PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between De Janeiro (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Stephen Griffiths (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Janeiro
vs
Griffiths

180 cm
29
173 lbs
17 - 5 - 0

170 cm
33
175 lbs
31 - 15 - 1

BJJ Brown Belt
Counter fighter
Granite chin

Olympic wrestler
World class boxer
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the welterweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 17 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, De Janeiro!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 31 - 15 - 1, fighting out of London, Stephen Griffiths!
The judges for this bout are James Atkins, Donald Grub and Colin Fotheringham.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Griffiths leaves Janeiro with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Griffiths throws out a counter right but Janeiro avoids it with no problem.
Janeiro stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Griffiths.
Griffiths changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Griffiths's coach down at ~T~ Troid - Gym was telling us pre-fight that they have been working on Griffiths's balance. Obviously they view that as a key factor in the outcome of this fight.
Janeiro takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Griffiths scores with a hook to the body. Janeiro takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Janeiro keeps the fight on the outside.
Griffiths connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Griffiths lands with a hook. Janeiro tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Janeiro takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Griffiths feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Janeiro's calf.

Griffiths 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.
Griffiths trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

Janeiro is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Griffiths engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Griffiths wants to pass the guard but Janeiro is keeping the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Janeiro has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Griffiths can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Griffiths pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Janeiro is keeping the position for now.
Griffiths keeps trying to improve his position.
Janeiro seems to have improved his submission grappling technique since last time we saw him. Let's see if he can pull off a submission.
Janeiro bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Griffiths's guard.

Griffiths pushes a forearm under Janeiro's chin to create some space. He's escaped his hips and pivoted quickly for an armbar! Can he extend the arm? Yes, Janeiro is tapping out! Damn, that was fast!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:53 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Stephen Griffiths!
Stephen Griffiths is the new welterweight champion!
Stephen Griffiths thanked the fans post fight for their support.