PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Vrajesh Ponnaganti (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Christopher Bridges (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Bridges has chosen Ludacris - Get Back as his entrance music. Vrajesh Ponnaganti had a look across the cage there at his opponent. He definitely means business

Ponnaganti
vs
Bridges

171 cm
21
156 lbs
4 - 2 - 0

172 cm
23
149 lbs
5 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent MT
Very strong

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter striker
Solid chin

Bushido Clothing
BioPharm Nutrition

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the featherweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 4 - 2 - 0, fighting out of New York, Vrajesh Ponnaganti!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Christopher Bridges !
The judges for this bout are Chad Campbell, John Roberts and Bruno Lombardi.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A big left from Ponnaganti misses.
Ponnaganti lands with a nice combination. Bridges backs away looking to recover.

It looks like Christopher Bridges has been cut.
Bridges takes a head kick and shrugs it off.
Vrajesh Ponnaganti seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Ponnaganti listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Bridges .
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Bridges wants to lay and pray for a moment but Ponnaganti keeps working.
Ponnaganti prevents Bridges from moving into mount.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ponnaganti defending against the ground and pound.
Bridges working the ground and pound but Ponnaganti is defending the strikes.
Bridges throws a knee to the body but it doesn't do much damage.
Ponnaganti regains half guard, as Bridges was trying to land strikes.
Bridges is looking to take a break and control but Ponnaganti is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Ponnaganti doesn't manage to clinch there - Bridges circles away.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Ponnaganti with a jab.
Ponnaganti stuffs the takedown attempt from Bridges . Bridges gets slowly back to his feet.
Bridges takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Ponnaganti misses with a two punch combination.
Bridges fails with the takedown.
Bridges takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A solid body kick from Ponnaganti.
Ponnaganti throws a nice outside leg kick.
Bridges swats away the attempt to clinch by Ponnaganti.

Ponnaganti clinches up with Bridges and pushes him back against the cage.
Bridges takes an elbow to the forehead.
Bridges is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Vrajesh Ponnaganti has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Christopher Bridges .
Ponnaganti unloads a knee to the mid-section. Bridges lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Bridges looks gassed!
Ponnaganti scores a nice knee to the body.
Ponnaganti lands a nice elbow from the clinch.

Ponnaganti breaks the clinch.
Ponnaganti lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!

That has opened up Christopher Bridges 's cut even more.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Bridges fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Ponnaganti throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
A left lands for Ponnaganti.
Ponnaganti tries to bum rush Bridges with a series of wild strikes but Bridges uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Ponnaganti circles away from the clinch attempt.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Ponnaganti throws a head kick that Bridges semi-blocks.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Vrajesh Ponnaganti dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Christopher Bridges 's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Bridges walks into a stiff left hand from Ponnaganti.
Bridges shoots in and drives through. Ponnaganti sprawls well.
Ponnaganti dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Bridges .
Ponnaganti feints and then cracks Bridges 's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Bridges down.
Ponnaganti misses with a wild combination.
Donk. Ponnaganti catches Bridges right on the button with a cross.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ponnaganti swats away the attempt to clinch by Bridges .
Ponnaganti misses with the combination.
Bridges takes a kick to the side of the head.
Vrajesh Ponnaganti is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Bridges closes the distance and clinches up with Ponnaganti, looking for a takedown. Bridges pushes Ponnaganti against the cage but Ponnaganti circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Vrajesh Ponnaganti has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Christopher Bridges .
Ponnaganti throws a nice looking combination but Bridges bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Bridges looks to clinch
and Ponnaganti counters with a body kick.

Ponnaganti has managed to clinch.
Bridges tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Ponnaganti smiles and moves away.
Bridges doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Ponnaganti counters with an inside leg kick.
Bridges is breathing heavily.
Bridges fails miserably with a takedown attempt.

Ponnaganti darts in and clinches Bridges up against the cage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ponnaganti connects with a nasty looking knee right to Bridges 's face.

Ponnaganti breaks from the clinch.
Ponnaganti throws a head kick that misses.
Ponnaganti scores with a three punch combo!
Ponnaganti throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Ponnaganti throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
Bridges with a lazy takedown attempt
and Ponnaganti counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Ponnaganti catches Bridges with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Ponnaganti looks to land a combination but Bridges avoids it well.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ponnaganti throws a leg kick which misses Bridges 's front leg but catches the back leg as Bridges tries to avoid it.
Bridges throws a sloppy head kick
and Ponnaganti counters with a good low kick that Bridges was not able to check.
Bridges blocks a leg kick.
Ponnaganti scores with a head kick.

Bridges shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in full mount! That's better than Bridges was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
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!
Ponnaganti is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Vrajesh Ponnaganti dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Christopher Bridges 's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Ponnaganti rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Bridges moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Ponnaganti throws a nice looking combination but Bridges bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Ponnaganti lands where it shouldn't have, right in the... well, you know what he did? He kicked him in the penis. He's injured, injured bad. The referee sends both fighters to their corners and Bridges has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Bridges and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Ponnaganti throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Bridges takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ponnaganti throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.

Ponnaganti clinches with his opponent.

