PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Stephen Anthony (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Tim Henderson (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.

Anthony
vs
Henderson

196 cm
41
273 lbs
23 - 14 - 0

200 cm
27
275 lbs
7 - 5 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Counter fighter
Insanely flexible

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Granite chin

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 23 - 14 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Stephen Anthony!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Tim Henderson!
The judges for this bout are Robert Douchet, Steve Smith and Dillan Fox.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Henderson scores with a jab to the body.
Anthony shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Henderson pinned against the cage. Henderson gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Anthony keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Nice sprawl there from Henderson as Anthony shoots in.

Anthony closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Anthony wants to pass the guard but Henderson is defending well.

Anthony is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Henderson really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Anthony. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Anthony is looking for a kimura here.

Henderson has managed to escape just enough to sneak back to his feet but Anthony is on him like a limpet, forcing Henderson back against the cage.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Anthony has picked Henderson up - he's going for a ride! Anthony dumps his opponent to the mat with a thud and settles into half guard.

Anthony is trying to work for a kimura but Henderson is defending well.

Anthony looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
Anthony is figuring out what he wants to do next.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Henderson tries to kick Anthony off but Anthony keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Anthony moves nicely into side control.
Anthony staying calm.

Anthony tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Henderson is working hard to escape and get back to his feet. After a battle for position, Anthony asserts his dominance and retains side control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Anthony tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Anthony has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
Anthony wants to control but Henderson is keeping him busy.

Anthony has an Americana. Henderson didn't react quickly enough there and he's in big trouble now! He tries to squirm out but is forced to tap! Anthony is delighted and gyrates in front of the ring girls. They seem to like the attention - it'll be interesting to see if Anthony hooks up with any of them at the after show party.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:55 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Americana). Stephen Anthony!
An out of breath Stephen Anthony thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.