PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Ferdinand Mathews (ranked 25104 p4p, 0 weight class) and Higo Higa (ranked 8258 p4p, 0 weight class). Ferdinand Mathews has a significant reach advantage - let's see if he can make it count.

Mathews
vs
Higa

224 cm
18
161 lbs
3 - 4 - 0

200 cm
21
158 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter fighter
Experienced

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Tends to cut

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 3 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Ferdinand Mathews!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Higo Higa!
The judges for this bout are Summer Carpenter, Damien Edna and Chris Dean.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Mathews tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Higa is able to avoid easily.

Higa has taken the fight to the clinch.
Higa stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.
Nice elbow from Higa.

It looks like Ferdinand Mathews has been cut.

Mathews pulls guard.
Mathews wants to sweep but no luck.
Higa wants to pass the guard but Mathews is keeping the position.

Higa gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.

Higa has closed the distance and engaged Mathews in a clinch.
Mathews is trying to push Higa away but Higa has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Mathews is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Higa to keep the fight standing.
Higa utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Mathews is trying to break the clinch but Higa is controlling him.
Mathews is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Higa to keep the fight standing.
Higa softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Higa stalling in the clinch but Mathews improves position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Higa will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Mathews up against the cage.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Higa creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Higa lands a shot to the body.
Higa taking a breather.
Higa taking a breather.
Higa blocking some punches.
Mathews working hard to break the clinch.
Higa with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.

Mathews is rocked!
The referee calls for Higa to work.
Oh Mathews is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Higa unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Higa throws a big uppercut that drops Mathews! More strikes from Higa and the referee jumps in to stop the fight! Mathews lies dazed against the cage as Higa celebrates with his cornermen!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:50 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Higo Higa!
During a confident post fight interview, Higo Higa thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.