PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Frank Palmeri (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Alacrity Fitzhugh (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Fitzhugh is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: Master of Puppets. Frank Palmeri had real problems making weight for this fight. After initially coming in at 156.7lbs, he had two hours to make the official fight weight. He made it but it will have taken a lot out of him to cut those extra few pounds. Both fighters look pumped up here. Let's hope this is a good fight!

Palmeri
vs
Fitzhugh

176 cm
25
165 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

182 cm
25
166 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid boxing
Cuts easily

BJJ Purple Belt
Good kicks
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Frank Palmeri!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Alacrity Fitzhugh!
The judges for this bout are Arvi Lind, Tarja Halkonen and Anni Minnemäki.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Fitzhugh tries to clinch up.
Palmeri lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Palmeri tries a head kick but it misses.
Fitzhugh tries to clinch but Palmeri moves out of range.
Fitzhugh is looking to clinch but Palmeri is avoiding it.

Palmeri looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
Fitzhugh wants to sweep here but Palmeri controlling him for the moment.

Fitzhugh working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Palmeri doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Palmeri manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Fitzhugh is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Palmeri postures up.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Fitzhugh working for submissions but it's allowed Palmeri to get to half guard.
Fitzhugh wants to get back to full guard but Palmeri has mounted him!
Fitzhugh's corner are shouting for him to stand up but that's bad cornering - how is he meant to stand up when he's mounted? He should be looking to improve his position on the ground before trying to stand back up.
Fitzhugh working to try and regain half guard.
Fitzhugh regains half guard.

Fitzhugh is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Palmeri pulls his head out easily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Fitzhugh looking for submissions off his back.
Well, if Palmeri is going to just lie there, perhaps we should talk about what we're having for dinner tonight… I'm having a ham and pineapple pizza… Yum. Can't wait.
Fitzhugh tries to kick Palmeri off but Palmeri keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Palmeri controlling the pace.
Fitzhugh tries to kick Palmeri off in order to stand up. Palmeri Avoids the leg push though and dives into side control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Fitzhugh is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Palmeri off and has taken his back!

Palmeri fending off the submission attempt from Fitzhugh.

Fitzhugh working for the choke.
Palmeri is breathing heavily.

Fitzhugh patiently working for the choke. Which fighter will keep their nerve here?

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Fitzhugh looking for the RNC.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!

Fitzhugh has the rear naked choke here! This is very bad for Palmeri! Can he survive? No! He's out! Fitzhugh gets to his feet and celebrates with his cornermen. He looks absolutely delighted. In the post fight interviews he takes time to thank his parents and everyone who has believed in him from the start. How sweet.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:26 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Alacrity Fitzhugh! Alacrity Fitzhugh retains his lightweight title!