PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Sage Kopel (ranked 3942 p4p, 3929 weight class) and Fabio Gurgel (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.

Kopel
vs
Gurgel

200 cm
25
200
0 - 0 - 0

183 cm
25
215
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid boxing
Self confident

Good takedowns
Basic striking
Tends to cut

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 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Sage Kopel!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Fabio Gurgel!
The judges for this bout are Marco Blurström, Johanna Lukiainen and Matti Vanhoillinen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A punch combination from Gurgel misses.
Kopel scores with a three punch combo!

It looks like Fabio Gurgel has been cut.
Gurgel fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Kopel avoids it really well and circles away.

Gurgel gets a double leg takedown into Kopel's guard.
Gurgel looking to pass the guard.
Kopel trying to control the position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Kopel is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Gurgel looking to pass the guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gurgel is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
Gurgel stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Kopel swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Gurgel trying to control the position from guard on top but Kopel is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Kopel throws a couple of weedy looking strikes off his back.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.

Kopel working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Gurgel doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Gurgel manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Gurgel wants to pass the guard but Kopel is keeping the position.
Kopel keeping moving, preventing Gurgel from controlling successfully.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Kopel blocks a jab.

Kopel has closed the distance and engaged Gurgel in a clinch.
Gurgel goes for a takedown in the clinch but Kopel prevents it.
Kopel is trying to break free.
Kopel is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Sage Kopel has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Fabio Gurgel.

Kopel has managed to pull guard. Let's see whether he can work an aggressive guard. It will also be interesting to see what tactics Gurgel uses from the top position.
Gurgel trying to control the position from guard on top but Kopel is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Kopel will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Gurgel looking to pass the guard.

Gurgel has gone for a leg lock! Kopel slips out almost immediately though and dives into Gurgel's guard.

Kopel is stalling in the full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kopel wants to control from the top but Gurgel keeps moving.

Kopel is trying to tuck his arms in to keep them safe but Gurgel has managed to isolate one of them and has got a loose triangle. Kopel is looking to defend but Gurgel has done well to lock his legs together - this could be big trouble for Kopel! Gurgel pulls down on the head and a little smile comes across his face - he knows he's got it. Yep, Kopel taps out and this one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:37 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle). Fabio Gurgel!