PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Helio Gracie (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Sean Higastsui (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). 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.

Gracie
vs
Higastsui

185 cm
25
205 lbs
11 - 10 - 0

180 cm
22
205 lbs
7 - 4 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Basic striking
Very quick

Good takedowns
Decent boxing
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 11 - 10 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Helio Gracie!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Sean Higastsui!
The judges for this bout are Yukihiro Yamamoto, Hirohito Nitta and Yuuki Gou.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Gracie with a nice cross.
A telegraphed right hand from Gracie misses the target.
Higastsui moves out of range as Gracie strikes.

Gracie clinches with his opponent.
Higastsui has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Gracie after a bit of a struggle.

Gracie gets a nice trip takedown into half guard.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.
Gracie has decided to stand back up but his arm is trapped. Whilst he's worrying about his arm, Higastsui works to full guard.
Gracie wants to pass the guard but Higastsui is keeping the position.
Gracie postures up.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gracie tries to free his leg and advance position but Higastsui is retaining full guard.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Helio Gracie wasn't doing enough on the ground.

Gracie drives through with a takedown into guard.
Gracie tries to free his leg and advance position but Higastsui is retaining full guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gracie preventing the sweep.

Helio Gracie has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.
Gracie throws an overhand right that lands on Higastsui's shoulder, as Higastsui tries to avoid the shot.

Gracie shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Higastsui tries to get to full guard but Gracie has control of the leg.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gracie throwing shots but Higastsui is blocking nicely.
Higastsui is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Gracie's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Gracie's back!
Gracie looking to stop the rear naked choke attempt by controlling the hands.

Higastsui is working for the choke. I would put my money on him to finish from this position. He's rolled onto his back and has dragged Gracie with him. Gracie is trying to defend but Higastsui has an arm under the chin now! Gracie grimaces and is forced to tap out!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:05 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Sean Higastsui!