PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Merk Roop (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Walter Alexander Zelaya (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Walter Alexander Zelaya will no doubt be trying to keep this one on the feet, where he has a distinct advantage.

Roop
vs
Alexander Zelaya

175 cm
25
166 lbs
5 - 1 - 0

175 cm
24
168 lbs
10 - 8 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

Good wrestler
World class MT
Heavy handed

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Merk Roop!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 10 - 8 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Walter Alexander Zelaya!
The judges for this bout are Jonathan Paton, Chad Campbell and John Roberts.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Roop closes the distance and clinches up with Zelaya, looking for a takedown. Roop pushes Zelaya against the cage but Zelaya circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Zelaya fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Roop has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Zelaya connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Roop's jab looks to have found its range, popping Zelaya under the eye.
Roop shoots in and drives through. Zelaya sprawls well.
Roop moves out of range of the leg kick from Zelaya.
Zelaya works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.

Zelaya shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Roop manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.

Roop working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Zelaya doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Zelaya manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.

Roop is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Roop wants to sweep but no luck.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zelaya wants to pass the guard but Roop is keeping the position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Roop pulls Zelaya in close to prevent any damage.
Zelaya postures up in Roop's guard and throws a big left but Roop blocks it.
Roop is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Zelaya postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Zelaya looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Zelaya working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Roop is looking for a triangle but Zelaya pushes his legs off easily.
Roop is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
Zelaya has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Roop is working away from the top position though.
Roop has freed up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Roop can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Zelaya is looking to escape.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Roop lands a big elbow.
Roop lands a big elbow.
Roop with the ground and pound from mount.
Roop cracks Zelaya with a big head shot that has him covering up instantly! He's rolled onto his side and the referee has seen enough - this one is aaaaaaaaaaall over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:49 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Merk Roop!