PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Stefan Aerts (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Roger Machado (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The crowd giving both fighters a great reception on their way into the arena. That's good to see.

Aerts
vs
Machado

192 cm
25
231 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

187 cm
26
270 lbs
7 - 1 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Granite chin

Good takedowns
Counter fighter
Solid chin

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 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Stefan Aerts!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 1 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Roger Machado!
The judges for this bout are Sandra Marshall, Santiago Holmes and Bart Greer.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Aerts throws a head kick that misses

and Machado counters with a single leg into guard. Aerts didn't expect that.
Machado trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

Machado drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but Aerts manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Machado has Aerts in his guard.

Machado working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Aerts doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Aerts manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Machado has a closed guard, preventing Aerts from standing up.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Aerts is in a tricky position. We've heard reports from his gym mates at All Time Wrestling - 12 ELITE COACHES that he's been drilling escapes, so let's see if he can get back to his feet.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Machado is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Aerts is aware though and is defending well.

Machado is active off his back here, looking for submissions.

Machado has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Aerts can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Machado is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
Aerts wants to stand but Machado has a closed guard, so he can't escape.

Machado is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.

Machado is looking for a triangle but Aerts pushes his legs off easily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Machado is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Aerts is aware though and is defending well.
Machado pulls Aerts in close to his closed guard and prevents Aerts from doing any damage or advancing position.

Machado is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Aerts is aware though and is defending well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Machado is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Machado looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
Machado prevents Aerts from standing back up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Machado wants to take a breather but Aerts is having none of it.

Machado has hold of the far side arm. He's working for the Kimura, can Aerts defend it? Machado steps over the head and cranks it - Aerts is tapping out! That was textbook stuff right there - nice submission victory for Machado!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:12 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Roger Machado!
After the fight, Roger Machado was humble in paying tribute to his opponent but made it clear he wants to go on to bigger and better things. It seemed to go down well with the crowd who cheered him loudly.