PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between John Li (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Orlando Lopes (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Li's entrance music is 2pac - hit em up. A fine choice. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Li
vs
Lopes

190 cm
25
274 lbs
2 - 2 - 0

210 cm
26
244 lbs
2 - 2 - 0

Good takedowns
Brawler
Big heart

Good takedowns
Brawler
Enjoys gardening

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, John Li!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Orlando Lopes!
The judges for this bout are Daniel Franklin, George Francis and Frank Dennis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Li is defended easily by Lopes.

Li closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Li lands in his opponent's guard.

Li drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Li jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Li trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

Li is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.

Li drops back, looking for a kneebar! Lopes looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Lopes looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Lopes!
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Lopes working the body and head with strikes.
Li is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Lopes off and has taken his back!

Li is working really hard to secure the rear naked choke. Lopes defends successfully for a significant amount of time. Both fighters are looking very determined.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Li looking to break Lopes's wrist control so he can sink in the choke. Lopes remaining controlled and patient though - he really has to keep calm otherwise Li will wrap this one up with the rear naked choke!

Li looking for the RNC.
You can see the frustration on Lopes's face… He knows he is in trouble unless he improves his position sooner rather than later.

Li is looking for the choke from the back position but Lopes is controlling his hands well.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Li looking for the choke from the back.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Lopes showing good submission defense here.

Li is remaining active here, looking for the choke. The more discerning members of the crowd will appreciate his efforts.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Li is looking to finish the fight by rear naked choke. Lopes knows exactly what he's got planned though, so he's defending well. Maybe a few strikes would soften Lopes for a finish.
Lopes is in a world of trouble here. He's outmatched on the ground here and he'd better get Li off his back sharpish unless he wants to be submitted.

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

Li patiently working for the choke. Which fighter will keep their nerve here?
Lopes really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Li. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.

Lopes is staying cool under pressure, defending well against the rear naked choke attempt from his opponent.

The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Li is looking to finish the fight by rear naked choke. Lopes knows exactly what he's got planned though, so he's defending well. Maybe a few strikes would soften Lopes for a finish.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Li working for a choke but Lopes is defending well.

Lopes defends a rear naked choke attempt by controlling one of Li's arms.

Li has his hand under the chin of his opponent looking for the choke. He's nearly got it! This one could be all over! But no, Lopes has freed his hand and lives to survive another… well, another couple of seconds at least!
Lopes trying to control the position but Li manages to sink in the hooks.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Li goes for a risky armbar from back mount and it's not paid off. Lopes escapes and is now in half guard on top.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Li gets back to full guard.

Li has his feet on Lopes's thighs here. He's pushed Lopes off and worked for a very quick armbar from the bottom! He's flipped onto his stomach and he's cranking hard on the arm! Lopes screams in pain and taps out! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:57 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). John Li!
During a confident post fight interview, John Li thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.