PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Xavier Essien (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Djimon Mahama (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Djimon Mahama is the more experienced fighter, so let's see if that makes a difference tonight.

Essien
vs
Mahama

175 cm
23
155 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

170 cm
25
160 lbs
5 - 2 - 0

Good takedowns
Basic striking
Granite chin

BJJ Purple Belt
Brawler
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 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Xavier Essien!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Djimon Mahama!
The judges for this bout are Jack Bonds, Timothy Bukovac and .

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Mahama closes the distance and pushes Essien back into the ropes.

Mahama's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Djimon Mahama seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Mahama thuds a mid kick into his opponent's body. That will wear on Essien if he has to take too many more of those.
Mahama slaps away a takedown attempt from Essien, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Mahama is looking to land body kicks.
Mahama will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Essien is defended easily by Mahama.

Mahama drives through and clinches with Essien against the ropes.

Mahama breaks the clinch.
Essien takes a head kick and shrugs it off.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Mahama tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.

Mahama darts in and clinches Essien up against the ropes.
Essien tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Xavier Essien. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Mahama breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Essien avoids a punch combination nicely.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Essien shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Mahama sprawls well. Mahama wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Essien gets slowly back to his feet.
Mahama closes the distance and lands a one-two.
Essien is breathing heavily.
Essien showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Mahama.

Mahama has closed the distance and engaged Essien in a clinch.

Mahama escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Mahama throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Essien drops his hands momentarily and Mahama takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.

Essien is rocked!
Essien blocks a head kick by Mahama.
Oh Essien is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Essien avoids a punch combination nicely.
Essien shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Mahama counters with a head kick from the bowels of hell that crumples Essien! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:45 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Head Kick). Djimon Mahama!