PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Riccardo Rodriguez (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Castiel Vien (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). I can't wait for this one - let's get the fighter introductions out of the way and get this one started!

Rodriguez
vs
Vien

175 cm
26
170 lbs
3 - 3 - 0

180 cm
26
190 lbs
2 - 2 - 0

Good takedowns
Counter fighter
Experienced

BJJ Purple Belt
Decent boxing
Very confident

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 3 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Riccardo Rodriguez!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 2 - 0, fighting out of London, Castiel Vien!
The judges for this bout are John Kavanagh, Lou da Vinci and John Roberts.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Vien throws a hook to the side of Rodriguez's head but Rodriguez sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Rodriguez slips under a jab from Vien.
Rodriguez uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Vien.
Vien just misses with a punch to the body.
A big right from Vien misses.
Vien loads up on a big right hand but Rodriguez slips the punch.
Rodriguez staying out of range there.
A big left from Vien misses.
Vien tries to bum rush Rodriguez with a series of wild strikes but Rodriguez uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Vien pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Vien misses with the combination.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rodriguez uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Vien.
Vien throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Vien misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Rodriguez.

Rodriguez feints and as Vien raises his hands in defense, Rodriguez changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rodriguez seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
Rodriguez postures up.
Rodriguez postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Rodriguez controls from within his opponent's guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Rodriguez has controlled the position for a good 20 seconds, which will no doubt be starting to frustrate his opponent.
Rodriguez has improved his flexibility recently so we will have to see if he can use that to his advantage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Vien keeping full guard, as Rodriguez tries to pass.
Rodriguez is looking to work some ground and pound but Vien has wrist control.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
No joy there for Vien, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Vien misses the body punch
and Rodriguez counters with a series of strikes. Vien will be more careful next time no doubt.
Rodriguez keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Vien fails to land with a series of punches.
Rodriguez avoids the body shot from Vien.
Rodriguez slips a jab from Vien.
Vien throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Some wild striking there from Vien.
Vien just misses with a punch to the body.
Vien fails to land with a series of punches.
Vien throws a hook but Rodriguez avoids it easily.

Rodriguez gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.

Rodriguez has managed to pull guard. Let's see whether he can work an aggressive guard. It will also be interesting to see what tactics Vien uses from the top position.

Rodriguez has his feet on Vien's thighs here. He's pushed Vien off and worked for a very quick armbar from the bottom! He's flipped onto his stomach and he's cranking hard on the arm! Vien screams in pain and taps out! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:52 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Riccardo Rodriguez!
Castiel Vien was interviewed post fight and said 'It was a very Good fight, and he was good too, better than me, but no for a long time.'.