PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Ryland Rasmussen (ranked 2502 p4p, 276 weight class) and Abdur Rahman Hodges (ranked 6050 p4p, 497 weight class). 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.

Rasmussen
vs
Rahman Hodges

167 cm
19
160 lbs
3 - 2 - 0

170 cm
19
158 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Basic striking
Experienced

BJJ Purple Belt
Basic striking
Solid chin

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 - 2 - 0, fighting out of New York, Ryland Rasmussen!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of New York, Abdur Rahman Hodges!
The judges for this bout are Jorge Garcia, Columbo Gatti and John Roberts.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Hodges tries to land a body kick

so Rasmussen counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
Rasmussen wants to control from the top but Hodges keeps moving.
Hodges trying to keep a closed guard but Rasmussen is proving a slippery customer.

Hodges has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Rasmussen can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
We've been hearing that Rasmussen has been drilling a lot of ground and pound in training, so let's see if he get the finish.
Rasmussen tries to free his leg and advance position but Hodges is retaining full guard.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Hodges is on top in guard.

Hodges stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Rasmussen swivels though and keeps the full guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Rasmussen is active off his back here, looking for submissions.

Rasmussen is looking for a triangle but Hodges pushes his legs off easily.
Rasmussen wants to sweep but no luck.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rasmussen keeping moving, preventing Hodges from controlling successfully.

Rasmussen has his foot on Hodges's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Hodges works his way back into a safe position though.
Hodges throwing strikes but missing.
Hodges trying to control the position from guard on top but Rasmussen is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Rasmussen working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Hodges.
Hodges trying to control the position from guard on top but Rasmussen is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Rasmussen working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Hodges doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Hodges manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Rasmussen is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Rasmussen seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hodges is trying to get back to full guard.
Hodges wants to get back to his feet.
Rasmussen wants to pass to mount but Hodges is defending the position.

Hodges looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Rasmussen wants to pass the guard but Hodges is defending well.
Hodges is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Rasmussen's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Rasmussen's back!
Rasmussen tries to roll but Hodges sticks to his back.
Hodges avoiding Rasmussen 's attempts to control his hands.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hodges has the hooks in. Rasmussen is trying to push off one leg but he has to do so cautiously to avoid being submitted.

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

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:27 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Abdur Rahman Hodges!