PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Geraldo Banks (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Dmitri Ivanov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). We have two fighters making their debuts here, so let's see who comes out of this one with their first professional victory.

Banks
vs
Ivanov

160 cm
18
161 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

185 cm
18
170 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter fighter
Cuts easily

Good wrestler
Counter fighter
Granite 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 Las Vegas, Geraldo Banks!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Dmitri Ivanov!
The judges for this bout are Gwen Towbar, Chris Downing and Cecil Peabody.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Ivanov ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Banks moves away.

Ivanov fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Banks sprawls well initially but Ivanov persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
Ivanov thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Banks's head.

Banks looking for submissions off his back.
Ivanov prevents Banks from standing back up.
Ivanov trying to control from half guard but Banks is working away.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Banks could do with losing a few pounds - he looks very soft around the mid section, to put it politely.
Ivanov slips a nice elbow through Banks's hands, connecting with Banks's forehead.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ivanov controlling the action here.

Banks actively working from the bottom here.
Banks is trying to stand back up but Ivanov is controlling him
Ivanov working Banks over with strikes.
Banks wants to get back to his feet.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Ivanov connects with a nice short shot to Banks's temple.
Ivanov really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Banks. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Ivanov seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Banks does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Ivanov looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Banks with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Ivanov trying to advance position but Banks counters by regaining guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ivanov postures up and lands a big shot to Banks's brow.
Banks keeping moving, preventing Ivanov from controlling successfully.
Ivanov makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Ivanov working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.

Banks is rocked!

Banks looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Oh Banks is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!
Banks is breathing heavily.
Ivanov gets to his feet and stands over Banks, holding his ankles. He dives in with a big left hand that connects! Banks felt that one! Ivanov unloads more punches and elbows and this one is over! The ref has dived in to save Banks from any more punishment!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:56 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Dmitri Ivanov!