PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Xavier Merlin (ranked 4259 p4p, 443 weight class) and Randell Miranda (ranked 8036 p4p, 612 weight class). Randell Miranda will no doubt be trying to keep this one on the feet, where he has a distinct advantage.

Merlin
vs
Miranda

170 cm
18
162 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

179 cm
18
165 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

Good takedowns
Basic striking
Very quick

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Intelligent

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 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Xavier Merlin!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of New York, Randell Miranda!
The judges for this bout are Timothy Bukovac, Frank Antenori and .

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Merlin lands a nice shot to the body.
Merlin shoots in for a takedown but Miranda shows good takedown defense.
Merlin changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Miranda tries to avoid it but Merlin manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Miranda to the ground. Miranda escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Miranda's coach down at Stark Slugger Society was telling us pre-fight that they have been working on Miranda's balance. Obviously they view that as a key factor in the outcome of this fight.
Merlin shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Miranda defends it nicely.
Miranda tries to counter by closing the distance.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Xavier Merlin. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Miranda scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Merlin doesn't seem bothered though.
Merlin keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.

Merlin darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
Miranda has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Merlin is working away from the top position though.
Merlin tries to pass to full mount but Miranda defends it.

Merlin seems to be working for a kimura but Miranda defends the submission attempt.
Merlin definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Merlin is looking for a kimura here.
Merlin passes the half guard and he's now in mount! Big trouble for Miranda!

Merlin is working to isolate an arm here. It's a telegraphed submission attempt but he's gone for it anyway - and he's got it! Merlin extends the arm and Miranda is forced to tap!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:57 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Xavier Merlin!
During a confident post fight interview, Xavier Merlin thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.