PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Jake Fushibenda (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Dalern Hardt (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Dalern Hardt will no doubt be trying to keep this one on the feet, where he has a distinct advantage.

Fushibenda
vs
Hardt

182 cm
26
165 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

180 cm
21
166 lbs
4 - 2 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Counter striker
KO power

Good takedowns
Decent boxing
Solid chin

FNF Energy & Stamina - Sale!
FNF Energy & Stamina - Sale!

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 Los Angeles, Jake Fushibenda!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Dalern Hardt!
The judges for this bout are Timothy Bukovac, and Jack Bonds.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Hardt dives in and grabs Fushibenda's left leg, looking for a takedown. Fushibenda pushes down on Hardt's head and hops out.

Fushibenda gets the takedown into side control.

Fushibenda looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Fushibenda is staying tight to Hardt's torso, preventing him from escaping.
Hardt is pushing Fushibenda's head away, looking to escape. Fushibenda manages to hold on to the position though.

Fushibenda is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Hardt knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.

Fushibenda tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Hardt tries to escape but Fushibenda is in control.
Hardt tries to bench press Fushibenda off him but Fushibenda keeps the position.
Fushibenda tries to move into full mount but can't pass Hardt's legs.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hardt is trying to control Fushibenda's posture but Fushibenda avoids it.
Hardt is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Hardt is not content to let Fushibenda control the position.

Fushibenda thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
Fushibenda prevents Hardt from escaping the position.

Fushibenda goes for an armbar here - this could be all over! But no, Hardt has escaped beautifully and is now on top in side control! Oh, that's unlucky for Fushibenda but great work by Hardt.

Hardt is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Fushibenda is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.

Hardt is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Fushibenda is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
Hardt looks gassed!

Hardt wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Fushibenda, who protects the arm well.
Hardt wants to stand but Fushibenda has his arm trapped.
Fushibenda sneaks back into half guard.

Fushibenda looking for submissions off his back.
Fushibenda moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Fushibenda is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Hardt defends well.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Hardt tries to free his leg and advance position but Fushibenda is retaining full guard.

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

Hardt thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.

Fushibenda looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.

Fushibenda is looking for a triangle but Hardt pushes his legs off easily.

Hardt drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but Fushibenda manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Hardt has Fushibenda in his guard.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Fushibenda forces his way into half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Fushibenda is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Hardt sees it coming and defends easily.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Fushibenda thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Hardt's head.

Hardt actively working from the bottom here.
Hardt wants to get back to his feet.
Hardt tries to roll over but Fushibenda keeps him under control.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.

Fushibenda is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Hardt is just riding it out for now. Fushibenda eventually gives up the hold.
Hardt tries to get to full guard but Fushibenda has control of the leg.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jake Fushibenda dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Fushibenda misses with a hook.
Fushibenda throws a jab but it's blocked by Hardt.
Hardt with a lazy takedown attempt

and Fushibenda counters with a nice double leg into side control. Hardt won't be happy with that.
Fushibenda wants to control but Hardt is keeping him busy.

Fushibenda is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Hardt knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Fushibenda is looking to take a break and control but Hardt is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Jake Fushibenda overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Fushibenda is maintaining the dominant position - no doubt Hardt will start to get frustrated soon if he's not already.
Hardt tries to improve position but can't.
Hardt is breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Fushibenda thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.

Fushibenda tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Fushibenda has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
Hardt tries to improve position but can't.
Fushibenda tries to move to mount but Hardt blocks the move with his legs.
Hardt is looking to reverse the position.
Fushibenda happy to just control the position for now.
Hardt pushes Fushibenda away and creates a bit of space to escape. He's almost out here... but no, Fushibenda gets a good hold of his legs and remains firmly in side control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Fushibenda thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.

Fushibenda is working to tighten is grip on Hardt's neck. He's isolated an arm and is working for an arm triangle. Hardt has recognised the danger and is trying to turn with the submission but Fushibenda is really squeezing tight and eventually Hardt passes out! Fushibenda breaks the hold and jumps onto the cage to celebrate! Submission of the night, I'd say!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:26 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Arm Triangle). Jake Fushibenda!