PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Lonnie Graham (ranked 7422 p4p, 0 weight class) and Joe Stevens (ranked 7712 p4p, 0 weight class). Stevens has chosen Woke Up This Morning as his entrance music. Lonnie Graham had a look across the cage there at his opponent. He definitely means business

Graham
vs
Stevens

169 cm
25
162 lbs
0 - 2 - 0

176 cm
22
160 lbs
3 - 2 - 0

Decent wrestler
Good kicks
Big heart

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Tends to cut

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 0 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Lonnie Graham!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Joe Stevens!
The judges for this bout are Jack Bonds, and Don Winkell.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Stevens shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Graham but Graham pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Graham seem to be loading up, looking for a big counter.
Stevens walks into a stiff left hand from Graham.
Stevens tries to clinch but Graham moves out of range.
Graham throws a body kick that misses.
Stevens shoots in for a takedown but Graham shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Nice takedown defense from Graham. No joy for Stevens on that attempt.
Lonnie Graham has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Joe Stevens.
Graham dives in and grabs Stevens's left leg, looking for a takedown. Stevens pushes down on Graham's head and hops out.
Graham misses with a head kick.
Stevens slaps away a takedown attempt from Graham, before circling back to the center of the mat.

Stevens closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Graham is looking to escape.
Graham is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Graham looks like he's trying to stand up.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Stevens is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Graham sees it coming and defends easily.
Graham is looking to get back to is feet but Stevens passes into side control.

Stevens wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Graham, who protects the arm well.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Stevens tries for a kimura but Graham is defending well.

Stevens tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Graham stops Stevens from passing to mount.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Graham manages to work his way to half guard, despite Stevens's best efforts.
Stevens prevents Graham from improving his position.

Stevens is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Graham wants to improve his position but Stevens is controlling well.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Graham trying to keep hold of his opponent's head but Stevens manages to pass to mount!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Graham tries to hold on but Stevens postures up.

Stevens moves into side control, trying to work for a kimura. That looks painful! Will he finish!!?? No, Graham has worked his arm free - good work by Graham!
Stevens advances nicely into full mount.
Graham is breathing heavily.
Graham is desperately trying to get back to half guard.

Stevens looks like he's working for a submission but he's not found anything just yet.

Graham is flailing around, obviously not happy about being mounted. Stevens locks hold of one of his arms and spins for an armbar. He's got it! Graham is forced to tap!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:55 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Joe Stevens!
In his post fight interview, Joe Stevens started talking himself up. Luckily his charisma kept the crowd on side and gave him a good reception.