PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Bob Backlund (ranked 3961 p4p, 5928 weight class) and Edward Tonu (ranked 460 p4p, 565 weight class). Backlund comes to the cage accompanied by Dance Fucker. Edward Tonu will no doubt be trying to keep this one on the feet, where he has a distinct advantage.

Backlund
vs
Tonu

189 cm
50
182
16 - 18 - 0

182 cm
30
185
9 - 8 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Good kicks
KO power

Good wrestler
Basic striking
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 16 - 18 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Bob Backlund!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 9 - 8 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Edward Tonu!
The judges for this bout are Chris Downing, Stewart Dunkirk and Alan Glass.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Tonu dives in and scores a takedown into Backlund's guard.

Backlund throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.

Backlund is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Backlund wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.

Backlund has an omoplata and is looking to use it perhaps as a submission or perhaps to transition. Tonu is in a bit of discomfort here, but he's managed to free himself and has dived into side control! That didn't work out too well for Backlund.
Tonu tries to get to his feet but he's trapped momentarily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
You can see the frustration on Backlund's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Tonu is looking to take a break and control but Backlund is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tonu grinds an elbow into Backlund's temple.
Tonu laying and praying for a moment but Backlund takes advantage and regains half guard.
Tonu really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Backlund. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Tonu is working hard to pass the guard. He's done it - he's now in full mount! Trouble for Backlund!
Backlund prevents Tonu from taking his back.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Tonu content just to control the position here.
Backlund is working to get back to half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tonu with some aggressive grappling here, looking for the finish.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Backlund sneaks a leg under to get to half guard.
Backlund is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Tonu's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Tonu's back!
Tonu trying to control but he's just got himself in more trouble.
Tonu is trying to avoid being dragged into an even worse position than he's already in but Backlund is staying active.

Backlund working for a RNC but it's not happening just yet.
Tonu trying to control the action but Backlund just sinks the hooks in.

Backlund working for a choke but Tonu is defending well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Backlund is staying calm and holding on to the back position, whilst working on a rear naked choke. Tonu is defending well though. Backlund let's go of the attempt for now.
Tonu wants to get back to his feet.

Backlund working for a RNC but it's not happening just yet.
Tonu trying to control the action but Backlund just sinks the hooks in.
Backlund keeps control of the position as Tonu tries to break free.
Tonu is in a world of trouble here. He's outmatched on the ground here and he'd better get Backlund off his back sharpish unless he wants to be submitted.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Tonu is trying to roll into a better position but Backlund has get a rear naked choke and Tonu is forced to tap out! This one is allllll over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:25 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Bob Backlund!
In his post fight interview, Bob Backlund started talking himself up. Luckily his charisma kept the crowd on side and gave him a good reception.