PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Francis Underwood (ranked 23646 p4p, 0 weight class) and Cliff Rigano (ranked 3109 p4p, 0 weight class). The crowd giving both fighters a great reception on their way into the arena. That's good to see.

Underwood
vs
Rigano

180 cm
21
185 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

188 cm
40
184 lbs
29 - 27 - 1

BJJ Blue Belt
Lethal high kicks
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
World class boxer
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 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Francis Underwood!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 29 - 27 - 1, fighting out of Helsinki, Cliff Rigano!
The judges for this bout are Ben Zyskovitsi, Matti Vanhoillinen and Roosa Järviläinen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Rigano tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Underwood was well out of range. Poor timing from Rigano.
Underwood seem to be loading up, looking for a big counter.
Rigano shoots in for a takedown but Underwood shows good takedown defense.

Rigano fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging Underwood to the ground. Rigano is now in Underwood's guard.
Underwood keeping moving, preventing Rigano from controlling successfully.
Rigano works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Rigano stops Underwood from getting back to his feet.
Underwood is looking to get back to is feet but Rigano passes into side control.
Underwood wants to escape from the position here - easier said than done!
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Underwood tries to wriggle free to get back to his feet but he's given up his back! Oops.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Underwood is trying to get back to his feet but Rigano has full control of the position and if anything, Underwood has just worked his way into a worse spot.
Underwood's coaches at Blanc Fitness Academy have been working on his defensive grappling in preparation for this fight so let's see if he can get out of this tricky position.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Rigano is staying calm and holding on to the back position, whilst working on a rear naked choke. Underwood is defending well though. Rigano let's go of the attempt for now.
Rigano is looking cool and calm here, just waiting for a good opportunity to attack and finish the fight from this dominant position.
Underwood trying to get back to his feet but Rigano is in full control for now.

Rigano is working for the choke. I would put my money on him to finish from this position. He's rolled onto his back and has dragged Underwood with him. Underwood is trying to defend but Rigano has an arm under the chin now! Underwood grimaces and is forced to tap out!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:58 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Cliff Rigano!
After winning the bout, Cliff Rigano thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.