PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Gabriel Benitez (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ruarc Bowell (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Benitez
vs
Bowell

180 cm
19
165 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

175 cm
22
155 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid boxing
KO power

Good takedowns
Basic striking
Determined

Australian Xtreme - NEW 159 Energy!

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Gabriel Benitez!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Ruarc Bowell!
The judges for this bout are Dillan Fox, Yves DeLean and Trevor Gratis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Bowell shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Benitez manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
Bowell controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Benitez is on top in guard.
Benitez wants to control from the top but Bowell keeps moving.
Benitez tries to stand but Bowell is controlling from the bottom.
Bowell trying to control the position here.
Benitez trying to control the position from guard on top but Bowell is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Benitez trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Benitez won't allow Bowell to sweep him here.
Bowell bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Benitez's guard.

Benitez working away from the bottom but not quite defensive enough there because Bowell has passed into half guard!

That's one minute gone in the round.

Bowell is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Benitez defends it well.

Bowell is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Benitez doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Bowell.
Bowell is looking to advance position but Benitez won't allow it.

Bowell is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Benitez doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Bowell.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Benitez manages to get to full guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Bowell passes Benitez's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Bowell is looking for a kimura here.
Bowell trying to mount his opponent but Benitez defends it.

Bowell is working for a submission of some sort.
The fighters are battling for position here. Benitez manages to regain full guard. Nice work.

Benitez escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Bowell gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Benitez working away from the bottom but not quite defensive enough there because Bowell has passed into half guard!
Bowell looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.
Benitez wants to get back to full guard.

Bowell is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Benitez is just riding it out for now. Bowell eventually gives up the hold.

Bowell is working for a submission of some sort.
Bowell trying to pass the guard but Benitez defending well.

That's four 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.

Benitez looking for submissions off his back.
Benitez avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Bowell.
Bowell is pressing down on Benitez's thigh, looking to free his foot. Benitez is holding on for now.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Benitez moves into full guard.
Bowell slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
You can see the frustration on Benitez's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ruarc Bowell dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Benitez throws a hook but Bowell blocks it.

Bowell closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Bowell lands in his opponent's guard.
Benitez wants to stand up but Bowell is controlling him.

Benitez working for a triangle but Bowell defends it easily.
Benitez keeping moving, preventing Bowell from controlling successfully.

Benitez throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Bowell wants to control from the top but Benitez keeps moving.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Benitez is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Bowell defends well.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Bowell passes into half guard.
Bowell content to control rather than advance.

Bowell is working for a submission here. He's got hold of the far side arm and he's looking for a kimura. He's cranking on the arm and he's got it! Benitez is tapping out! Ouch, that looked like it hurt!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:47 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Ruarc Bowell!