PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Vitali Popov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Phrisbee OReiley (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Popov comes to the cage accompanied by Tupac - Last Muthafucka Breathin'. OReiley has chosen Shoot To Thrill as his entrance music. Both these guys have really solid chins. Will we see a standup war or will they both decide that a knockout is unlikely and try to win the fight elsewhere?

Popov
vs
OReiley

172 cm
24
152 lbs
12 - 5 - 0

170 cm
26
148 lbs
9 - 2 - 1

Good wrestling
Solid boxing
Granite chin

Good wrestler
Good elbows
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 12 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Vitali Popov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 9 - 2 - 1, fighting out of New York, Phrisbee OReiley!
The judges for this bout are , Timothy Bukovac and Don Winkell.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Popov scores with a takedown into OReiley's guard.
Popov throws a big right hand that misses.
Popov wants to pass the guard but OReiley is keeping the position.

OReiley is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.

OReiley is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Popov defends well.

Popov got a little sloppy there for a moment and OReiley has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Popov has managed to get both his arms back between OReiley's legs - danger averted.
Popov throws a big right hand that misses.
Popov trying to control the position from guard on top but OReiley is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Popov working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.

OReiley had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Popov defends it easily.
Popov throwing strikes from guard but OReiley blocks nicely.

OReiley has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Popov can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Popov stands and throws OReiley's legs to the side, diving into side control.
OReiley is looking to regain half guard here but Popov keeps moving and retains side control.
OReiley takes a big shot right to the temple there but he's taken it well.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Popov looking to punish the body of his opponent here but OReiley is avoiding damage well.
Popov lands a knee to the body and follows it up with some ground and pound to the head. That will wear OReiley down.
Popov has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.

Popov tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Popov has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
OReiley tries to improve position but can't.
Popov working the strikes but OReiley uses the opportunity to regain half guard.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Popov missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
OReiley is looking for a sweep. Popov is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Popov seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Popov wants to pass to mount but OReiley is defending the position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Popov content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Popov lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Popov thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
OReiley trying to control but Popov postures up.
Popov working over OReiley with some ground and pound. OReiley looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Popov lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Popov trying to control the action but OReiley is working from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Popov wants to work for an arm triangle but OReiley is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Popov lands strikes from half guard.
OReiley on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Popov is just content to waste time from the top position. OReiley takes advantage of the situation and regains full guard.
Popov with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Popov is sitting in close to OReiley's body. OReiley has gone for a guillotine from the bottom. Oh damn, that looks pretty tight! Popov is panicking - it looks like this one could be all over! Yes, Popov is tapping! That was a very nice submission by OReiley.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:56 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Guillotine). Phrisbee OReiley!
A relieved looking Phrisbee OReiley thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.