PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Akio Funakoshi (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Tommy McTowlie (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.

Funakoshi
vs
McTowlie

189 cm
22
178 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

200 cm
25
177 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Good chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Akio Funakoshi!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Tommy McTowlie!
The judges for this bout are Valeri Chadov, Dmitry Maklakov and Fedor Mirinova.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A head kick misses from McTowlie.

McTowlie scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
Funakoshi might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Funakoshi trying to control but McTowlie postures up.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

McTowlie is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.

McTowlie wants to work for an arm triangle but Funakoshi is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Funakoshi knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for McTowlie on the ground.
McTowlie prevents Funakoshi from improving his position.
McTowlie is working hard to pass the guard. He's done it - he's now in full mount! Trouble for Funakoshi!
McTowlie landing strikes, looking to finish!

McTowlie is working for a guillotine from mount but Funakoshi frees his head quite easily.
This has been an exciting period of action!
McTowlie landing shots from mount.

That's one minute gone in the round.
McTowlie with good strikes from the mount here!
Funakoshi is looking to improve his position but McTowlie isn't that keen on the idea.
McTowlie works his way to his opponent's back.

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

Funakoshi preventing the rear naked choke attempt from McTowlie.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Funakoshi is trying to get back to his feet but he's not managed it yet.
McTowlie punches the canvas rather than the man.
McTowlie lands strikes to the head.

McTowlie has his opponent's back and is working for the choke.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Funakoshi is covering up but some of the strikes from McTowlie are getting through and doing damage.

McTowlie looking for the choke but no joy.
Funakoshi just trying to survive but McTowlie is wriggling into a better position, looking to finish.
McTowlie is working the ground and pound. Can Funakoshi escape?

McTowlie has his opponent's back and is working for the choke.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Funakoshi preventing the rear naked choke attempt from McTowlie.

McTowlie has got one arm under Funakoshi's chin. This could be trouble... Funakoshi trying to control the other hand but McTowlie gets it free and sqeezes tight - just a matter of time now! Yep, Funakoshi has tapped out! The fight is over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:32 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Tommy McTowlie!