PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Faith Thatcher (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Matt Sanzig (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The crowd giving both fighters a great reception on their way into the arena. That's good to see.

Thatcher
vs
Sanzig

155 cm
22
135 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

160 cm
22
139 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Granite chin

BJJ Purple Belt
Basic striking
Solid chin

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 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Faith Thatcher!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Matt Sanzig!
The judges for this bout are Damien Edna, Donatello Bradman and Steve Erwin.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Sanzig bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
Sanzig advances to mount.
Thatcher is trying to escape the mount.

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

Sanzig working to secure an arm triangle but it's not happening for him just yet.

Sanzig working for a submission but Thatcher is keeping him at bay.

Sanzig looking to secure an arm triangle but Thatcher defends it well.
Thatcher working to try and regain half guard.

Sanzig has control of Thatcher's right arm, working for a kimura. It's a bit of a token attempt though and Thatcher regains control of the situation pretty easily.
Sanzig looks gassed!
Thatcher really trying hard to get back to half guard here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Thatcher is working hard here to advance position.
Sanzig controlling from the full mount.

Thatcher defends a decent attempt at a guillotine from Sanzig.
Thatcher regains half guard.
Thatcher tries to roll over but Sanzig keeps him under control.

Sanzig is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Sanzig is looking to advance position but Thatcher won't allow it.
Thatcher is looking to improve his position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Thatcher moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Thatcher wants to sweep here but Sanzig controlling him for the moment.
Sanzig looking to pass the guard.
Thatcher tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Sanzig tries to free his leg and advance position but Thatcher is retaining full guard.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Thatcher misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.

Sanzig bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.

Sanzig is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Thatcher knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Sanzig passes to full mount! That's big trouble for Thatcher!

Sanzig working for a guillotine from mount but Thatcher is in no mood to give up.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Sanzig is working on an americana here. Ooh, that looks pretty nasty! Nope, Thatcher has managed to escape the submission attempt.

Sanzig is working to isolate an arm here. It's a choreographed submission attempt but he's gone for it anyway - and he's got it! Sanzig extends the arm and Thatcher is forced to tap!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:01 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Matt Sanzig!