PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Mathieu Xavier (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Uzochi Hermes (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). We have two fighters making their debuts here, so let's see who comes out of this one with their first professional victory.

Xavier
vs
Hermes

180 cm
18
180 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Big heart

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter fighter
Solid chin

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 The Island, Mathieu Xavier!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Uzochi Hermes!
The judges for this bout are , and .

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Hermes blocks a low kick nicely.
A jab from Xavier does it's job there.
Hermes checks a leg kick nicely.
Hermes lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Xavier at a distance.
Xavier tries to clinch but fails miserably

and Hermes counters with a nice double leg into guard.
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.
Xavier looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
Hermes engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Xavier is adopting a defensive guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Mathieu Xavier has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.
Xavier tries to close the distance and clinch up but Hermes swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Xavier keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Hermes avoids the head kick by Xavier.
A head kick misses from Xavier.
Hermes just misses with a punch to the body.
An inside leg kick from Xavier misses.

Hermes bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
Xavier is looking to regain half guard here but Hermes keeps moving and retains side control.
Hermes staying calm.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hermes wants to lay and pray for a moment but Xavier keeps working.
Xavier struggling a bit here.
Xavier dodges the ground and pound from Hermes.
You can see the frustration on Xavier's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Hermes throws an elbow but Xavier slips to the side and avoids it well.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Hermes is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Xavier knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Xavier takes a nasty elbow to the side of the head.
Hermes wants to lay and pray for a moment but Xavier keeps working.
A bit of a lull in the action. I'm sure it will pick up again soon... even if the ref has to physically pick them up and put them back on their feet.
Hermes landing with strikes to the head and body from side control.
Xavier is trying to control Hermes's posture but Hermes avoids it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Hermes thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
Xavier tries to get back to half guard but can't.

Hermes is in a dominant position here, looking for a kimura. Xavier looks calm but he's in trouble here. Hermes gets his leg over his opponent's head and yanks on the arm. Xavier is tapping like a morse code operator on the titanic! SOS! SOS! Hermes lets go of the hold and Xavier can pop his arm back in it's socket.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:48 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Uzochi Hermes!