PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Akheem Flynn (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Rollo Gracie (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Gracie is bouncing up and down as he enters the arena, backed by Jiu Jitsu: Apaga Mas Não Bate. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Flynn
vs
Gracie

176 cm
23
145 lbs
5 - 3 - 0

171 cm
30
154 lbs
11 - 2 - 2

BJJ Brown Belt
Basic striking
Very quick

Excellent grappler
Solid Muay Thai
Good gas tank

Highland Clothing
M.O. Fight Wear

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Akheem Flynn!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 11 - 2 - 2, fighting out of London, Rollo Gracie!
The judges for this bout are Phil Schofield, Donald Grub and Sam Margolis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Flynn closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Flynn lands in his opponent's guard.
Gracie keeping moving, preventing Flynn from controlling successfully.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Gracie is on top in guard.

The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Gracie controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Gracie looking to pass the guard.

Flynn working for a triangle but Gracie defends it easily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Gracie trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

Flynn working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Gracie doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Gracie manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gracie not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Flynn keeping moving, preventing Gracie from controlling successfully.
Gracie sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Flynn's guard.

Flynn looking for subs from the bottom but Gracie mounts him!
Gracie wants to take Flynn's back here but Flynn is holding on to an arm, himself looking to escape.
Gracie can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Flynn is looking to escape.
Flynn keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
Gracie tries to control but Flynn wriggling away.
Gracie avoids the attempt from Flynn to control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Gracie working to secure an arm triangle but it's not happening for him just yet.
Gracie looking to control but Flynn is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Flynn wants to hold on but Gracie pushes him away.

Gracie working for a submission but Flynn is keeping him at bay.
Flynn tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Flynn wants to control but Gracie is having none of it.
Gracie trying to control but Flynn is having none of it.
Flynn has given up his back - I don’t know if this is a deliberate ploy to try and escape or if he is just struggling down there.
So, who will make the next big move? In this position it could be crucial.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gracie keeps control of the position as Flynn tries to break free.

Flynn defending nicely against the rear naked choke attempt.
Well, with Gracie on his back, surely it's only a matter of time before Flynn is tapping out... Can he escape the position?
Gracie wants to control but Flynn is keeping busy.

Gracie is remaining active here, looking for the choke. The more discerning members of the crowd will appreciate his efforts.

Gracie is working hard for the rear naked choke here.
Gracie avoiding Flynn 's attempts to control his hands.

Gracie working for the choke.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Flynn showing good submission defense here.

Gracie is staying calm and holding on to the back position, whilst working on a rear naked choke. Flynn is defending well though. Gracie let's go of the attempt for now.
Flynn trying to control the hands but Gracie won't let him.

Gracie is working on the RNC. He looks like he's got it but Flynn won't tap... Oh, he's out! The ref rips Gracie off his unconscious opponent!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:48 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Rollo Gracie!
In his post fight interview, Rollo Gracie started talking himself up. Luckily his charisma kept the crowd on side and gave him a good reception.