PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Roger Machado (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Sipho Kunene (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Roger Machado has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Machado
vs
Kunene

187 cm
26
270 lbs
9 - 2 - 0

175 cm
27
280 lbs
3 - 10 - 0

Good takedowns
Basic striking
Good chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Decent boxing
Knockout power

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 9 - 2 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Roger Machado!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 10 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Sipho Kunene!
The judges for this bout are Winston Alpacca, Bart Greer and Michael Johnstone.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kunene cracks Machado with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.

It looks like Roger Machado has been cut.
Kunene lands with an overhand left.
Machado connects with a single shot there.
Machado goes for a double leg but Kunene avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Kunene continues to drive forward.

Machado darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.
Kunene is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Kunene is controlling Machado's position as best he can from this difficult position.

Machado is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Machado with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.
Machado will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Machado is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Kunene sees it coming and defends easily.
Machado controlling the action here.
Kunene tries to roll over but Machado keeps him under control.
Kunene trying to hold on to Machado's head to control him but Machado postures up.

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.
Kunene is looking to improve his position.
Kunene is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Machado's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Machado's back!
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Machado rolls, trying to escape but Kunene keeps control of the position.

Kunene has his hand under the chin of his opponent looking for the choke. He's nearly got it! This one could be all over! But no, Machado has freed his hand and lives to survive another… well, another couple of seconds at least!
I really don't envy Machado right now.
Machado prevents Kunene from getting a body triangle.
Machado covering up well under a barage of strikes.
Kunene throwing strikes and Machado squirms under the pressure, ending up mounted.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Machado sneaks a leg under to get to half guard.

Machado is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Kunene pulls his head out easily.
Kunene throws a strike but Machado avoids it easily and moves to full guard.

Machado has managed to work for a loose triangle. I think Kunene should be able to defend this one pretty easily though. Oh, Machado has tightened it up now! Kunene should have reacted faster there - he's in big trouble and yes, he's tapped out! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:40 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle). Roger Machado!
Roger Machado was full of energy after the big win and talked about how he thinks he can do big things in this sport. The crowd were appreciative of his determination to succeed.