PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Royce Gracie (ranked 1875 p4p, 284 weight class) and Dick Mahoney (ranked 3068 p4p, 436 weight class). Gracie kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genius that is Jiu Jitsu by Smoke Serpent. 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.

Gracie
vs
Mahoney

185 cm
21
179 lbs
9 - 2 - 0

200 cm
29
185 lbs
16 - 10 - 0

Powerful takedowns
Counter fighter
Very quick

Good wrestler
Counter fighter
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 9 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Royce Gracie!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 16 - 10 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Dick Mahoney!
The judges for this bout are Alexandre Firmino, Daniel Cesar and Leandro Rodrigues.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Gracie looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
Mahoney is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.

Gracie thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Gracie might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Gracie looking to pass the guard.
Gracie is working hard here to advance position.
Gracie working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Mahoney told us pre-fight that he has been working on his escapes in training. Let's see if he can call on some of his new skills to get back to his feet.
Gracie throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Mahoney is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Gracie wants to control from the top but Mahoney keeps moving.
Gracie slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Mahoney can do anything to dispel that myth.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mahoney looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
Gracie throws a big elbow that misses.
Gracie has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Mahoney pulls Gracie in to control the position.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Gracie.
Mahoney wants to get back to his feet but Gracie is dominant here and he's now got Mahoney's back!
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Mahoney is trying to stand back up.

Mahoney defends a rear naked choke attempt by controlling one of Gracie's arms.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gracie throws a big right hand but he misses and hits the mat. Ouch.
Gracie tries to get the hooks in deep but Mahoney pushed the leg off.

Mahoney preventing the rear naked choke attempt from Gracie.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!

Gracie is remaining active here, looking for the choke. The more discerning members of the crowd will appreciate his efforts.

Gracie is persistently looking for the submission but Mahoney is defending it well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Gracie is persistently looking for the submission but Mahoney is defending it well.

Gracie looking to break Mahoney's wrist control so he can sink in the choke. Mahoney remaining controlled and patient though - he really has to keep calm otherwise Gracie will wrap this one up with the rear naked choke!
Mahoney is in a world of trouble here. He's outmatched on the ground here and he'd better get Gracie off his back sharpish unless he wants to be submitted.
Gracie missing with strikes from the back.
Mahoney covering up well and avoiding damage.
Mahoney covering up well and avoiding damage.

Mahoney preventing the rear naked choke attempt from Gracie.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Gracie sinks in the hooks and is looking for the choke. He's got it! Mahoney taps out!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:20 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Royce Gracie!
After winning the bout, Royce Gracie thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.