PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Mike Rutherford (ranked 1491 p4p, 161 weight class) and Max Fawce (ranked 2335 p4p, 235 weight class). Rutherford comes to the cage accompanied by Genesis - Deep in the Motherlode. Max Fawce is staring across the cage at his opponent, tweaking his nipples.

Rutherford
vs
Fawce

173 cm
26
163 lbs
8 - 5 - 0

176 cm
26
163 lbs
5 - 4 - 0

Good takedowns
Good kicks
Very quick

Good takedowns
Counter fighter
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 8 - 5 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Mike Rutherford!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 4 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Max Fawce!
The judges for this bout are Daniel Franklin, Michael Johnstone and Bart Greer.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Fawce closes the distance and clinches up with Rutherford, looking for a takedown. Fawce pushes Rutherford against the cage but Rutherford circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Rutherford quickly followed up with a counter body kick but doesn't connect.
Fawce scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Rutherford slips a straight right by Fawce.
Fawce just manages to avoid a counter high kick fromRutherford.
Rutherford keeps Fawce at a distance using the push kick.
Fawce shoots in looking for a takedown but Rutherford manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Fawce's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Rutherford jinks towards his opponent looking like he wants to counter with a mid kick but doesn't commit.

Fawce takes the fight into the clinch.

Fawce gets the body lock takedown. After a quick scramble, Rutherford regains guard.
Fawce landing some decent shots from guard.

Fawce postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Rutherford is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Fawce, into his guard.

The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rutherford seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.

Fawce looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.

Rutherford is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.
Fawce keeping moving, preventing Rutherford from controlling successfully.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Rutherford forces his way into half guard.

Rutherford is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Fawce has managed to free his arm - good work.

Rutherford is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Fawce doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Rutherford.

Rutherford is looking to control the position but Fawce frees his trapped leg and locks up an armbar from the bottom! It looks tight! Rutherford grimaces and holds on for a second but is forced to tap or have his arm broken! Slick Jiu Jitsu from Fawce there - Rutherford really paying for some sloppy defensive work!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:57 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Max Fawce!
After the fight, Max Fawce was humble in paying tribute to his opponent but made it clear he wants to go on to bigger and better things. It seemed to go down well with the crowd who cheered him loudly.