PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Austin Gross (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Reggie Keyes (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Gross
vs
Keyes

219 cm
21
193 lbs
1 - 2 - 0

178 cm
23
190 lbs
1 - 3 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter fighter
Good in bed

BJJ Blue Belt
Good kicks
Determined

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 1 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Austin Gross!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Reggie Keyes!
The judges for this bout are Frank Antenori, and Timothy Bukovac.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Gross moves into the clinch.
Gross really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Keyes looks really tired already! That doesn't bode well for a good, competitive fight!
Gross is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Keyes pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Gross is looking to break free of the clinch but Keyes has double underhooks.
Keyes tries to land a knee to the head but Gross blocks with his arms.
Gross wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Keyes has him pressed against the cage.
Gross has Keyes pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Keyes manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Gross throws an elbow but it misses.
Gross wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Gross wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Gross.
Keyes prevents Gross from breaking the clinch.
A frustrated look appears on Gross's face as he tries to break the clinch.

Gross breaks the clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Keyes throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
A head kick by Keyes misses
and Gross counters with a series of strikes. Keyes will be more careful next time no doubt.
Gross shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Keyes as he jumps to the side.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Austin Gross. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Gross moves into the clinch.

Gross has moved round to his opponent's back and is looking for a suplex! Oh snap! He's tossed Keyes clear over his head and slammed him to the mat!
Gross is riding his opponent, not letting Keyes buck him off.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Gross is staying calm and holding on to the back position, whilst working on a rear naked choke. Keyes is defending well though. Gross let's go of the attempt for now.
Gross cracks Keyes with a big shot to body and one to the head - really punishing Keyes from the back mount here, looking to soften him up.
So, who will make the next big move? In this position it could be crucial.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Keyes grimaces as he takes a shot to the body.
Oooh a big shot gets through from Gross. Many more shots like that and the referee will have to think about stepping in!
Gross controls the position.
Gross lands a couple of good shots to his opponent's body and a final shot to the head. Good little attack there by Gross.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Gross misses with an elbow to the head.
Keyes covers up after that shot from Gross.

Gross working for a choke but Keyes is defending well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gross lands punches and elbows.
Gross scores with some strikes to the side of the head there. Good, points scoring shots.
Gross is looking to control Keyes but Keyes is wriggling around and keeping busy.

The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Gross looking for the choke but no joy.

Gross is looking to finish the fight by rear naked choke. Keyes knows exactly what he's got planned though, so he's defending well. Maybe a few strikes would soften Keyes for a finish.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Keyes can't escape the position.
Gross lands a shot to the body.

Keyes is displaying good submission defense - not really looking in danger of submitting to the rear naked choke at the moment. That could change in an instant of course if Gross gets his way!
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Gross is working for the choke. I would put my money on him to finish from this position. He's rolled onto his back and has dragged Keyes with him. Keyes is trying to defend but Gross has an arm under the chin now! Keyes grimaces and is forced to tap out!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:55 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Austin Gross!