PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Axel Witsel (ranked 6630 p4p, 23689 weight class) and Sig Sauer (ranked 655 p4p, 693 weight class). These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Witsel
vs
Sauer

178 cm
23
220
1 - 3 - 0

185 cm
23
218
3 - 9 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Excellent boxer
Heavy handed

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Axel Witsel!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 9 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Sig Sauer!
The judges for this bout are Percy O'Donnell, Frank Antenori and Timothy Bukovac.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Sauer lands a body shot.
Witsel shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Sauer but Sauer pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Sauer throws a series of punches but Witsel moves out of range.
We've been told by Witsel's head coaches at Simply The Best that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Witsel is trying hard to land a takedown here. Sauer sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Witsel shoots for a takedown but Sauer saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Axel Witsel. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Witsel misses with a two punch combination.
Sauer tries to clinch up.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Sauer.

Sauer stands up and beckons Witsel to his feet.
A right-left combo lands from Sauer.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Witsel changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Sauer tries to avoid it but Witsel manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Sauer to the ground. Sauer escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Witsel shoots in for a takedown but Sauer shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Sauer connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Axel Witsel seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Witsel tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Sauer defends well and Witsel ends up having to push Sauer into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.

Sauer decides to pull guard.
Sauer seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Witsel stays in close to Sauer's body and controls the position.
Sauer is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
Witsel in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Witsel's corner is telling him to maintain position.

Witsel has a momentary lapse of concentration, allowing Sauer to throw up a leg and lock on what appears to be a pretty tight triangle! Witsel is fighting it off but it's all too little too late - Sauer pulls down on the head and he's put Witsel to sleep! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:58 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle). Sig Sauer!
Sig Sauer gave a mention to Dark Knight Nutrition in his post fight interview. That will please them (and hopefully generate some sales).