PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Dharya Bhate (ranked 1738 p4p, 1045 weight class) and Viggo Andolini (ranked 132 p4p, 78 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.

Bhate
vs
Andolini

178 cm
22
145
5 - 4 - 0

167 cm
29
140
11 - 6 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Solid boxing
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Excellent MT
Granite chin

30th Century Beer Store
Shadow Realm Apparel

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 4 - 0, fighting out of New York, Dharya Bhate!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 11 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Viggo Andolini!
The judges for this bout are Anthony Taglia, Russell Pearce and Joseph Jones.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Andolini looks to score with a jab to the body but Bhate is just out of range.
Andolini throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Bhate sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Bhate changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Andolini throws a body shot but no joy.
Bhate drops down looking for a counter takedown but Andolini sprawls and moves away.
Andolini throws a body shot but no joy.
Andolini looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Andolini takes a swing at Bhate's ribcage but misses.
Bhate uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Andolini.
Bhate attempts a counter takedown but Andolini avoids it well and moves away.
Andolini throws a hook but Bhate blocks it.
Andolini misses with a telegraphed body shot

and Bhate counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Andolini!

Bhate is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Andolini has escaped the position, nice work there.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Andolini can do anything to dispel that myth.

Bhate working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.

Bhate goes for an armbar here - this could be all over! But no, Andolini has escaped beautifully and is now on top in side control! Oh, that's unlucky for Bhate but great work by Andolini.
Bhate's coaches at Ironbound MMA have been working on his defensive grappling in preparation for this fight so let's see if he can get out of this tricky position.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Bhate tries to slip a leg under to move to half guard but Andolini presses down on the leg and jumps into full mount!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bhate sneaks a leg back under and regains half guard and is working straight away to try and get back to guard. He hasn't managed just yet though.
Andolini looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.

Bhate looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Andolini moves into side control, avoiding a weak kimura attempt from Bhate.
Bhate tries to improve position but can't.
Bhate is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Andolini off and has taken his back!

Bhate has his hand under the chin of his opponent looking for the choke. He's nearly got it! This one could be all over! But no, Andolini has freed his hand and lives to survive another… well, another couple of seconds at least!
Andolini trying to control the hands but Bhate won't let him.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
I really don't envy Andolini right now.

Bhate is staying calm and holding on to the back position, whilst working on a rear naked choke. Andolini is defending well though. Bhate let's go of the attempt for now.

Bhate working for the rear naked choke here. He's got one arm under but Andolini is defending well. A couple of punches soften him up though and Bhate has tightened the hold! This one could be all over! It is! Andolini taps out!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:39 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Dharya Bhate!