PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Giri Essex (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Leonard Etim (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Essex comes to the cage accompanied by Wonderful Place. Leonard Etim told me before the fight that he's been watching a lot of DVDs so let's see if that helps him in this one! I can't wait to find out!

Essex
vs
Etim

173 cm
19
168 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

182 cm
22
162 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Very strong

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter striker
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 - 1 - 0, fighting out of London, Giri Essex!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Leonard Etim!
The judges for this bout are Colin Fotheringham, Chris Edwards and James Glass.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Essex misses with the combination.

Etim throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Essex tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Etim is in Essex's guard.
Essex preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.

Etim is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! Essex is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! Essex has escaped and now he's on top!
Essex engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Etim has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Essex stopping the sweep attempt from Etim.
Etim is trying to control the position but Essex postures up.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Essex looking to pass the guard.

Etim is looking for a triangle but Essex pushes his legs off easily.
Etim 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.
Etim trying to control the position.
Essex wants to control from the top but Etim keeps moving.
Essex has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.

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

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Essex sitting in guard here, content to control.
Etim looking for a sweep. Not yet Etim, not yet.
Etim controlling the position.

Etim pushes Essex off and gets back to his feet.
Essex scores with a jab to the head.

It looks like Leonard Etim has been cut.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Essex has a takedown stuffed.
A big right followed by a crushing left from Essex knocks Etim out cold! Ouch - that one's going to be featured in highlight reels for years to come!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:05 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punches). Giri Essex!
During a confident post fight interview, Giri Essex thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.