PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Sailor Gracie (ranked 2422 p4p, 350 weight class) and Randy Rickford (ranked 7755 p4p, 776 weight class). Gracie comes to the cage accompanied by Disciples of Power - Lords of Creation. Randy Rickford told me before the fight that he's been watching a lot of DVDs so let's see if that helps him in this one! I can't wait to find out!

Gracie
vs
Rickford

180 cm
34
210 lbs
21 - 19 - 0

185 cm
25
216 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

Decent wrestler
Counter fighter
Intelligent

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 21 - 19 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Sailor Gracie!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Randy Rickford!
The judges for this bout are Paul Gruel, Micheangelo Fripello and Ryoma Takatsuka.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Gracie has managed to clinch.

Gracie ties up his opponent against the cage and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. Gracie no doubt will be looking to work submissions from his guard.

Gracie working for a triangle but Rickford defends it easily.

Gracie has his foot on Rickford's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Rickford works his way back into a safe position though.
Rickford must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.

Gracie is working actively from the bottom, looking for submissions. He's escaped his hips to the side and he's going for an armbar! Rickford has his hands clasped together but Gracie extends and breaks Rickford's desperate grasp, forcing a tap out due to armbar! Nice BJJ displayed there by Gracie.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:39 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Sailor Gracie!
A relieved looking Sailor Gracie thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.