who cheered him loudly.