PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Juan Rodriguez (ranked 6092 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ahmed Al Balawi (ranked 4006 p4p, 0 weight class). Fingers crossed for an exciting fight - I'm sure both fighters are looking for a nice under the table bonus!

Rodriguez
vs
Al Balawi

193 cm
25
158 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

175 cm
25
156 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

Powerful takedowns
Brawler
Powerful

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 The Island, Juan Rodriguez!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Ahmed Al Balawi!
The judges for this bout are Michael Johnstone, Winston Alpacca and Peter Branson.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Al Balawi tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Rodriguez paws at him with a jab and circles away.

Rodriguez drives through and clinches with Al Balawi against the cage.
Al Balawi is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Rodriguez pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Rodriguez wants to get back to striking at distance but Al Balawi won't allow it.

Rodriguez gets control of Al Balawi's arms and successfully pulls guard. Rodriguez will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.
Rodriguez keeping moving, preventing Al Balawi from controlling successfully.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Al Balawi postures up.

Al Balawi is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rodriguez has his hands on Al Balawi's head, controlling the position.
Rodriguez throwing strikes off his back to little effect.
Al Balawi wants to control from the top but Rodriguez keeps moving.
Al Balawi makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Rodriguez knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Al Balawi on the ground.
Al Balawi with a flurry of punches that miss.
Rodriguez has a butterfly guard looking to sweep but Al Balawi has passed into side control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Rodriguez is trying to get back to half guard.
Al Balawi wants to stand but Rodriguez has his arm trapped.
Al Balawi throws an elbow but Rodriguez slips to the side and avoids it well.

Al Balawi is working for what looks like an arm triangle here. Rodriguez is trying to escape and Al Balawi transitions quickly into an armbar! He's slapped it on tight and Rodriguez is forced to tap! Nice work there by Al Balawi! Very nice indeed!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:55 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Ahmed Al Balawi!