PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Ryan McCarthy (ranked 2924 p4p, 0 weight class) and Sadiq Hossein (ranked 9100 p4p, 0 weight class). Sadiq Hossein has the power to score a knockout today if he connects clean with Ryan McCarthy's chin.

McCarthy
vs
Hossein

185 cm
29
158 lbs
12 - 9 - 1

170 cm
50
148 lbs
45 - 34 - 6

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Excellent boxer
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 12 - 9 - 1, fighting out of London, Ryan McCarthy!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 45 - 34 - 6, fighting out of New York, Sadiq Hossein!
The judges for this bout are Chad Campbell, Steve Montenegro and Anthony Taglia.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A lazy body kick from Hossein

and McCarthy counters with a takedown into side control.
A control attempt from Hossein but he's now mounted!
Hossein is trying desperately to improve position.
Hossein has given up his back.
McCarthy is hanging on to Hossein's back as he tries to escape.

McCarthy looking for the RNC.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

McCarthy working for a choke but Hossein is defending well.

McCarthy is working for the rear naked choke. He has one arm under the chin but Hossein has hold of the other arm. A bit of a stalemate here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
McCarthy tries to get the hooks in deep but Hossein pushed the leg off.
Hossein tries to break free.
McCarthy punishes Hossein with strikes from the back mount.
McCarthy connects with a big shot to the side of Hossein's head.
Hossein is really stuck here.
McCarthy will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
McCarthy cracks Hossein with a big shot to body and one to the head - really punishing Hossein from the back mount here, looking to soften him up.

McCarthy goes for a risky armbar from back mount and it's not paid off. Hossein escapes and is now in half guard on top.
McCarthy moves into full guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

McCarthy is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Hossein defends well.

McCarthy is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Hossein trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
McCarthy working a defensive guard here.
McCarthy looking for a sweep. Not yet McCarthy, not yet.
McCarthy really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.

McCarthy looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
McCarthy has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hossein looking to pass the guard.
Hossein must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Hossein trying to control the position from guard on top but McCarthy is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Hossein looking to pass the guard.
McCarthy wants to sweep but no luck.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

McCarthy looking for a guillotine here but Hossein defends easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Hossein preventing the sweep.
McCarthy has Hossein pulled in close to control his posture.
Hossein would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.
Hossein slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.
McCarthy is trying to control the position from the bottom.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Hossein throws a sloppy body shot
and McCarthy counters with a one-two to the body.
Hossein misses with a hook
and McCarthy counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Hossein darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ryan McCarthy dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

McCarthy scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
McCarthy connects with a decent looking elbow from side control that caused Hossein some visible discomfort.
McCarthy wants to control but Hossein is keeping him busy.
McCarthy advances nicely into full mount.
Hossein is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
McCarthy postures up and cracks his opponent a couple of times before moving back into close ground control. Hossein looks a forlorn figure.
Hossein wants to hold on but McCarthy pushes him away.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hossein is looking to improve his position but McCarthy isn't that keen on the idea.
McCarthy looking to control but Hossein is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.

McCarthy goes for an armbar but Hossein turns quickly into his guard - lovely anticipation from Hossein.
Hossein tries to free his leg and advance position but McCarthy is retaining full guard.

McCarthy looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Hossein wants to stand but McCarthy is controlling his posture from full guard.
McCarthy lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hossein keeping moving, preventing McCarthy from controlling successfully.
McCarthy postures up.

McCarthy is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! Hossein is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! Hossein has escaped and now he's on top!

Hossein trying to control but McCarthy is working from the bottom.
Hossein passes easily into side control. Nice work.
McCarthy is trying to control Hossein's posture but Hossein avoids it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
McCarthy is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Hossein off and has taken his back!
Hossein can't escape the position.

McCarthy is working really hard to secure the rear naked choke. Hossein defends successfully for a significant amount of time. Both fighters are looking very determined.
Hossein is in a world of trouble here. He's outmatched on the ground here and he'd better get McCarthy off his back sharpish unless he wants to be submitted.

Hossein showing good submission defense here.

McCarthy working for a RNC but it's not happening just yet.
Hossein is defending well here and trying to improve his position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
McCarthy biding his time, controlling Hossein.

McCarthy working for the choke.
Hossein trying to control the position but McCarthy manages to sink in the hooks.

Hossein is staying cool under pressure, defending well against the rear naked choke attempt from his opponent.

Hossein won't enjoy being in this position. McCarthy looking for the choke. Oh... he's slipped the arm under the neck - Hossein is tapping - it's over boys! McCarthy picks up the submission victory!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:59 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Ryan McCarthy!
Ryan McCarthy thanked the fans post fight for their support.