PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Jose Salamanca (ranked 4352 p4p, 5299 weight class) and Daniel Caruso (ranked 418 p4p, 466 weight class). Daniel Caruso is the more experienced fighter, so let's see if that makes a difference tonight.

Salamanca
vs
Caruso

174 cm
18
168
0 - 0 - 0

170 cm
18
150
0 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
KO power

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
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 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Jose Salamanca!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Daniel Caruso!
The judges for this bout are John Roberts, Columbo Gatti and Anthony Taglia.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A swing and a miss from Salamanca.
Caruso was about to counter that last move with a leg kick but changes his mind.
Caruso stuffs the takedown.
Salamanca misses with a takedown attempt - Caruso sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Caruso is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Salamanca misses with an uppercut. Caruso saw that one coming.
Salamanca moves out of range of the body kick from Caruso.
Salamanca leaves Caruso with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Caruso slips under a jab from Salamanca.
Caruso slips a straight right by Salamanca.
Caruso changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Salamanca fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jose Salamanca. That's going to take a lot out of him.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Salamanca shoots in for a takedown but Caruso shows good takedown defense.
Caruso drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Salamanca defends it well.
Caruso stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Caruso wants it to stay on the feet.
Caruso throws a low kick but it's checked well by Salamanca.
Salamanca tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Caruso swivels and escapes.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Salamanca misses with a takedown attempt - Caruso sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Salamanca shoots in looking for a takedown but Caruso manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Salamanca's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.

Caruso closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Salamanca's guard.
Salamanca is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
Caruso really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Salamanca. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Salamanca keeping moving, preventing Caruso from controlling successfully.
Caruso wants to get up but he can't break Salamanca's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.
Caruso trying to control but Salamanca is working from the bottom.
Salamanca pulls Caruso in close to his closed guard and prevents Caruso from doing any damage or advancing position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Salamanca is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Salamanca passes the half guard and he's now in mount! Big trouble for Caruso!
Salamanca wants to control the pace but Caruso is squirming around nicely.
Salamanca sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment.
Salamanca moves to the back.

Salamanca has both hooks in and is working for a choke. Caruso is in real trouble here. Salamanca gets an arm under the chin and tightens the submission attempt... is this the end? Yes, Caruso is tapping out! Salamanca wins by rear naked choke!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:58 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Jose Salamanca!