PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Mariano Italiano (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Lars Erickson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Mariano Italiano has a significant reach advantage - let's see if he can make it count.

Italiano
vs
Erickson

190 cm
25
170 lbs
3 - 2 - 0

178 cm
18
167 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Prefers standup

BJJ Purple Belt
Brawler
Intelligent

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 3 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Mariano Italiano!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Lars Erickson!
The judges for this bout are Daniel Franklin, George Francis and Cecil Peabody.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Erickson closes this distance looking for a takedown but Italiano circles away.
Italiano really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Erickson with a lazy takedown attempt
and Erickson takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Erickson gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Italiano counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Mariano Italiano has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Lars Erickson.
Italiano throws a series of punches but Erickson moves out of range.
Erickson gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Italiano counters with a nice uppercut.
Italiano throws a sloppy head kick and Erickson moves out of range easily.
Italiano loads up on a big right hand but Erickson slips the punch.
Italiano throws a nice looking combination but Erickson bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
A head kick misses from Italiano.
Erickson dodges the punch combination from Italiano.
Italiano looks to land a right hand but Erickson moved out of range.

Erickson looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Italiano makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Italiano.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Italiano manages to escape and get back to his feet.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Italiano, as that shot connected.
Italiano misses with a wild combination.
Erickson fails in his attempt to clinch.
Italiano loads up on a big right hand but Erickson slips the punch.
Italiano throws a nice looking combination but Erickson bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Horrible takedown by Erickson or perhaps it was just good defense by Italiano which made him look bad.
Nice shot lands for Italiano.

Erickson fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Italiano, pushing him back against the cage.

Erickson manages to break the clinch.
Erickson shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Italiano counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Erickson looks winded!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Erickson shoots and misses
and Italiano scores with a counter punch that sends Erickson to the canvas! Italiano smells blood - he's punishing Erickson with more strikes and the ref has stopped it! Erickson has no idea where he is - he's tackled the ref... oh dear, poor guy, the crowd is in hysterics!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:10 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Mariano Italiano!
An out of breath Mariano Italiano thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.