PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Conor McCracken (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Azar Qasi (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). McCracken comes to the cage accompanied by Rebels Song - Come out and Fight. Qasi has chosen For Whom The Bell Tolls as his entrance music. Man, I cannot wait for this one!

McCracken
vs
Qasi

177 cm
26
155 lbs
14 - 12 - 0

180 cm
25
166 lbs
12 - 7 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Great low kicks
Cardio machine

Excellent grappler
Excellent MT
Good gas tank

Bullet Proof System

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 14 - 12 - 0, fighting out of London, Conor McCracken!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 12 - 7 - 0, fighting out of New York, Azar Qasi!
The judges for this bout are Daniel Franklin, Alan Glass and Chris Downing.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Qasi throws a jab but it's blocked by McCracken.
McCracken appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
We've been told by McCracken's head coaches at Team Meanor MMA™ that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
McCracken drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
McCracken swings for the body but Qasi moves out of range.
Qasi has been working on his striking defense in training and it's paying off as McCracken is landing a low percentage of strikes.
Qasi lands with a cross.
Qasi checks a leg kick.

Qasi drives through and clinches with McCracken against the cage.
Qasi blocks an elbow strike.
McCracken tries a body shot but Qasi blocks it.
Qasi tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Still in the clinch, Qasi scores with a nice short uppercut.
McCracken trying to land knees to the body.
McCracken throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Qasi blocks it with crossed arms.
McCracken missing with knees to the body.
Qasi swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Qasi swings wildly with an uppercut but McCracken uses good head movement to avoid it.
McCracken taking a breather.
Qasi lands a hook to the side of the head.

Qasi is fighting off a takedown attempt but McCracken is just too persistent for him and manages to trip Qasi to the mat. Qasi regains guard as soon as the fighters hit the mat.
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.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Qasi looking to control.

Qasi looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Qasi is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.

McCracken got a little sloppy there for a moment and Qasi has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, McCracken has managed to get both his arms back between Qasi's legs - danger averted.
Qasi working a defensive guard here.
McCracken trying to control but Qasi is working from the bottom.
McCracken trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
McCracken trying to control but Qasi is working from the bottom.
McCracken won't allow Qasi to sweep him here.
McCracken wants to pass the guard but Qasi is keeping the position.

McCracken has a momentary lapse of concentration, allowing Qasi to throw up a leg and lock on what appears to be a pretty tight triangle! McCracken is fighting it off but it's all too little too late - Qasi pulls down on the head and he's put McCracken to sleep! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:59 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle). Azar Qasi!
During a confident post fight interview, Azar Qasi thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.