PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Ilya Yaj (ranked 886 p4p, 0 weight class) and Mark Henderson (ranked 918 p4p, 110 weight class). I can't wait for this one - let's get the fighter introductions out of the way and get this one started!

Yaj
vs
Henderson

170 cm
27
146 lbs
10 - 7 - 0

170 cm
27
158 lbs
9 - 4 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
Cardio machine

Good takedowns
Counter fighter
Granite chin

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 10 - 7 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Ilya Yaj!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 9 - 4 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Mark Henderson !
The judges for this bout are Winston Alpacca, Peter Branson and Dirk Anderson.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Yaj displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Henderson throws out the jab.
Yaj defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Henderson .
Yaj swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Yaj lands a really nice looking cross but Henderson seems unphased.
Yaj steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Henderson .
Henderson throws a shot from downtown. Yaj moves away and avoids it.
Yaj connects with a nice looking jab.
Yaj stuffs the takedown attempt from Henderson . Henderson gets slowly back to his feet.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Henderson shoots and misses
and Yaj counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Ilya Yaj has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Mark Henderson .
Henderson with a lazy takedown attempt
and Yaj counters with a nice body shot.
Yaj throws out a powerful jab.
Henderson ducks under a wild hook from Yaj.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Yaj catches Henderson with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
A big right from Yaj misses.
Yaj scores with a jab to the jaw.
Yaj keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Yaj is looking to counter punch.
Henderson shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Yaj counters with a nice body shot.
Henderson takes a jab right on the kisser.
Henderson with a poor takedown
and Yaj counters with a right hand to the body.
Yaj looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Henderson gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Yaj counters with a lovely straight right hand!

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Henderson is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Yaj's half guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Henderson in half guard on the top. He's looking for a kimura... He's got it locked and he's managed to free his trapped foot. Yaj tries to escape but it's on too tight and he has to tap! Great BJJ skills there from Henderson !

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:28 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Mark Henderson !
Mark Henderson was full of energy after the big win and talked about how he thinks he can do big things in this sport. The crowd were appreciative of his determination to succeed.