PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Barack Obama (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Hardijan Matic (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.

Obama
vs
Matic

170 cm
25
142 lbs
9 - 8 - 0

166 cm
27
146 lbs
12 - 6 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
World class boxer
Granite chin

Good wrestler
Lethal high kicks
Good gas tank

Milwaukee's Best 160 (80% laundry)

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 9 - 8 - 0, fighting out of London, Barack Obama!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 12 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Hardijan Matic!
The judges for this bout are James Glass, William Gold and Sam Margolis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Obama cracks Matic with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Matic uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Obama.
Obama looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Obama ducks under a wild hook from Matic.

Matic has taken the fight to the clinch.

Obama drags the fight down to the ground.
Matic wanted to stand there but Obama had control of the position.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Matic accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Matic wanted to stand there but Obama had control of the position.
Matic won't allow Obama to sweep him here.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Matic wants to get up but he can't break Obama's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.
Matic is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
Obama tries to land a sweep but no joy.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Obama is working an open guard so Matic takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.
Matic moves out of range as Obama strikes.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Obama.

Obama wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Matic, who protects the arm well.

Obama looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.

Obama is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Matic has escaped the position, nice work there.

Obama has hold of Matic's arm. He's looking for a kimura. Matic seems comfortable defending it but Obama has shifted his position slighty and is cranking on the arm! Matic is real pain and he's forced to tap out! Matic is disgusted with himself for not defending it better but Obama couldn't care less - he's delighted!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:58 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Barack Obama!
In his post fight interview, Barack Obama started talking himself up. Luckily his charisma kept the crowd on side and gave him a good reception.