PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between James Penn (ranked 25239 p4p, 3050 weight class) and Kazhymukan Manaitpasov (ranked 581 p4p, 372 weight class). Penn comes to the cage accompanied by Omar Souleyman - Warni Warni. This should be a great matchup!

Penn
vs
Manaitpasov

181 cm
19
170
0 - 2 - 0

183 cm
19
170
1 - 2 - 0

Good wrestling
Counter fighter
Very quick

Good wrestler
Basic striking
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, James Penn!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Kazhymukan Manaitpasov!
The judges for this bout are Ian Loll, Alec Ball and Steve Smith.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Manaitpasov closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
Penn tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Manaitpasov wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Manaitpasov controls the position.
Manaitpasov wants to control but Penn is keeping him busy.
Manaitpasov throws a strike aimed at the side of Penn's head but Penn avoids it well.
Manaitpasov misses with a strike but at least he's keeping busy, looking to cause some damage - that will still help him when it comes to the judges scorecards.
Penn is trying to control Manaitpasov's posture but Manaitpasov avoids it.
Penn is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Manaitpasov off and has taken his back!
So, who will make the next big move? In this position it could be crucial.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Penn keeps control of the position as Manaitpasov tries to break free.

Penn is staying calm and holding on to the back position, whilst working on a rear naked choke. Manaitpasov is defending well though. Penn let's go of the attempt for now.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Manaitpasov trying to control the hands but Penn won't let him.
Manaitpasov tries to escape the position - he's now mounted. Is that better or worse? Hard to tell!
Manaitpasov keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Manaitpasov looking to escape from mount but he's given up his back!
Penn is trying to stick to Manaitpasov's back but Manaitpasov is turning into Penn. He's managed to reverse the position - now he's in Penn's guard. Polite applause from the crowd in appreciation of some nice Jiu Jitsu by Manaitpasov.
Penn keeping moving, preventing Manaitpasov from controlling successfully.
Manaitpasov's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Manaitpasov throws a strike but Penn rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

Penn pushing down on Manaitpasov's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Manaitpasov is trying to control but Penn manages to pass to mount!
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Manaitpasov wants to hold on but Penn pushes him away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Penn quickly switches position and commits to an armbar! It's a big risk for Penn but it's paid off an Manaitpasov is forced to tap! Nice work by Penn.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:20 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). James Penn!
A relieved looking James Penn thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.