PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Elias Buckner (ranked 25236 p4p, 0 weight class) and Aristarh Mussolini (ranked 6695 p4p, 0 weight class). Aristarh Mussolini 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!

Buckner
vs
Mussolini

205 cm
19
278 lbs
0 - 6 - 0

205 cm
25
270 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter fighter
Cuts easily

Decent wrestler
Brawler
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Elias Buckner!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Aristarh Mussolini!
The judges for this bout are Daniel Franklin, Alan Glass and Tiny Johnson.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Mussolini rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Buckner moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Buckner wants to clinch but Mussolini slips to the side
and Mussolini makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.

Mussolini takes the fight into the clinch.

Mussolini breaks the clinch.

Mussolini rushes Buckner and presses him up against the cage.
Buckner is trying to pull guard but Mussolini has him pressed against the cage.

Mussolini gets control of Buckner's arms and successfully pulls guard. Mussolini will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Mussolini seems keen to control Buckner's posture.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Mussolini is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mussolini has a closed guard, preventing Buckner from standing up.
Mussolini looking to hit a scissor sweep but Buckner is one step ahead there.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Mussolini can do anything to dispel that myth.
Buckner is fighting to break Mussolini's control of his arms but Mussolini is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.

Mussolini gets a double leg takedown into Buckner's guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Buckner looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Mussolini with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Mussolini pushing down on Buckner's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Mussolini sitting and controlling from the half guard.
Buckner tries to roll over but Mussolini keeps him under control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mussolini is working hard to pass the guard. He's done it - he's now in full mount! Trouble for Buckner!
Mussolini tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.
Mussolini lands a couple of good shots and Buckner has given up his back, trying to escape the position!
Buckner tries to roll but Mussolini sticks to his back.

Buckner is staying cool under pressure, defending well against the rear naked choke attempt from his opponent.
Buckner is trapped and Mussolini is scoring with shots to the head and body.

It looks like Elias Buckner has been cut.
I would not like to be Buckner right now.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
It looks like Mussolini might be adopting somewhat of a lay and pray gameplan here, which I'm sure won't go down too well with the paying fans in attendance... Or the ring announcers come to think of it.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Mussolini sinks in the hooks and is looking for the choke. He's got it! Buckner taps out!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:43 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Aristarh Mussolini!