PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Thiago DeJesus (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Diego Russell (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the ring.

DeJesus
vs
Russell

185 cm
23
199 lbs
2 - 3 - 0

186 cm
26
205 lbs
1 - 2 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Self confident

Good wrestler
Brawler
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 2 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Thiago DeJesus!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Diego Russell!
The judges for this bout are Paul Gruel, Roger Salmon and Jeff Smith.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Russell dives in and grabs DeJesus's left leg, looking for a takedown. DeJesus pushes down on Russell's head and hops out.

Russell shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. DeJesus is trying to defend but Russell finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
Russell is pressing down on DeJesus's thigh, looking to free his foot. DeJesus is holding on for now.
Russell performing his best blanket impression for a moment.
DeJesus is trying to stand.
Russell content to control rather than advance.
It looks like Russell might be adopting somewhat of a lay and pray gameplan here, which I'm sure won't go down too well with the paying fans in attendance... Or the ring announcers come to think of it.

That's one minute gone in the round.

The ref stands the fighters back up, due to lack of action by Diego Russell.
DeJesus tries to score a power double leg takedown but Russell sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten DeJesus somewhat.
DeJesus lands a really nice looking cross but Russell seems unphased.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Russell.
DeJesus tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
DeJesus tries for a takedown but Russell sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.

Russell shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Russell takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Russell uses his free foot to push down on DeJesus's thigh. Eventually he works his other foot free and he's advanced to mount - this is trouble for DeJesus.
Russell landing punches.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Russell prevents DeJesus from getting the reversal.
DeJesus in a bad spot here, taking shots to the head.
Russell takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.

Russell looking for an armbar but decides to keep the dominant position instead.
Russell is landing with some decent strikes but DeJesus is trying to advance his position so the referee is letting the fight continue.
Russell controlling the position easily from mount.
Let's hope that Russell has the urge to step up the pace any second now because for the last 15 or 20 seconds he's just been holding on tight.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Russell working from mount. He moves in close and looks like he might be going for an arm triangle... He's hopped off to the side and he's transitioned into an Anaconda choke. DeJesus turning a nasty shade of purple. He's refusing to tap but he's gone! He's out! The ref rips Russell off and cradles DeJesus's limp body as Russell celebrates with his corner.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:58 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Anaconda Choke). Diego Russell!