PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Willian Mathews (ranked 24635 p4p, 0 weight class) and Bernard Duarte (ranked 3479 p4p, 0 weight class). Willian Mathews has the edge in experience - let's see if he can make that count tonight.

Mathews
vs
Duarte

160 cm
25
140 lbs
0 - 2 - 0

170 cm
25
145 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter fighter
Cuts easily

BJJ Brown Belt
Brawler
Likes musicals

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Willian Mathews!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Bernard Duarte!
The judges for this bout are Seu Braga, Thiago Cunha and Alexandre Firmino.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Duarte darts in looking for a takedown but Mathews gets double underhooks and turns Duarte into the cage.
Duarte shoots in but doesn't get the takedown

and Mathews counters by moving into the clinch.
Mathews has Duarte pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Duarte manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.

Mathews gets control of Duarte's arms and successfully pulls guard. Mathews will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.
Duarte postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.

Mathews looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Duarte has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.

Duarte stands and steps away. Mathews gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.

Duarte closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Mathews's guard.
Duarte 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.
It looks like Duarte 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.
Duarte trying to control but Mathews is working from the bottom.
Mathews controls Duarte momentarily but Duarte frees himself.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Duarte working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Mathews's head.
Duarte trying to control but Mathews is working from the bottom.
Duarte lands a couple of elbows.

Mathews has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Duarte can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.

Mathews is looking for a triangle but Duarte pushes his legs off easily.
Mathews can't keep his opponent in guard - Duarte advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Duarte is nestled in close to Mathews, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Duarte wants to lay and pray for a moment but Mathews keeps working.
Ground and pound from Duarte.

Mathews is rocked!
Duarte working over Mathews with some ground and pound. Mathews looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Oh Mathews is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!

Duarte maintaining the dominant position here and is working for a kimura. He's locked it up! Mathews could be in real trouble here! He's trying to wriggle out but Duarte has cracked it and Mathews is screaming in pain - he's tapped out! Great finish by Duarte!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:59 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Bernard Duarte!