PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Terrence Bird (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Imaad Rahman (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Terrence Bird has the edge in experience - let's see if he can make that count tonight.

Bird
vs
Rahman

166 cm
18
150 lbs
2 - 3 - 0

173 cm
18
155 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter fighter
Hates pizza

BJJ Purple Belt
Brawler
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 3 - 0, fighting out of London, Terrence Bird!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Imaad Rahman!
The judges for this bout are Paul Tew, Andrew Berry and Steven Brown.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Rahman feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.
Bird wants to get back to his feet but Rahman passes into half guard.

Rahman perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.
It looks like Rahman might be adopting somewhat of a lay and pray gameplan here, which I'm sure won't go down too well with the paying fans in attendance... Or the ring announcers come to think of it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Bird wants to get back to his feet.
Rahman content to control rather than advance.

That's one minute gone in the round.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Rahman sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Bird defending well though.
Rahman tries to stand but his arm is trapped.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Rahman shoots in for a double leg but Bird sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Bird appears to be looking for a big counter.
Rahman will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Bird throws a series of punches but Rahman moves out of range.
Bird throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Rahman's waist but Rahman gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Bird off to one side.
Rahman unleashes a big counter combination but Bird bobs and weaves and avoids any damage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Rahman rushes Bird and presses him up against the cage.
Bird makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Rahman tries to pull guard but Bird forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Bird tries to pull guard but Rahman forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Rahman jumps guard but Bird stands there with Rahman around his waist. Rahman gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Terrence Bird has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Imaad Rahman.

Rahman gets control of Bird's arms and successfully pulls guard. Rahman will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.
Bird with a flurry of punches that miss.
Rahman pulls Bird in close to prevent any damage.

Bird is trying to tuck his arms in to keep them safe but Rahman has managed to isolate one of them and has got a loose triangle. Bird is looking to defend but Rahman has done well to lock his legs together - this could be big trouble for Bird! Rahman pulls down on the head and a little smile comes across his face - he knows he's got it. Yep, Bird taps out and this one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:56 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle). Imaad Rahman!