Ponnaganti manages to break the clinch.
Ponnaganti looking to land some kicks to the body here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bridges wants to clinch up but Ponnaganti keeps it at a distance.
Bridges tries to check the leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Bridges changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Ponnaganti tries to avoid it but Bridges manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Ponnaganti to the ground. Ponnaganti escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Vrajesh Ponnaganti is winning the standup battle so far.
Ponnaganti throws a leg kick which misses Bridges 's front leg but catches the back leg as Bridges tries to avoid it.
Ponnaganti misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Ponnaganti misses with a double jab.
Vrajesh Ponnaganti is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Bridges shoots in but no luck this time.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Ponnaganti lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Bridges fails with the takedown
and Ponnaganti counters with a one-two to the body.
Vrajesh Ponnaganti has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Christopher Bridges .
Some wild striking there from Ponnaganti.
Bridges tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Ponnaganti counters with a two punch combo.
Ponnaganti cracks Bridges with an open hand slap.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Bridges shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in full mount! That's better than Bridges was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
Poor strikes thrown by Bridges there. More accuracy and less frantic strikes would help!
Bridges misses with a series of strikes from mount. He'll no doubt be working on his ground and pound when he gets back to the gym.
Bridges has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Bridges pausing momentarily but resumes with a couple of decent strikes that do a bit of damage.
Ponnaganti wriggling around on the bottom manages to avoid the strikes thrown by Bridges .
Ponnaganti tries to hold on but Bridges pushes him away.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Bridges punching from mount but Ponnaganti doing a good job of avoiding damage.

Bridges goes for an armbar but he's fallen flat on his backside there and now Ponnaganti is on top in guard.

Bridges has an omoplata and is looking to use it perhaps as a submission or perhaps to transition. Ponnaganti is in a bit of discomfort here, but he's managed to free himself and has dived into side control! That didn't work out too well for Bridges .
Bridges tries to buck Ponnaganti off but Ponnaganti is having none of it.
You can see the frustration on Bridges 's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Vrajesh Ponnaganti clearly takes that round.
The cut man is working on Christopher Bridges 's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Bridges shoots in and drives through. Ponnaganti sprawls well.
Ponnaganti lands with an uppercut that bounces Bridges off the cage and back into rage.
Bridges keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.

Ponnaganti instigates a clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Bridges has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Ponnaganti is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Ponnaganti gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Ponnaganti landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Bridges tries to score a body lock takedown but Ponnaganti shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Vrajesh Ponnaganti has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Christopher Bridges .
Ponnaganti lands a damaging elbow.
Ponnaganti lands an elbow inside.
Ponnaganti prevents the takedown attempt.
Bridges is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Ponnaganti landing some nice looking knees to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ponnaganti with a knee to the head.

Ponnaganti manages to break the clinch.
Bridges slips a jab and a cross from Ponnaganti.
Ponnaganti throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Bridges .
Bridges fails with a takedown attempt.
Bridges takes a nasty kick to the mid section... That should keep him thinking. Does he try and block and risk a head kick landing?
Ponnaganti lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Ponnaganti gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Ponnaganti is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Bridges can do to turn this around?
Ponnaganti lands a nice elbow.
Bridges tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Ponnaganti smiles and moves away.
A punch combination from Ponnaganti misses.
Bridges displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Ponnaganti throws out the jab.
Bridges checks a low kick from Ponnaganti.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bridges checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Bridges fails with the takedown
and Ponnaganti counters with a one-two to the body.
Ponnaganti throws a right and a left that Bridges avoids nicely.
Ponnaganti stuffs the takedown attempt from Bridges . Bridges gets slowly back to his feet.
Nice sprawl there from Ponnaganti as Bridges shoots in.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Bridges blocks the body kick.
Bridges throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Ponnaganti's waist but Ponnaganti gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Bridges off to one side.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Bridges .
Ponnaganti scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Ponnaganti lands the left hand.
Bridges fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Vrajesh Ponnaganti had his way with Christopher Bridges in that round.
The cut man is working on Christopher Bridges 's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!

A combination from Ponnaganti does no damage.
Bridges on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Ponnaganti. Ponnaganti obviously looking to wear him down.
Ponnaganti misses with a jab, cross combination.
Bridges misses with a takedown attempt - Ponnaganti sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ponnaganti misses with a wild combination.
Bridges is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Danga de danga de dang - Ponnaganti scores with a four punch combination!

That's one minute gone in the round.
A bone on bone clash there as Bridges blocks the leg kick.
Ponnaganti misses with a series of wild punches.
Bridges takes a head kick and keeps coming.
Bridges 's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Bridges looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Ponnaganti is fending him off so far but Bridges persists. Nope, Ponnaganti circles away and we're back to standing.
Ponnaganti scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Vrajesh Ponnaganti is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ponnaganti lands a body shot.
Ponnaganti looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Ponnaganti misses with the combination.
Christopher Bridges has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

Bridges closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
Bridges scores with punches from side control.
Ponnaganti parries the strikes from Bridges easily there. Bridges is wary of posturing up too much because it might enable Ponnaganti to escape.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Bridges is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Ponnaganti is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.

Bridges stands up.
Ponnaganti throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
Bridges misses the body punch
and Ponnaganti counters with an outside leg kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Ponnaganti tries to clinch but Bridges is having none of it.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Bridges tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Vrajesh Ponnaganti has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Christopher Bridges .
Bridges doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Bridges looking for a takedown.
Bridges tries for a takedown. No joy.
Bridges goes for a takedown attempt but Ponnaganti pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Both fighters circling a little - Ponnaganti finishes the exchange with a kick to the body.

And that's the end of the fight!
Vrajesh Ponnaganti showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Ponnaganti, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Chad Campbell scores the fight for Vrajesh Ponnaganti!
Judge John Roberts scores the fight for Vrajesh Ponnaganti!
Judge Bruno Lombardi scores the fight for Vrajesh Ponnaganti!

Vrajesh Ponnaganti wins by unanimous decision!
Vrajesh Ponnaganti is the new featherweight champion!