PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Abdul Keji (ranked 3435 p4p, 3210 weight class) and Sam Drnold (ranked 400 p4p, 378 weight class). The key to victory for Abdul Keji has got to be keeping the fight on the feet.

Keji
vs
Drnold

178 cm
25
158
5 - 1 - 0

172 cm
26
156
2 - 3 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
KO power

Good wrestler
Basic striking
Powerful

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 5 - 1 - 0, fighting out of New York, Abdul Keji!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Sam Drnold!
The judges for this bout are Chad Campbell, Columbo Gatti and Bruno Lombardi.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Drnold slips a jab from Keji.
Drnold misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Keji.
Drnold lands a jab.
Keji throws a lazy right hand but Drnold sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Drnold shoots in but no luck this time.
Keji changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Drnold throws a body shot but no joy.
Keji throws an off balance right hand

and Drnold counters with a single leg into guard. Keji didn't expect that.
Drnold trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Drnold throws a big elbow that misses.
Drnold in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Drnold trying to control the position from guard on top but Keji is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Keji has momentary wrist control but Drnold slips an elbow through the middle.
Drnold distracts Keji with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Drnold trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Drnold throwing strikes but missing.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Keji working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Drnold.
Keji definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Drnold trying to control but Keji is working from the bottom.
Drnold is looking to work some ground and pound but Keji has wrist control.
Drnold loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Drnold stands and throws Keji's legs to the side, diving into side control.
Keji is not in a great position here, taking some shots.
Drnold working away diligently from side control. Landing strikes effectively there - that will score him some points on the judges scorecards.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Drnold working the body and head with strikes.

Keji is rocked!

Drnold thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.

Drnold is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Keji is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Drnold working the ground and pound but he's contacting the mat, not the fighter.
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!

Drnold has an Americana. Keji didn't react quickly enough there and he's in big trouble now! He tries to squirm out but is forced to tap! Drnold is delighted and gyrates in front of the ring girls. They seem to like the attention - it'll be interesting to see if Drnold hooks up with any of them at the after show party.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:38 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Americana). Sam Drnold!