PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Robin Verhoeven (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and James Barnett (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The fight MMA fans around the world have waited their entire lives for!

Verhoeven
vs
Barnett

195 cm
25
240 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

193 cm
22
220 lbs
1 - 2 - 1

BJJ White Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Good in bed

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Robin Verhoeven!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 2 - 1, fighting out of London, James Barnett!
The judges for this bout are Roosa Järviläinen, Arvi Lind and Anni Minnemäki.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Barnett shoots in and drives through. Verhoeven sprawls well.

Verhoeven shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.

Verhoeven decides he's had enough of the ground and stands up.
Barnett gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Verhoeven counters with a leg kick.
Barnett shoots in looking for a takedown. Verhoeven tries to sprawl out of it but Barnett keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Verhoeven manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Robin Verhoeven has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of James Barnett.

Barnett gets tackled into the cage by Verhoeven. Verhoeven maintains the clinch.
Verhoeven cracks Barnett with a nice body shot.

Verhoeven manages to break the clinch.
Barnett throws a wild body kick that Verhoeven sees coming a mile off.

Verhoeven looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Verhoeven gets to his feet. Barnett looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!

Verhoeven gets a double leg takedown into Barnett's guard.
Verhoeven pushing down on Barnett's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Verhoeven uses his free foot to push down on Barnett's thigh. Eventually he works his other foot free and he's advanced to mount - this is trouble for Barnett.
Verhoeven looking to control and managing it successfully.
Verhoeven lands a couple of good shots and Barnett has given up his back, trying to escape the position!

Verhoeven working for the choke.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
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!
Barnett covering up well and avoiding damage.
The referee is taking a good look at Barnett as he is on the wrong end of some big shots from Verhoeven!
Barnett trying to control the position but Verhoeven manages to sink in the hooks.
Barnett is taking damage to the body and head.

Verhoeven is working for the choke. He's slipped one arm under the chin. Barnett has to defend the other arm for all he's worth... but Verhoeven has managed to get that arm free too and he's tightening the choke! Barnett taps out and looks absolutely disgusted with himself. Verhoeven doesn't care though - he's delighted!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:57 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Robin Verhoeven!