PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Cliff Rigano (ranked 4687 p4p, 0 weight class) and Herman Merman (ranked 23031 p4p, 0 weight class). Herman Merman acknowledges the crowd's support as he enters the cage.

Rigano
vs
Merman

188 cm
36
184 lbs
21 - 19 - 0

185 cm
22
178 lbs
1 - 3 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
World class boxer
Cardio machine

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter fighter
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 21 - 19 - 0, fighting out of London, Cliff Rigano!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Herman Merman!
The judges for this bout are Alec Ball, William Peck and Robert Douchet.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Rigano drives through with a takedown into Merman's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
Rigano lands a couple of decent looking shots.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Merman is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Merman is striking off his back. Rigano thinks nothing of it though and passes easily into half guard.
Merman trying to hold on to Rigano's head to control him but Rigano postures up.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Rigano connects with a nice short shot to Merman's temple.
Rigano not doing much here.
Rigano is pressing down on Merman's thigh, looking to free his foot. Merman is holding on for now.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Merman trying to control from the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Rigano is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Merman sees it coming and defends easily.
Rigano has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Merman is trying to maintain the position but Rigano is very close to passing his half guard.

Merman is defending against the submission attempts here by Rigano.
Merman wants to control but Rigano is keeping busy.
Merman wants to get back to his feet.
Rigano passes the half guard and he's now in mount! Big trouble for Merman!
Merman keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rigano raining down shots from the mount!
Rigano controlling from the full mount.
Rigano postures up and cracks his opponent a couple of times before moving back into close ground control. Merman looks a forlorn figure.
Rigano lands a couple of good shots and Merman has given up his back, trying to escape the position!

Rigano patiently working for the choke. Which fighter will keep their nerve here?
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Merman tries to escape the position.
Merman trying to control the action but Rigano just sinks the hooks in.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Rigano working for a RNC but it's not happening just yet.
Merman trying to control the position but Rigano manages to sink in the hooks.
Merman trying to get back to his feet but Rigano is in full control for now.

Merman is trying to control his opponent's hands. Eventually Rigano gets his hands free and sinks in a rear naked choke. For a while it looks like Merman is going to survive but after struggling valiantly, he eventually has to tap out! Rigano is your winner!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:42 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Cliff Rigano!
After winning the bout, Cliff Rigano thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.