PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Johnny Matthews (ranked 2445 p4p, 2384 weight class) and Ali Berzina (ranked 321 p4p, 310 weight class). The crowd giving both fighters a great reception on their way into the arena. That's good to see.

Matthews
vs
Berzina

180 cm
20
180
4 - 2 - 0

183 cm
22
170
3 - 1 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Brawler
Cardio machine

Decent wrestler
Decent boxing
Granite chin

Brooklyn Threads

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 4 - 2 - 0, fighting out of London, Johnny Matthews!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Ali Berzina!
The judges for this bout are Columbo Gatti, Reed Andrews and Russell Pearce.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Berzina moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Berzina wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Berzina throws a shot to the body.
Matthews shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Berzina as he jumps to the side.
Matthews seems to be moving with more speed, compared to his last bout. He must have been working on that in the gym.
Matthews misses with a takedown attempt - Berzina sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.

Matthews moves into the clinch.
Berzina lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Matthews has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Berzina avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Johnny Matthews. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Matthews has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Berzina after a bit of a struggle.
Matthews drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Berzina can't break the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Berzina blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.

Matthews has moved round to his opponent's back and is looking for a suplex! Oh snap! He's tossed Berzina clear over his head and slammed him to the mat!
Berzina tries to break free.

Matthews has his hand under the chin of his opponent looking for the choke. He's nearly got it! This one could be all over! But no, Berzina has freed his hand and lives to survive another… well, another couple of seconds at least!

Berzina fending off the submission attempt from Matthews.

Matthews is working hard for the rear naked choke here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Matthews looking for the RNC.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Berzina trying to get back to his feet but Matthews is in full control for now.

Matthews patiently working for the choke. Which fighter will keep their nerve here?
Berzina really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Matthews. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Berzina trying to get back to his feet but Matthews is in full control for now.

Matthews is cranking Berzina's head sideways - that looks painful. He's managed to get his other arm under the chin and this looks bad for Berzina! He's tightened the choke and Berzina is tapping out!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:42 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Johnny Matthews!