PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Theodore Nouveau (ranked 2819 p4p, 1230 weight class) and Davdio Branko (ranked 144 p4p, 70 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.

Nouveau
vs
Branko

168 cm
30
145
13 - 20 - 0

180 cm
21
144
5 - 2 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Counter fighter
Cardio machine

Excellent grappler
Decent boxing
Granite chin

Urban Fighter
Vegan Gains

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 13 - 20 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Theodore Nouveau!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 2 - 0, fighting out of London, Davdio Branko!
The judges for this bout are Tarja Halkonen, Marco Blurström and Arvi Lind.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Nouveau feints and as Branko raises his hands in defense, Nouveau changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
Branko 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.

Branko had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Nouveau defends it easily.

Branko working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Nouveau doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Nouveau manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.

Branko is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Nouveau defends well.

Branko has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Nouveau can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Nouveau looking to pass the guard.
Nouveau has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Branko lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

Branko looking to pass the guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Branko slips nicely into half guard.
Branko is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
Nouveau gets back to full guard.

Branko postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Nouveau is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Branko, into his guard.

Nouveau landing some decent shots from guard.

Branko has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Nouveau can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.

Nouveau thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Nouveau might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.

Nouveau got a little sloppy there for a moment and Branko has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Nouveau has managed to get both his arms back between Branko's legs - danger averted.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Branko had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Nouveau defends it easily.
Nouveau is working Branko over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.

Branko looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.

Branko throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Nouveau stays in close to Branko's body and controls the position.

Branko is working actively from the bottom, looking for submissions. He's escaped his hips to the side and he's going for an armbar! Nouveau has his hands clasped together but Branko extends and breaks Nouveau's desperate grasp, forcing a tap out due to armbar! Nice BJJ displayed there by Branko.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:56 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Davdio Branko!
Theodore Nouveau was interviewed post fight and said 'what a mess...'.