PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Marko Falconi (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Zlad Masters (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Marko Falconi has the edge in experience - let's see if he can make that count tonight.

Falconi
vs
Masters

189 cm
26
194 lbs
3 - 2 - 0

184 cm
24
190 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid boxing
Good chin

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter fighter
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 3 - 2 - 0, fighting out of New York, Marko Falconi!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Zlad Masters!
The judges for this bout are John Roberts, Eddie Farnsworth and Franklyn Lucas.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
No joy there for Falconi, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
No joy there for Falconi, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Masters looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Falconi shuffles to his left behind two crisp jabs. Masters eats them both and turns towards Falconi to reposition himself and eats a stinging right hand-left hook combo.

It looks like Zlad Masters has been cut.
Falconi digs a good hook to Masters's body.
Falconi throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Masters.
Marko Falconi seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Masters shoots in for a takedown but Falconi shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Falconi tests Masters's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Falconi throws a right and a left that Masters avoids nicely.
Masters shoots for a double leg takedown but Falconi sprawls well. He's pushed Masters's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Marko Falconi has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Zlad Masters.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Falconi fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Masters manages to avoid it.
Falconi misses with a two punch combination.
Falconi looks to land a combination but Masters avoids it well.
Masters closes the distance and clinches up with Falconi, looking for a takedown. Masters pushes Falconi against the cage but Falconi circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Falconi defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Masters.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Falconi misses with a jab, cross combination.
Falconi throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Masters fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Falconi avoids it really well and circles away.
Masters takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
Masters has a takedown stuffed.
No luck for Masters with that takedown attempt.
Masters looks winded!
Falconi connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Falconi throws a nice looking combination but Masters bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Masters misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Falconi misses with a series of wild punches.
Falconi throws a right and a left that Masters avoids nicely.
Masters is looking for the big counter here.
Falconi keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Falconi throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped

and Masters counters with a shoot takedown. Falconi fights it but they end up in guard.

Falconi is scooting his butt against the cage and has managed to get back to his feet. Masters presses him back against the cage, presumably looking to take the fight back to the mat.
Falconi wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Masters goes for a takedown attempt but Falconi pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Some wild striking there from Falconi.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Masters walks into a left hand.
Masters on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Masters fails with the takedown.
Falconi works the jab nicely.
Falconi swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Falconi throws a series of punches but Masters avoids them all with ease.
Masters is trying to avoid his opponent's strikes and get into the clinch.
Falconi rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Masters moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Falconi swings wildly with a couple of big hooks

and Masters counters with a shoot takedown. Falconi fights it but they end up in guard.
Masters passes into half guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Falconi pushes Masters off looking to stand but Masters dives back in and keeps control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Masters is trying for a kimura here. Falconi looks like he's in a lot of pain... and he's tapping out! Masters wins by kimura!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:20 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Zlad Masters!
A determined Zlad Masters didn't want to dwell on this fight in his post fight interview. Instead he was more keen to state he wants a title shot. Let's see if he gets it!