PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Anjel Melendez (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Joseph Stevenson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Stevenson is bouncing up and down as he enters the arena, backed by Higher Ground - Red Hot Chili Peppers. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Melendez
vs
Stevenson

180 cm
21
177 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

175 cm
20
174 lbs
7 - 4 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Solid boxing
Self confident

BJJ Brown Belt
Good kicks
Solid 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 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Anjel Melendez!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Joseph Stevenson!
The judges for this bout are Alec Ball, Gregory Folan and Yves DeLean.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Melendez fails in his attempt to clinch.

Stevenson closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.

Stevenson is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Melendez is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
Melendez on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Melendez tries to get out of the position.
Stevenson trying to control the position but Melendez is working away.
Melendez pushes Stevenson away and creates a bit of space to escape. He's almost out here... but no, Stevenson gets a good hold of his legs and remains firmly in side control.
Stevenson advances nicely into full mount.
Melendez is trying to stand.

Stevenson looking for an armbar but decides to keep the dominant position instead.

Stevenson with some aggressive grappling here. He's looking for submissions here, rather than waiting for the opportunity to counter.

Stevenson wants to finish this one by submission but Melendez is holding onto his waist, trying to prevent any attacks from Stevenson.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Melendez is trying to stand up.

Melendez defends a decent attempt at a guillotine from Stevenson.
Stevenson can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Melendez is looking to escape.
Melendez knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Stevenson on the ground.
Stevenson controlling his opponent.
Stevenson trying to control but Melendez is having none of it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.

Stevenson is in full mount, looking to secure a guillotine but Melendez is surviving well by controlling Stevenson's body position as best he can.

Stevenson working to secure an arm triangle but it's not happening for him just yet.
Stevenson looks gassed!
Melendez is trying to escape but when you're mounted that's not too easy.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Melendez defends a decent attempt at a guillotine from Stevenson.
Melendez's corner are shouting for him to stand up but that's bad cornering - how is he meant to stand up when he's mounted? He should be looking to improve his position on the ground before trying to stand back up.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Stevenson trying to control but Melendez is having none of it.
Melendez is trying to stand up.

Melendez is flailing around, obviously not happy about being mounted. Stevenson locks hold of one of his arms and spins for an armbar. He's got it! Melendez is forced to tap!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:05 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Joseph Stevenson!