PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Darko El Kharraz (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Junichi Watanabe (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The crowd seem to be enjoying Watanabe's choice of entrance music: "One Thing Leads to Another" by The Fixx. 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.

El Kharraz
vs
Watanabe

182 cm
22
168 lbs
3 - 2 - 0

170 cm
26
160 lbs
14 - 8 - 1

BJJ Brown Belt
Excellent MT
Insanely flexible

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent boxer
Knockout power

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 3 - 2 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Darko El Kharraz!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 14 - 8 - 1, fighting out of St Petersburg, Junichi Watanabe!
The judges for this bout are Igor Prikhodko, Vladimir Khabensky and Illya Tyunina.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Watanabe!

It looks like Darko El Kharraz has been cut.
El Kharraz uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Watanabe.
Watanabe bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps El Kharraz's head backwards.
Watanabe throws a combination but it was largely blocked by El Kharraz.

El Kharraz closes the distance and clinches.

Watanabe is working on a single leg takedown against the cage. El Kharraz can't fight it off and eventually Watanabe manages to take the fight to the floor. El Kharraz looks annoyed but at least he's managed to land in guard.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.

El Kharraz is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Watanabe is aware though and is defending well.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Watanabe working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Watanabe postures up in El Kharraz's guard and throws a big left but El Kharraz blocks it.

Watanabe got a little sloppy there for a moment and El Kharraz has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Watanabe has managed to get both his arms back between El Kharraz's legs - danger averted.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Watanabe connects with a couple of short punches.

El Kharraz working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Watanabe doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Oh but El Kharraz is tightening it up a little... Watanabe has to be careful here... He's got his foot tucked under now, this looks tight! Watanabe reacted too slowly and this one could be over in a matter of seconds! YES! Watanabe taps out! nice BJJ there by El Kharraz!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:58 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle Choke). Darko El Kharraz!