PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Johan Axelsson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Bugs Bani (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). I don't know about you partner, but I'm pumped for this one!

Axelsson
vs
Bani

183 cm
33
194 lbs
22 - 12 - 0

183 cm
21
185 lbs
6 - 8 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter fighter
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the middleweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 22 - 12 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Johan Axelsson!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 8 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Bugs Bani!
The judges for this bout are Ian Loll, Robert Douchet and Alec Ball.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Bani feints and as Axelsson raises his hands in defense, Bani changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
Bani tries to free his leg and advance position but Axelsson is retaining full guard.
Axelsson looking for a sweep. Not yet Axelsson, not yet.
Bani would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.
Bani throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Bani trying to control but Axelsson is working from the bottom.
Axelsson looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Bani pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Axelsson is keeping the position for now.
Axelsson has his hands on Bani's head, controlling the position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Bani landing some decent shots from guard.
Bani tries to free his leg and advance position but Axelsson is retaining full guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Bani got a little sloppy there for a moment and Axelsson has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Bani has managed to get both his arms back between Axelsson's legs - danger averted.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Axelsson working for a triangle but Bani defends it easily.
Bani wants to control from the top but Axelsson keeps moving.
Bani throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Axelsson works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Bani with a flurry of punches that miss.
Bani is looking to stand up but Axelsson won't let him.
Bani loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.

Bani has a momentary lapse of concentration, allowing Axelsson to throw up a leg and lock on what appears to be a pretty tight triangle! Bani is fighting it off but it's all too little too late - Axelsson pulls down on the head and he's put Bani to sleep! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:58 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle). Johan Axelsson!
Johan Axelsson retains his middleweight title!
After winning the bout, Johan Axelsson thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.